Horsemanship

Students will immerse themself in God’s creation from a different perspective: high in the saddle! Our experienced wranglers will pair each student with one of our dependable ranch horses. The week is spent exploring miles of local trails surrounding our 158-acre property at Stonewater. Students will ride through the canopied forest along sections of Beaver Creek, experience mountain meadows bright with seasonal wildflowers, and see breathtaking views of the beautiful Cascade Mountains. Students will be challenged in the saddle and their faith and relationship with Jesus. Some may hear about Jesus for the first time.

Students will learn basic horse care and have the opportunity to meet our Mustangs. They will pitch their tents at our Cottonwood campsite, across the creek from the barn, or sleep under the stars!
Our ranch horses are ridden without bits and are shoeless. We train our horses using natural horsemanship. Our experienced wranglers will give an instructional demonstration on horseback followed by a short ride in the arena to help each student connect with their horse and ensure an enjoyable riding experience for the week. If inclement weather arises, we have a covered arena. We encourage students to ask questions, engage with one another and our staff, and be prepared to learn as we experience this amazing adventure together.

Fantastic meals and evening discussions around the campfire help to tie together memories from each day that will last a lifetime. Space is provided for great conversation and spiritual growth as we share stories from the Bible that are relevant to today’s youth. We have devotional time each morning centered around God’s Word. We have lots of fun and use these adventures so teens can discover life in Christ.

 

• Age: 11+
• Weight Limit: 225 lbs
• Season: June – August
• Length: 3 – 6 days
• Group Size: 6 – 10 people
• Cost: varies

Contact Tracey now at Thamilton@yd.org to be put on the mailing list for registration for 2025 Summer Horse Camp. Registration opens the end of January 2025

Our focus is ministering to local youth who desire to pursue God and learn Natural Horsemanship. All skill or experience levels are welcome. Our certified wranglers will teach students basic ground and riding skills with trained horses. Using lessons geared toward horsemanship skills, making connection points with youth illustrating life skills, and paralleling horsemanship with life and faith. As students’ skills progress, they may eventually be paired with one of our Mustangs in training.
The Bible study and horsemanship courses are offered during the school year, with our discipleship focus on simple faith, Bible understanding, and life application. Spiritual discipleship will meet youth “where they are” regardless of their level of horsemanship. Through relational conversation, we challenge students in their faith and help to grow their understanding of the Bible. We also pursue FUN and FRIENDSHIP!

• Age: 11 – 18
• Weight Limit: 225 lbs
• Season: September – April
• Length: 2.5 hours per session (Saturday AM)
• Group Size: 5-7 students per group
• Cost: varies

The Stonewater Mustangs ministry is designed to share Christ with Northwest teens through the unique and powerful tool of building an all-Mustang herd of trail horses. Pairing youth and Mustangs creates a dynamic relationship where both can learn and grow.

Stonewater Mustangs ministry reaches youth within the Central Washington area through ongoing, year-round discipleship by offering bible study and horsemanship courses during the school year. Youth from around the Northwest attend spring, summer, and fall horse adventure camps. These youth come from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and economic statuses. It has been asked if we plan to work with troubled youth. The answer is youth in America today are troubled and Mustangs in America today are in trouble. We have an opportunity to help both.

Through the process of learning from and working with formerly wild BLM Mustangs, youth will have the opportunity to discover their inner selves, gain self-discipline, and learn the importance and value of yielding daily to God’s control in their lives — just as the horses must learn to yield themselves to their human’s control.

THE MUSTANGS

BLM Mustangs have extreme intelligence, instinct, and loyalty. Overpopulation of Mustangs on rangeland is detrimentally affecting the environment and all species that live on the range. Holding facilities are full. Horses need homes. Stonewater Mustangs’ vision provides an avenue for more Mustangs to be placed into private care.

Horses born in the wild have pure instincts and require those working with them to earn a place of respect, partnership, and, finally, trust. It is these qualities that set Mustangs apart as strong ministry teammates. The parallels between how a trainer approaches a wild horse and how God approaches us are infinite. Mustangs can become the mirror through which humans see their relationship with Christ through being given a purpose and choice.