Getting Started with Heartland Charter School Funds
Using Heartland Charter School Funds at UMA
A step by step guide for Heartland families who want to enroll in United Mustangs of America.
Before You Order Through Heartland
Heartland Charter School funds can be used to cover UMA membership sessions. The process works a little differently here than with some other enrichment providers — follow these steps in order to avoid delays.
The most important thing to know is this: contact Monica first. Before you place any order through Heartland’s system, reach out to confirm that there is a spot available and that UMA is the right fit for your student.
Confirm availability with Monica first. Then order. That order of steps matters.
New to UMA? Start Here.
Before placing your first order, new students complete an Introductory Session. This is a 2-hour hands-on session with Coach Monica — the assessment point of entry for every new student. You get to experience the program. Monica gets to meet your student. Everything moves forward from there when it is the right fit for both sides.
New Students Only
Introductory Session
2 hours · hands-on · by appointment
$110
via Heartland · $100 out of pocket
Returning students re-enrolling after a break go directly to placing their order. The Introductory Session is a one-time entry point for students who are new to UMA.
How Most Families Plan Their Year
UMA is $440 per month. Here is how most Heartland families use their annual funds — consecutive months give your student the best chance at real progress.
Tier 1
2-Month Semester
$880
Tier 2
3-Month Semester
$1,320
Tier 3
4-Month Semester
$1,760
Blocks can be combined
| Combination | Months | Sessions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 + Tier 2 | 5 | 20 | $2,200 |
| Tier 1 + Tier 3 | 6 | 24 | $2,640 |
Program Policies
These policies are in place to protect your student’s progress and ensure every session is used well.
24-Hour Cancellation Notice
Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice are forfeited. Please plan accordingly and communicate early if something comes up.
Sessions Do Not Roll Over
Each monthly block is active for that month only. Unused sessions do not carry forward into the following month.
Makeup Sessions
Up to two makeup sessions may be scheduled per month. Makeups must be redeemed within the following month. Any makeup not used by the end of that period expires and cannot be carried forward.
How to Get Started
Contact Monica to Confirm Availability
Reach out to Monica O. Knight directly to confirm that there is a spot available for your student and that the schedule works for your family. UMA sessions are reserved 2-hour time blocks and availability is limited.
This step happens before anything else. Do not place a Heartland order until availability is confirmed.
Complete the Introductory Session — New Students Only
New students complete a 2-hour Introductory Session before any block is ordered. This is the assessment point of entry. Monica meets your student, your student experiences the program, and enrollment moves forward from there when it is the right fit.
The Introductory Session can be ordered through Heartland ($110) or paid directly out of pocket ($100). Returning students re-enrolling after a break skip this step and go directly to step 3.
Place Your Order Through Heartland’s System
Once availability is confirmed and your student has completed the Introductory Session, log into Heartland Charter School’s ordering system and submit your order for United Mustangs of America sessions.
Allow adequate time for Heartland to process your order and create an Enrichment Certificate. Do not schedule your first session until the certificate has been received by UMA.
Enrichment Certificate Arrives at UMA
Heartland will send the Enrichment Certificate directly to UMA. Once Monica receives and confirms it, your student is cleared for the next step.
Monica will be in touch to confirm everything is in place before moving forward.
Complete Your Online Orientation
With your Enrichment Certificate confirmed, you will complete UMA’s online orientation through Horse Handling Science United. This covers program expectations, student responsibilities, ranch safety, and everything your family needs to know before arriving for the first session.
All required paperwork and agreements are completed during this step.
Your First Session
With orientation complete, paperwork signed, and the Enrichment Certificate confirmed, your student is ready to begin. Sessions are 2-hour reserved time blocks at the ranch in Arroyo Grande, California.
The ranch address and arrival instructions will be provided before your first session.
What Heartland Families Need to Know
Sessions are available Thursday through Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday the ranch is closed. Your family’s scheduling needs and Heartland’s fund allocation timeline both need to be factored in before enrollment begins — which is why the conversation with Monica happens first.
If you have questions about whether Heartland funds can cover specific equipment or additional needs, contact Heartland Charter School directly. Monica can tell you what UMA requires — Heartland can tell you what your account covers.
Questions about UMA specifically? Reach out to Monica directly.
Spots Are Limited.
We just opened enrollment for the upcoming school year. Join the waitlist below and you will be the first to know when availability opens for your family.
Questions first? Contact Monica directly.
