Testimonials
A Few Words From Our UMA Students…
Testimonial from Mom and Daughter
I first found United Mustangs of America after our family moved and we were looking for a riding facility closer to our new home to switch my daughter to. Her former coach specialized more in English jumping, which wasn’t necessarily a route we were looking to go, so reading Monica’s philosophy of horse handling science and mustang makeovers caught my attention right away. I didn’t want my daughter just to get on a perfect horse and expect it to perform, I wanted her to deepen her knowledge into HOW and WHY a horse operates the way it does. How could she become a better horse handler, or as Monica refers to it, a better partner?
After many months of driving my girl to lessons with Monica, seeing her confidence, skills and maturity around horses grow exponentially, I was ready to dive in and try it for myself! I had always loved being around and working with horses, but never had the opportunity to really invest in my inner horse-girl passion until now.
I started off doing individual lessons separately from my 9 year old daughter, but now we are able to do group lessons and share our love of horses and riding together!
In one of my recent lessons, I was thinking back to the first time I cantered, how nervous I was, how Monica had to keep telling me to breathe and relax, and how I just knew, at any moment, I was going to fly off! Monica continued to encourage me and gave me the knowledge and tools I needed to partner with her horses, to gain strength and personal body control so now not only can I canter with confidence, but also bravely and boldly take on new challenges!
I am so overwhelmingly grateful for United Mustangs of America and Monica making it a mission to keep Monte Forman’s partnership techniques and horse handling science alive by passing them on to a new generation of riders.
~ Jacqulene (August 30, 2024)
“To me, horsemanship is about helping your horse be better. And when we do that, we become better horseman as well. UMA has taught me patience and focus, among other valuable life skills. On top of that, horses are also a bunch of fun!” -Annette M., 14
“To me, horsemanship means learning how to see and respond to signals that a horse is giving you. Also it is learning how what you do affects the horses actions and how to send signals that make sense to the horse and change their actions. UMA has taught me how to do this and help me have an overall better understanding and relationship with a horse. The time I have spent there has made me more observant to the little details not just in horseback riding but in life in general. Thank you UMA I have had a great time with the horses!” -Sonora C., 13
“Horsemanship is learning how to have a relationship with your horse on more levels than just work. Building a bond with that horse from the ground that affects your riding up in the saddle. UMA has taught me that horses are more than just partners, they’re also friends. UMA is a horse family, a place where I can just be myself, surrounded by friends and the creatures I love. Anyone who is considering lessons should definitely give it a try, because not only do you learn horse skill, but you learn fundamental communication skills that help you be the best person you can be. Also, uh, horses!” -Cielle M., 13
“In my experience of riding, I’ve met all different horses, and each and every one of them are different. There are all sorts of breeds, from thoroughbreds, to mustangs, with all different colors, from blue roan, red roan, appaloosa, pinto, to palomino, and bay. From black manes to white manes. And most important of all, all sorts of personalities, some are energetic, some are lazy, some have bouncy trots, some have smooth trots, and some have fast but smooth trots. All horses are different, but all have one thing in common, they are horses, and they deserve love and to have a home.” -Aria, 9
Thank You
Thank you for considering sharing your testimonial with United Mustangs of America. Your contribution helps to promote our mission of teaching horse handling science and preserving the heritage of wild mustangs. If you have any questions, additional information or images you would like to include with your testimonial, please email us at [email protected].
We appreciate your support and look forward to showcasing your experiences with United Mustangs of America.
Sincerely,
Monica O. Knight
Head Coach
United Mustangs of America
[email protected]