Legend Acres Riding & Horsemanship Programs AZ
West Valley Wittmann, Surprise, and Sun City AZ
Legend Acres was honored to be featured on FOX 10 Phoenix's CareForce segment, highlighting our founder Kristi May, a Combat-Disabled Army Veteran, and the life-changing work we do through equine therapy and assistance dog programs.
🎥 Watch Legend Acres featured on FOX 10’s CareForce!
Legend Acres Riding & Horsemanship Programs
Riding with Honor: Free Open Barn Night – As Seen on FOX 10 Phoenix
Open Barn at Legend Acres – Free Community Horse Event in Wittmann, AZ
Join us Sunday, November 16th, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Legend Acres in Wittmann, Arizona for our Open Barn — a free community event filled with fun, learning, and hands-on horse experiences for all ages.
This family-friendly evening welcomes veterans, active-duty military, first responders, teachers, foster parents, homeschool families, and neighbors from across the West Valley. Come experience the magic of horses while connecting with our compassionate, certified instructors.
What’s Happening
Meet our horses and CHA-certified instructors
Watch and participate in equine-assisted demonstrations
Enjoy free horse rides, ground exercises, and mounted games
Visit kids’ craft stations and snack tables
Explore ESA-approved homeschool and youth programs
Connect with doctoral researchers, scholarship providers, and equine educators
Take part in giveaways, raffles, and limited intro rides
Why Attend
Whether you’re exploring horseback riding lessons, equine education, or community-based therapy programs, you’ll find inspiration and opportunity at our Legend Acres Open Barn. Learn how our Force-Free, Fear-Free, Science-Based approach builds confidence, trust, and communication between horses and humans.
✨ Space is limited — pre-register now to reserve your free spot for demos, rides, and prize drawings.
📍 Location: Legend Acres, Wittmann, AZ
🕓 Date & Time: Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🌐 Register Online
Trauma-Informed • Force-Free • CHA Certified Instruction
Western & English | Horsemanship| Equine Therapy | Camps
Serving Phoenix West Valley Located in Wittmann, AZ
Legend Acres Equine Services: Riding with Purpose
Explore riding lessons, training, therapy programs, and more—all in one place.
We offer a wide variety of horse training and riding lessons in Arizona, all led by CHA-certified riding instructors with decades of experience in Western and English disciplines. All lessons are available for riders ages 3 and up, with tack and ASTM/SEI-certified helmets provided for every session. At our facility or at your home. We will come to you.
🌟 Featured Program:
Riding with Honor
The Riding with Honor program at Legend Acres is a special initiative that provides discounted horse training and riding lessons to Veterans, Active-Duty Military, First Responders, Healthcare Workers, Teachers, and their families. This mission-driven program honors service by offering healing and empowerment through horsemanship.
🔔 Please Note: A valid Horses4Heroes Membership is required for all
donors, sponsors, and participants in the Riding with Honor Program.
Trauma-Informed Groundwork for Emotional Healing, Confidence & Connection
Rediscover peace, purpose, and personal strength through our Healing with Horses programs—offered in both supportive group sessions and deeply personalized one-on-one formats. Led by trauma-informed, certified professionals, these non-riding experiences are designed for Veterans, First Responders, caregivers, and individuals seeking relief from stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
Whether you choose the camaraderie of our 7-week group series or the privacy of individual equine wellness sessions, you’ll find a safe space to build trust, develop mindfulness, and connect through the powerful horse-human bond.
🟢 No horse experience needed
🟢 Ground-based activities (no riding required)
🟢 Journals, materials, and horse equipment provided
🟢 Force-Free, Fear-Free, Relationship-Based
🟢 Located at Legend Acres – Wittmann, AZ
Certified Horsemanship & Rider Level Advancement
Earn nationally recognized certifications while deepening your bond with horses. Legend Acres offers a progressive Horsemanship and CHA Level Program designed to build safe, confident, and knowledgeable riders—from foundational skills to advanced techniques.
Whether you're a beginner, a parent of a horse-crazy kid, or preparing for a career in equine care or instruction, our CHA-certified instructors guide you step-by-step through each level.
