a
a

FINDING CADENCE

Learn foundational horsemanship through the lens of emotional regulation. You’ll come to learn the horse — you’ll leave with a deeper sense of you.

Empowering Humans. Supporting Herds.

Weaving practical magic.

Horses live in rhythm. Their walk, their breath, the sweep of their attention across a field — all of it moves in cadence. And when a human enters that space out of sync — rushed, scattered, braced — the horse simply steps away. Not out of defiance, but out of self-care.

Finding Cadence is a 1-on-1, ground-based horsemanship program for anyone who wants to build a genuine, trust-based relationship with horses — no riding, no performance, no pressure. Whether you’re picking up a lead rope for the first time or returning to horses after years away, this program meets you exactly where you are.

You’ll learn the foundational skills of horse handling — haltering, leading, spatial awareness, reading body language — but always in the context of relationship. The question we return to again and again is not “can you get the horse to do it?” but “are you someone the horse wants to move with?”

That shift — from control to connection — requires something most horsemanship programs don’t teach: self-regulation. You’ll practice slowing your nervous system, steadying your breath, and bringing your attention fully into the present moment. Because rhythm is regulating. For the horse, and for you.

This is horsemanship as self-mastery. And it changes everything.

Why Start Here?

Through five years of running a successful Equine Volunteer Training program, we’ve found that every thing we do with horses is easier when we first learn to manage our selves.

This isn’t woo-woo (well, maybe just woo). It’s groundwork.

Finding Cadence is intentionally designed to practice new skills over time until they are fully embodied. Sure, this includes the practical stuff like haltering, leading, and grooming, but you’ll also be building and strengthening skills in self-awareness, active listening, and adjusting expectations on the fly. You come away with practical equine skills and a potent level of emotional intelligence that’s effective with both horses and humans.

The Finding Cadence foundational horsemanship training is paced to ensure::

Self-mastery that’s locked in

You learn to recognize emotions, shifting them in real-time, to become a safe haven that brings horses to you

Equine familiarity before riding

I prioritize the safety, trust, and attunement of horses and people, above all else

A phased, sustainable approach

This program gives you space to grow into more complexity over time, no matter what your goals with horses may be

What You Gain:

Grounded Confidence

The ability to trust yourself and your horse through incremental levels of skill-building, both personal and practical.

Expanded Capacity

Through study and practice, you’ll learn that going slower is actually faster and more sustainable than rushing results.

Eyes on the Herd

Time to observe, building your equine body language vocabulary and understanding of herd dynamics.

A Wider Scope

What you learn in the paddock prepares you for everything else you’d like to do with a horse.

Safety & Culture

This training doesn’t just cover tasks—it cultivates presence, emotional regulation, and deep respect for the horses and the work.

“Before taking Volunteer Training, I had only a little horse experience—but Polly’s guidance changed everything. This experience truly changed the course of my life, and I’ll always be grateful.”

— Lenore I.
Volunteer hired as Staff

What People Say

Before taking Volunteer Training, I had only a little horse experience —but Polly’s guidance changed everything. She has a unique and memorable way of teaching that helped me build real confidence and connection with the horses from the ground up. Her passion and support not only helped me grow, they helped me land a job on an equine care team. This experience truly changed the course of my life, and I’ll always be grateful.
Lenore I.
Volunteer hired as Staff
Before taking Volunteer Training, I had only a little horse experience—but Polly’s guidance changed everything. She has a unique and memorable way of teaching that helped me build real confidence and connection with the horses from the ground up. Her passion and support not only helped me grow, they helped me land a job on an equine care team. This experience truly changed the course of my life, and I’ll always be grateful.
Lenore I.
Volunteer hired as Staff
I wanted to build a two way relationship with horses based on trust and respect, not on manipulation and control. Polly showed me how to feel comfortable, safe, and trusting with horses by understanding horses’ natural instincts, behaviors, and their methods of communication. She helped me step out of my comfort zone and positively engage with 1 ,200 pound beings which certainly made other challenges in my life less intimidating.
Chris Barnes
Volunteer
I wanted to build a two way relationship with horses based on trust and respect, not on manipulation and control. Polly showed me how to feel comfortable, safe, and trusting with horses by understanding horses’ natural instincts, behaviors, and their methods of communication. She helped me step out of my comfort zone and positively engage with 1,200 pound beings which certainly made other challenges in my life less intimidating.
Chris Barnes
Volunteer
Polly knows how to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and care between horses and humans. Her training often took me out of my comfort zone, but never out of my safety zone!
Bet LaRue
Volunteer
Polly knows how to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and care between horses and humans. Her training often took me out of my comfort zone, but never out of my safety zone!
Bet LaRue
Volunteer
Before starting my volunteer journey, I had some fear around these majestic animals —they are so BIG! Polly is an amazing teacher who taught me to groom, feed, and care for the horses, which has changed my life. I now have purpose and direction at the farm, and understand the importance of the connection on a deep and personal level.
Amy Bogatch
Volunteer
Before starting my volunteer journey, I had some fear around these majestic animals—they are so BIG! Polly is an amazing teacher who taught me to groom, feed, and care for the horses, which has changed my life. I now have purpose and direction at the farm, and understand the importance of the connection on a deep and personal level.
Amy Bogatch
Volunteer

Let’s Talk.

Let’s create something that lasts—solid systems, supported staff, and a herd that feels safe, seen, and respected.

Ready to start with a foundation that grows into transformation?


Questions

M

About Me

FINDING CADENCE

One Step, One Breath

WildHeart Journeys

The Unbridled Hour

Contact

M

Close

About Me

FINDING CADENCE

One Step, One Breath

WildHeart Journeys

The Unbridled Hour

Contact