What makes The Equestrian School different from the rest of the herd?

Written By Jessica Atterton

Mission Statement

We are here to take on the inquiry of what it means to be an equestrian and what it takes to become a refined horseperson. Guided by intuition, fueled by devotion, and grounded in integrity, this program exists to cultivate conscious humans and safe, trusting horses through relationship-based education.

Vision Statement

To create a world where horses and humans coexist in conscious partnership — where training is ethical, leadership is compassionate, and mastery is grounded in awareness, humility, and love.

Ethical Framework

We believe:

  • Horses are sentient beings

  • Relationship is foundational

  • Training must be ethical

  • Power must be conscious

  • Mastery must be humane

  • Performance must not compromise integrity

Curriculum Pillars

1. Relationship

  • Horse–human connection

  • Human–human connection

  • Self-relationship

  • Community relationship

2. Belonging

  • Self-acceptance

  • Authentic expression

  • Safe emotional space

  • Inclusion

  • Identity development

3. Mastery

  • Skill refinement

  • Habit formation

  • Discipline

  • Consistency

  • Systems

  • Progression

  • Sustainability

4. Awareness

  • Mindfulness

  • Nervous system literacy

  • Energy awareness

  • Emotional intelligence

  • Present-moment living

5. Integrity

  • Ethical horsemanship

  • Transparent training

  • Non-coercive methods

  • Conscious leadership

  • Responsibility

Curriculum Summary

This curriculum is:

  • Relational

  • Experiential

  • Conscious

  • Systematic

  • Progressive

  • Ethical

  • Community-based

  • Human-centered

  • Horse-centered

  • Soul-centered

Not performance-first. Not competition-first. Not ego-driven.

Relationship-first. Integrity-first. Being-first.

Core Program Questions

  • Who are you being with your horse?

  • What story are you writing about horses?

  • What does belonging mean to you?

  • What does integrity look like in your training?

  • How do you regulate your nervous system?

  • What does leadership mean in relationship?

  • What does safe feel like?

Closing Philosophy

How you go to your horse is how you go to life.

The arena becomes the laboratory.

The horse becomes the teacher.

The student becomes the curriculum.

The relationship becomes the path.

And mastery becomes a lifelong journey.

Jessica Atterton