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
Join us Saturday, September 14th, 2025 from 6–8 PM at Legend Acres in Wittmann, AZ for an evening of connection, discovery, and hands-on experiences with our horses.
This free community event welcomes veterans, active duty military, first responders, teachers, foster parents, and homeschool families. Whether you’re looking for healing through trauma-informed equine therapy, exploring ESA-approved homeschool programs, or simply curious about horseback riding, you’ll find something inspiring here.
What’s Happening:
🟢 Meet our horses and certified instructors
🟢 Watch and participate in equine-assisted intervention demonstrations
🟢 Learn how ESA and homeschool horse programs can transform learning and confidence
🟢 Connect with doctoral researchers and scholarship providers
🟢 Enjoy giveaways, education stations, and limited intro rides
✨ Space is limited—pre-register now to reserve your spot for free demos, rides, and prize drawings.
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.
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)
Current Youth Equine Courses
Youth Online Course
Equine Ethology 101 – Online Only (Youth 6-Week Horse Behavior Course) — $155
Starts: August 19, 2025 @ 3:30 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: September 17, 2025 @ 2:00 PM MST
• Youth Lab B: September 27, 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) — $155
Starts: August 19, 2025 @ 5:30 PM MST | Ages: 16+
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: September 17, 2025 @ 4:00 PM MST
• Adult Lab B: September 27, 2025 @ 11:00 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.
🏷️ Legend Acres Horseback Riding Lessons & Training Pricing
💡 Legend Acres is a registered vendor with Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program,
and we accept ClassWallet payments for eligible students seeking ESA-funded horseback riding lessons,
horsemanship camps, therapy workshops, and CHA curriculum workbooks.
How It Works:
- Simply schedule your lessons, workshops, or camps directly with Legend Acres.
- Once scheduled, you'll receive a detailed invoice that can be submitted and paid through ClassWallet.
- ESA funds can be used for riding lessons, equine therapy, horsemanship camps, CHA curriculum books, and more!
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?
