Building Better Partnerships with Horses
West Meadow Farm is less about “taking riding lessons” and more about creating a relaxed, confidence-building horsemanship experience where horses and riders genuinely enjoy the process together.
Sandy teaches with a fun and very informative style. Clinics range from basic ground and riding skills to putting it to a purpose using obstacles, cattle and on the trail. These clinics build a strong foundation and create a willing partner for any discipline. Sandy follows the Happy Horse Happy Life Lifestyle. She pulls in experience from riding with Linda Parelli, Dave Ellis, Glenn Stewart, Martin Black, Tom Curtin & Joe Wolter. The reason participants become so good with horses and so confident is because they learn the basis of horsemanship, which is to understand the habits and skills required to create the ultimate partnership between horse and rider. She works on advancing her horsemanship skills daily as well as continues learning throughout the year from her top horseman mentors.
The Theme this Year: Having fun with what you already know! The goal of this horse playday is to foster an atmosphere of joy, friendship, and discovery for participants of all ages and experience levels. These events invite everyone to engage in a variety of fun games and activities, from lighthearted competitions to creative team challenges, all designed to celebrate the unique bond between horses and humans. By offering a diverse assortment of playful opportunities, a playday encourages riders to try new things, strengthen friendships, and build confidence—making every moment a chance for laughter, learning, and lasting memories. A few ideas include: -Long Lining -Drill Team Exercises -In-Hand Showmanship -Pole Patterns -Trail Ride -Obstacles -Egg & Spoon -Pairs -Equitation -Toilet Paper Race -Fill the Pitcher -Red Light/Green Light -Musical chairs -Cowboys and the "cow" Let your imagination trot wild—these are just a few! Your welcome to use our barn at no charge, Day Stalls included in the price and Bring Your Own Lunch or Sandy is willing to drive to your location with a travel fee. Host's responsibilities: Don't be scared! It's quite an easy and fun way to gather like-minded horse people for a fun-filled, safe, and supportive clinic. Determine at least two date options. Use our farm or Secure a suitable facility to hold the clinic Distribute correspondence/links regarding all clinic-related registration, registration payment, and liability waivers Collect final fees from participants PRIOR to the start of the clinic Act as liaison prior to the playday between Sandy and participants/auditors, be the "on-site" organizer and/or rider during the clinic Sandy will help you any way she can, she will list your playday on her website and publish in her newsletters (If you'd like) Why should you host a playday? *A FUN day playing with your horse friends *Stress free day *Great opportunity to learn new skills and techniques in a supportive environment *If an issue shows up with your, Sandy's experience will help to resolve the issue *Perfect for riders of all levels—everyone is welcome to join in the activities Clinic Size: The ideal size would be a group of 6-8 riders. All ages, riding levels, and disciplines are welcome. Clinic Format: Flexible according to the needs and desires of the participants. Usually, the clinic starts at 10am, break for lunch and ends around 3pm. Accommodation/ Meals: If you'd like to do 2 days, Sandy is flexible to stay in a guest room or at a nearby hotel. The accommodation should be booked beginning the night prior to the first day of the clinic through the night of the last day of the clinic. Meals provided. Host Fees: $1200/day (6 Riders) if using our farm. If a different location, travel fee is $100/hour drive time round trip. Participate & Auditor Fees: These fees are completely up to the host.
The Theme this Year: Having fun with what you already know! The goal of this horse playday is to foster an atmosphere of joy, friendship, and discovery for participants of all ages and experience levels. These events invite everyone to engage in a variety of fun games and activities, from lighthearted competitions to creative team challenges, all designed to celebrate the unique bond between horses and humans. By offering a diverse assortment of playful opportunities, a playday encourages riders to try new things, strengthen friendships, and build confidence—making every moment a chance for laughter, learning, and lasting memories. A few ideas include: -Long Lining -Drill Team Exercises -In-Hand Showmanship -Pole Patterns -Trail Ride -Obstacles -Egg & Spoon -Pairs -Equitation -Toilet Paper Race -Fill the Pitcher -Red Light/Green Light -Musical chairs -Cowboys and the "cow" Let your imagination trot wild—these are just a few! Your welcome to use our barn at no charge, Day Stalls included in the price and Bring Your Own Lunch or Sandy is willing to drive to your location with a travel fee. Host's responsibilities: Don't be scared! It's quite an easy and fun way to gather like-minded horse people for a fun-filled, safe, and supportive clinic. Determine at least two date options. Use our farm or Secure a suitable facility to hold the clinic Distribute correspondence/links regarding all clinic-related registration, registration payment, and liability waivers Collect final fees from participants PRIOR to the start of the clinic Act as liaison prior to the playday between Sandy and participants/auditors, be the "on-site" organizer and/or rider during the clinic Sandy will help you any way she can, she will list your playday on her website and publish in her newsletters (If you'd like) Why should you host a playday? *A FUN day playing with your horse friends *Stress free day *Great opportunity to learn new skills and techniques in a supportive environment *If an issue shows up with your, Sandy's experience will help to resolve the issue *Perfect for riders of all levels—everyone is welcome to join in the activities Clinic Size: The ideal size would be a group of 6-8 riders. All ages, riding levels, and disciplines are welcome. Clinic Format: Flexible according to the needs and desires of the participants. Usually, the clinic starts at 10am, break for lunch and ends around 3pm. Accommodation/ Meals: If you'd like to do 2 days, Sandy is flexible to stay in a guest room or at a nearby hotel. The accommodation should be booked beginning the night prior to the first day of the clinic through the night of the last day of the clinic. Meals provided. Host Fees: $1200/day (6 Riders) if using our farm. If a different location, travel fee is $100/hour drive time round trip. Participate & Auditor Fees: These fees are completely up to the host.
Build Your Own Playday
Connecting with Your Horse
Join us for a transformative journey of mutual understanding and respect.
Ground Work
Natural horsemanship groundwork is the foundation of communication between horse and human. Through simple exercises done from the ground, horses learn to respond willingly, build confidence, and develop trust without force or fear. Groundwork focuses on body language, timing, respect, and understanding, helping both horse and handler create a calm, connected partnership. Whether working on leading, yielding, obstacles, or liberty exercises, groundwork improves communication, safety, and softness while creating a horse that is more confident, relaxed, and enjoyable to be around. At West Meadow Farm, groundwork is approached in a fun, practical, and relationship-focused way that helps horses and people learn together.
Riding
At Natural Horsemanship, located at West Meadow Farm, we offer a unique training experience that blends the principles of horse training with engaging, playful learning. Our heart-centered approach fosters meaningful connections between horses and humans, providing an alternative to traditional riding programs while cultivating a strong sense of community.