Most people learn to ride a horse.
Very few ever learn to understand one.

You just found the place that teaches the difference.

Arroyo Grande, California

Young rider with a forward-facing Mustang at United Mustangs of America

A Horse Handling Science School on the Central Coast.

United Mustangs of America teaches students how to understand, handle, care for, and partner with horses. We teach you how horses think, how they learn, and how to become someone a horse will choose to be with.

Our programs are built around the horse handling science of Monte Foreman — a method that goes deeper than any discipline and gives you the real tools to become a capable, confident horseman.

You bring the desire. We provide the path, the horses, and everything in between.

Young UMA rider galloping through the surf on the Central Coast

Some of the best lessons happen on the beach.

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.

The first step

UMA Introductory Session

$100

2 hours · Ages 9 and up · Arroyo Grande, CA

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 Session

10 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.

UMA student riding with balanced, correct form

Core Membership

$440 / month

Four lessons per month plus access to the UMA Student Center. The core learning path for students building real horsemanship skills.

Advanced UMA rider cantering on a trained Mustang

Most Immersive

Horse Lab

$880 / month

Everything in Core 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.

UMA rider standing on horseback in a Western saddle, showing trust and balance

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.

3Makeover horses
in the school

5+Extreme Mustang
Makeover competitions

Top 10Finals placements
every time

These horses know how to teach. They were proven as partners before they ever became part of this school.

Young rider and resting horse together at sunset

The relationship is the reward.

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

Group of United Mustangs of America riders celebrating together

More than a school — a community.

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 — $100

Sessions 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 →

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Before coming to UMA, my daughter was riding at a different facility on the Central Coast.  While her trainer was kind, something was just off and soon my horse obsessed little girl was losing her love of riding.  I started looking around and found a " horse handling science school" that specialized in working with mustangs.  I was immediately drawn to the concept of understanding how horses operate and how to become the rider THEY deserve.  Four years later, I've seen my little girl mature into a fine horse partner who understands how to take responsibility when a lesson doesn't go right, push through big challenges and celebrate when mastering a new skill.  Being at UMA has taught my horse loving girl why these beautiful animals are worth preserving, understanding, and sharing life with.  Thank you UMA!!!
  
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   Jacque Maegert 
 July 7, 2026
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. UMA is a great program for all levels of riders! Monica took me from what I knew as a western rider, to English riding and jumping in a very short amount of time with my young horse. Even though the program has “mustangs” in title, you can bring your own horse to lessons and Monica will work with you and your horse together. It’s a great program for any beginner to truly learn horse handling science and become a better future horse owner, or improve on being a current horse owner. This is the place to go to if you want to become a future horse owner and learn skills and science to caring for your future horse. The horse handling science is based on Monte Foreman’s methods and will benefit any horse and rider.
  
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   Kayla Ghidinelli 
 October 16, 2024
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. United Mustangs of America is an amazing horsemanship riding school. The people are amazing and the environment is very supportive! Monica Knight is an amazing trainer with lots of love for what she does. The mustangs are wonderful to work with, I’ve been riding since 2018 with Monica Knight and I love working with the people, and learning so much about how to be the best horseman I can be. I highly recommend UMA if you have strong passion for horses!
  
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   Home Slice 
 May 21, 2024
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love riding at UMA. It has taught me so much about horse handling science. I love the community just as much; the people are so kind and welcoming. I would highly recommend riding at UMA.
  
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   Lily Meek 
 August 27, 2023
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend taking lessons with United Mustangs of America! I’ve learned so much about mustangs and horse handling science from Monica!
  
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   alex 
 November 7, 2022