🟢 $100 per level certification
🟢 Learn riding, groundwork, tack, grooming, and safety
🟢 Perfect for homeschool enrichment and 4-H development
🟢 Ages 6 to adult – English & Western available
🎓 Build skills. Earn credentials. Ride with confidence.
Kids’ Horsemanship Camps,
Riding Lessons & Equine Therapy
Empower your child with confidence, compassion, and hands-on horse experience in our Kids’ Horsemanship Camps and Riding Programs—offered year-round in Surprise and Wittmann, AZ.
Led by CHA-certified instructors for maximum safety and insurance coverage, our programs focus on force-free, relationship-based learning tailored to each child’s level. Kids ride bareback, English, and Western, starting with strong foundations in balance, body awareness, and communication.
🟣 Camp available during Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter Breaks
🟣 Includes grooming, groundwork, mounted lessons, and horse care
🟣 Equine therapy available in group and private sessions for emotional growth
🟣 Ideal for homeschoolers, first-time riders, and horse-loving kids
🟣 All tack and ASTM/SEI-certified helmets provided
🟣 Lessons available at our facility or in your own backyard
🟣 Lessons start at age 3 and up
🟣 We accept ESA and participate in Class Wallet for all programs
💲 Camp Pricing
💲 Lesson Pricing:
$35 per 30-minute lesson
$55 per hour lesson
Package Deal: $175 for 5 (30-min) lessons | $250 for 5 (1-hour) lessons
💲 Therapy Pricing:
$35–$60 group therapy sessions
$175 private therapy sessions
📚 Where confidence grows—one ride at a time.
Retreats and Equine Experiences at Legend Acres Wittmann, AZ
Rise & Rein Retreat – 3-Day Equine Self-Care Experience in Dragoon AZ | Legend Acres Equine Learning Lab
Step away from the chaos and reconnect with yourself at the Rise & Rein 3-Day Retreat (March 27-29 at Triangle T Ranch, Dragoon, AZ). Guided by horses and certified Legend Acres instructors, you’ll release stress, rediscover your balance, and find clarity through equine-assisted learning, guided journaling, and community connection. No horse experience needed — just a willing heart to heal. Reserve your spot today and start your journey to peace.
Equine Learning Lab at Legend Acres Wittmann, AZ
Equine Learning Lab – Science-Based Equine Educational Courses for Youth & Adults
The Equine Learning Lab at Legend Acres offers year-round, science-based courses that uncover how horses think, feel, and communicate. Led by veteran educator and equine expert Brenda Kilhoffer, these interactive programs combine engaging online lessons with optional hands-on labs at our Wittmann, AZ facility.
Whether you’re a youth student earning homeschool science credit or an adult seeking safer, more ethical handling skills, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to work effectively with horses.
Why Choose the Equine Learning Lab
🟢 Science-based curriculum rooted in equine ethology
🟢 Practical skills for safety, communication, and welfare
🟢 Flexible delivery: live or recorded sessions + optional lab
🟢 Youth courses align with homeschool science credit requirements
🟢 August Bonus: FREE 1-month Equine Learning Lab digital resources (videos, worksheets, enrichment tools)
Curious About What Horses Can Teach Us?
FREE 1-hour Equine-Assisted Learning Workshop
Ever wonder what a horse can teach you about life, leadership, or learning?
Join us for a FREE 1-hour Equine-Assisted Learning Workshop where we explore how horses naturally reflect the 5 Pillars of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) — self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
This experiential workshop offers:
A live equine demonstration (no riding required)
Real-world examples of SEL in action
A calm, reflective environment to connect and observe
Perfect for parents, homeschoolers, educators, counselors, and horse lovers. No horse experience needed — just an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Dunn’s Arena, 7653 N Sarival Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Come for the horses, stay for the insight.
Horseplay for Families | Equine-Assisted Learning for Parents and Kids in Wittmann, AZ
Horseplay for Families at Legend Acres in Wittmann, AZ is an on-ground Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) experience that helps parents and children strengthen trust, communication, and emotional connection through teamwork with horses.
