Most people learn to ride a horse.
Very few ever learn to understand one.
You just found the place that teaches the difference.
This Is Not a Riding School.
United Mustangs of America is a horse handling science school on the Central Coast of California. We teach students how to understand, handle, care for, and partner with horses — not just ride them.
There are no show schedules here. No performance programs. Just you, the horse, and the work of becoming someone a horse will choose to be with.
Everything we teach is rooted in the horse handling science of Monte Foreman — a method that goes deeper than any discipline and outlasts any arena.
Every Student Starts the Same Way.
One session. Two hours. $100. You meet the horses, you meet Monica, and together you figure out whether UMA is the right fit. No pressure. No commitment beyond the session itself.
UMA Introductory Session
Hands-on. Real horses. A real conversation about where you are starting from and what the right next step looks like for you.
Book Your Session10 spots currently open — when they fill, next availability goes to waitlist
If It’s a Good Fit, Here’s What Comes Next.
After your introductory session, Monica will recommend the right path. Both programs are built around Horse Handling Science — the method that teaches you how horses think, how they learn, and how to become a capable, confident horseman.
Four lessons per month plus access to the UMA Student Center. The core learning path for students building real horsemanship skills.
Everything in Basic plus additional scheduled horse time. For students ready for deeper, more immersive involvement with the horses and the ranch.
Guardian and volunteer opportunities also available for current and former students.
The Horses Are the Point.
The horses your student will learn on are not lesson horses. Three of them are Extreme Mustang Makeover horses — wild Mustangs gentled, trained, and competed with by Monica herself.
in the school
Makeover competitions
every time
These horses know how to teach. They were proven as partners before they ever became part of this school.
Who This Is For
UMA is for people who want the real thing. If you have been standing outside the gate looking in, this is where you cross.
- Kids and teens who are horse-obsessed and ready for something real
- Adults who have always wanted this and are finally ready to find the right door in
- Families who want meaningful horse education, not a carousel experience
- People who have taken lessons before and felt like something was always missing
- Current horse owners who want real understanding, not just better control
- Anyone chasing the feeling they have never been able to name
Luna, UMA mustang
The Gate Is Open.
Ten introductory session spots are currently available for new students. Once they are filled, the next availability goes to the waitlist. Secure your spot before it closes.
Secure Your Spot — $100Sessions held in Arroyo Grande, California · Address provided after booking
Enrolling with Heartland Charter School Funds?
UMA lessons are available through Heartland Charter School. The enrollment process is slightly different for Heartland families — please read the instructions before booking so we can get you started smoothly and avoid any delays with your approval.
Heartland Enrollment Instructions →
Meet Your Coach
Monica Knight has decades of experience helping riders become confident, thoughtful horsemen through science-based coaching and mustang stewardship.
- RSVP Entry: October 25th, 2025!
RSVP by October 18th Deadline… Event to be held on Saturday, October 25th, 2025 - Honoring Esme: A Legacy of Courage, Grace, and Unforgettable Lessons
The Horse Who Rewrote the Rules Lily attended to Esme’s unique needs with devotion, gifting her more miles and memories in a short 2 years than many horses see in a lifetime. When Lily moved on, she left behind not just a horse, but a legacy: Esme became the go-to mount for beginners; steady on trails,… - UMA’s 12 Days of Giving: A Holiday Campaign to Support Our Horses and StudentsJoin us for the 12 Days of Giving—a countdown to December 12th (or sooner, if we hit our goal early—yippee!) where every donation brings us closer to our goal! Help keep our horses fed and cared for this month, while supporting our UMA community. Together, we can make December magical by giving back to the…
- Lily’s Journey: From Horse Lab Student to Sought-After Horseman
“As Lily’s coach at United Mustangs of America, I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be part of her journey. Watching her transform over the past two years—growing in confidence, skill, and understanding of horse handling science—has been an absolute privilege. From her first lesson to her accomplishments as a flag carrier at the… - Getting Started with Heartland Charter School Funds
Welcome to United Mustangs of America! We’re excited to offer you the opportunity to participate in our horse handling science lessons through the support of Heartland Charter School. Follow these steps to get started: Step 1: Request an Orientation Date To begin your journey with United Mustangs of America, the first step is to request…