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. However, the process works a little differently here than with some other enrichment providers — and it is important that you follow these steps in order to avoid delays.
The most important thing to know is this: contact Monica first. UMA operates with a small number of students and availability is limited. 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.
Heartland families commit to Basic Membership from the start. There is no single introductory session option for Heartland enrollment — the program requires a full membership commitment. This protects everyone’s time, including yours.
Confirm availability with Monica first. Then order. That order of steps matters.
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.
Place Your Order Through Heartland’s System
Once availability is confirmed, log into Heartland Charter School’s ordering system and submit your order to allocate your funds 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.
Complete Your Online Orientation
While your Enrichment Certificate is being processed, 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.
Enrichment Certificate Arrives at UMA
Heartland will send the Enrichment Certificate directly to UMA. Once Monica receives and confirms it, your student is cleared to begin their first session.
Monica will be in touch to confirm your start date as soon as everything is in place.
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
UMA is a structured school with a real curriculum, working horses, and a small student body. It is not a drop-in enrichment activity. Heartland families who enroll are committing to the program — to showing up consistently, completing the online learning components, and becoming part of the UMA community.
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.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Monica first to confirm availability. That is step one — everything else follows from there.
Contact Monica →