Led by certified instructors, each 3-hour session includes guided horse activities, reflection, and family-building challenges that create lasting memories in a peaceful ranch environment.
This program is perfect for local families near Wittmann, Surprise, and Wickenburg looking for meaningful outdoor activities and connection through horses.
No horse experience is required.
Session Dates:
November 22 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
December 27 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $150 per parent–child pair | $25 per additional family member
To register, call or text 931-516-3064 or email Info@Legend-Acres.com
ESA Funds via ClassWallet may be used for children’s registrations. Legend Acres is a verified ClassWallet Direct Vendor.
Current Youth Equine Courses
Youth Online Course
Equine Ethology 101 – Online Only (Youth 6-Week Horse Behavior Course) — $165
Starts: November 4th, 2025 @ 4 PM MST | Grades: 5–10
Explore how horses think, feel, and communicate in this 6-week, standards-aligned youth course designed for grades 5–10. Students will study equine senses, body language, herd dynamics, startle/safety, and ethical care through live or recorded lessons, printable worksheets, and graded assignments—perfect for homeschool science credit.
August Bonus: Receive 1 FREE month of Premium Equine Learning Lab digital resources (videos, worksheets, enrichment tools).
Optional 90-Minute Lab ($70)
Choose one date at checkout (Wittmann, AZ) — available only to registered youth course students.
• Youth Lab A: November 22nd, 2025 @ 9 AM MST
• Youth Lab B: December 13th, 2025 @ 9:00 AM MST
Bring learning to life with hands-on activities including:
🟢 Flight-response observation (“flight gates”)
🟢 Herd dynamics and safety practices
🟢 Guided equine communication exercises
Journal recommended for all lab participants.
Current Adult Equine Courses
Adult Online Course
Equine Ethology 101 – Online Only (Adult 6-Week Horse Behavior Course) — $165
Starts: November 6th, 2025 @ 5 PM MST | Ages: 18+
Gain a deeper understanding of how horses think, feel, and communicate in this 6-week, science-based course designed for adult learners and aspiring equestrians. Study equine senses, body language, herd dynamics, startle/safety, and ethical care through live or recorded lessons, printable worksheets, and graded assignments—ideal for building confidence, enhancing horsemanship skills, or fulfilling continuing education goals.
August Bonus: Receive 1 FREE month of Premium Equine Learning Lab digital resources (videos, worksheets, enrichment tools).
Optional 90-Minute Lab ($70)
Choose one date at checkout (Wittmann, AZ) — available only to registered adult course students.
• Adult Lab A: November 18th, 2025 @ 3 PM MST
• Adult Lab B: November 22nd, 2025 @ 11 AM MST
• Adult Lab C: December 13th, 2025 @ 11 AM MST
Bring learning to life with hands-on activities including:
🟢 Flight-response observation (“flight gates”)
🟢 Herd dynamics and safety practices
🟢 Guided equine communication exercises
Journal recommended for all lab participants.
🏷️ Legend Acres Horseback Riding Lessons & Training Pricing
ClassWallet Direct Vendor for ESA-Funded Horseback Riding Lessons in Wittmann, Surprise, and West Valley Phoenix, AZ
Legend Acres – Arizona ESA Program Approved & ClassWallet Direct Vendor for Equine Therapy, Horsemanship, and Educational Riding Programs
💡Legend Acres is a ClassWallet Direct Vendor and registered provider with Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program,
proudly serving Wittmann, Surprise, and the West Valley Phoenix area.
We accept ClassWallet payments for eligible students participating in ESA-funded horseback riding lessons, horsemanship camps, therapy workshops, and equine-assisted learning programs.
Our youth programs—including Resilient Rider, Rainbow Rider, and CHA curriculum workbooks—are designed to support confidence, communication, and emotional growth through hands-on horse experiences.
Families using ESA funds via ClassWallet can apply them directly to Legend Acres for approved lessons, camps, and educational materials.
How It Works:
- Step 1 – Schedule Your SessionContact Legend Acres to schedule your horseback riding lessons, horsemanship camps, equine-assisted therapy sessions, or wellness workshops.We serve Wittmann, Surprise, and the West Valley Phoenix area with both mounted and unmounted programs designed for children, adults, and veterans.
- Step 2 – Choose Your ExperienceSelect from a variety of Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAI), including:
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) – build communication, trust, and leadership.
Equine-Assisted Education (EAE) – hands-on, curriculum-based learning using CHA, Resilient Rider, and Rainbow Rider programs.
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) – trauma-informed sessions supporting emotional regulation and confidence.
Equine-Assisted Recreation (EAR) – safe, positive mounted and ground activities for personal growth.
Wellness Experiences – including Yoga with Horses, Sound Healing with Horses, mindfulness workshops, and somatic breathwork to reduce stress and restore balance.
- Step 3 – Receive Your Invoice and Funding OptionsOnce your lessons, workshops, or camps are scheduled, you’ll receive a detailed invoice that can be submitted and paid through ClassWallet.Legend Acres is a ClassWallet Direct Vendor and registered Arizona ESA Program Provider, allowing families to use Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds for:
Horseback riding lessons and horsemanship camps
Equine-assisted learning, therapy, and education programs
CHA curriculum books and educational materials
Yoga and sound healing sessions with horses
- Step 4 – Use ESA Funds or Private PaymentESA funds can be applied directly through ClassWallet for eligible children.Private payment options are available for adult and family programs.
- Step 5 – Contact Our Office for SupportFor invoicing, payment details, or ClassWallet instructions, contact us directly.Call or text 931-516-3064 (Mon–Fri 10 AM–4 PM MST) or email Info@Legend-Acres.com
Private Horseback Riding Lessons
Experience expert horseback riding lessons in Surprise and Wittmann, AZ, with CHA-certified instructors for riders of all ages and skill levels.
$35 per 30 minutes | $55 per hour 💲 Package Deal: $175 for 5 (30-min) lessons | $250 for 5 (1-hour) lessons
Private Horse Training
Get personalized horse training services at your location or through our full-service board and train program in Arizona.
$75 per hour (plus travel) 🐴 Board & Train Program: $1,200/month
Horsemanship Camps
Join our fun and educational horsemanship camps in Surprise and Wittmann, AZ—offered during Spring Break, Fall Break, Summer Break, and Christmas Break! Perfect for kids and teens to build confidence, learn horse care, and enjoy hands-on riding experience with CHA-certified instructors.
$75 per day | $250 per multi-day camp package
Equine Therapy Sessions
Experience equine-assisted therapy in Arizona designed to support emotional growth, confidence, and overall well-being for children, adults, Veterans, and anyone seeking healing.
We offer children's group sessions, private therapy, Veteran group sessions, and private Veteran sessions—all open to anyone in need of therapeutic support.
$35–$60 for group sessions | $175 private sessions
🐎 Book Your
Session Today
Ready to get in the saddle and experience the magic of horsemanship?
All horseback riding lessons at Legend Acres begin with a brief phone consultation to ensure the best fit for you or your child. Once we’ve chatted, we’ll help you schedule your first lesson and guide you through the process.
⚠️ Reminder: A Horses4Heroes membership is required to participate in Riding with Honor and to receive program discounts. This applies to all sponsors, donors, and participants.
Why Choose Legend Acres?
Experience compassionate, expert-led horsemanship in a welcoming environment designed for every rider and horse.
CHA Certified & Licensed Instructors
Our certified professionals ensure safe, structured, and skill-building lessons for all ages and experience levels.
Force-Free, Fear-Free Training Philosophy
We use positive, science-backed methods that build trust and communication between horse and rider.
Family-Oriented, Welcoming Environment
Legend Acres is a supportive, inclusive community where students of all backgrounds feel at home.
Customized Programs for Every Rider & Horse
Whether you're a beginner or advanced, our lessons and training plans are personalized to meet your unique goals.
Proud Supporter of Veterans &
Community Heroes
We honor and give back to Veterans, First Responders, Teachers, and Healthcare Workers through our Riding with Honor program.
👉 Ready to ride with purpose?
