 There’s a certain kind of progress that doesn’t need a show schedule or competition to prove it. It happens in the quiet work showing up on a windy day, trying again after frustration, choosing softness, noticing your breath… and noticing your horse. That’s the heart behind the Homegrown Horsemanship Challenge: a mindfulness-based, relationship-first challenge designed to help riders build meaningful partnership and steady progress wherever they are planted. Our pilot challenge kicks off June 1st! Workbooks are being assembled and mailed out this week. What is the Homegrown Horsemanship Challenge? Homegrown is a remote-friendly horsemanship challenge that combines:
You can participate:
Who is this for? Homegrown is for riders who value relationship with their horse over rushing, partnership over proving, horse wellbeing over “winning at all costs," and consistency over intensity. It’s especially supportive for:
What’s inside the practice companion workbook? Each participant receives a printed workbook designed to be easy to use and genuinely motivating. Inside you’ll find a simple structure for tracking sessions, prompts that help you notice progress in both horse and rider, reflection questions that support emotional regulation and connection, space to record small wins, breakthroughs, and of course those “try again” moments. We want to provide encouragement that keeps the tone supportive and horse-first! It’s part tracker, part practice companion, part quiet accountability, all designed to help you keep going on your journey with your horse.  What makes this challenge different?
Many equestrian spaces reward outcome. Homegrown rewards process. We celebrate things like steadiness, perseverance, softness and clarity, mindful resets, showing up with integrity, and strengthening the horse-human relationship. Because those are the qualities that build a lifetime horse person. Awards and recognition Participants can earn recognition for:
Why we’re doing this now We’re leaning into horse-first choices, including being mindful about the accessibility of traveling for everyone in our horse communities. Concerns over exposure to regional horse health news, horse and rider duos still learning each other, horses in rehab or rescues who aren't ready to compete in a traditional setting... there are many reasons to focus on intentional practice at home and forego showing right now! All of these reasons are horse-first. We love our horses and we’re not interested in putting them at risk for a ribbon. Homegrown allows riders to grow, stay engaged, and be recognized for meaningful progress without needing to travel to prove anything. At the same time, each workbook purchased supports our horses, the farm programs, and my ongoing work exploring the impact of mindfulness-based horsemanship practices. Thank you for helping us keep this mission moving forward! How to join ✅ Homegrown Pilot Challenge kicks off June 1st 📦 Workbooks are being assembled and mailed this week To join or request details, visit the challenge page or message us through the contact page. If you’re joining with friends, a barn buddy, or a lesson group, we love that! Community makes this even better. We have also started a Facebook Group for participants to engage and share small wins throughout their challenge! If it feels right today, consider this your invitation to join us! Throughout this challenge, I invite you to: Grow where you are planted. Track progress that actually matters. Practice partnership on purpose. Let your horse teach you steadiness, again and again. We’d love to have you with us. 🌿🐴💜
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 Moving can be a stressful experience for anyone—and horses are no exception. We've been feeling the effects of this since our recent move in December! Whether it’s introducing a new horse to an established herd, relocating a group of horses, or helping a rescue horse adjust after a high-turnover environment like an auction or kill pen, there’s a lot to consider. Here’s what you need to know to make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
What Happens When Horses Move? Horses are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. When their environment changes, it can throw them off balance. You might notice behaviors like increased anxiety or nervousness, loss of appetite or weight changes, overreaction to stimuli or heightened reactivity, and changes in herd dynamics, such as increased aggression or a struggle to find their place. These behaviors are often temporary, but they’re important to monitor. If you notice your horse is struggling to settle in to their new home or these behaviors are worrisome, please contact your veterinarian or an equine professional for help! Factors That Affect Adjustment Time: Every horse is unique, but generally in my experience, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months for a horse to fully settle into a new environment. Here are some factors that can play a role in "new home syndrome" in horses:
Tips for a Smooth Transition If you’re adding a new horse to an existing herd, start with gradual introductions over a fence line or in a nearby pen before turning them out together. This seriously reduces the risk of injuries and stress. Know the personalities of your herd and consider letting new horses meet existing herd members one-on-one in a neutral area. Finally, choose turnout wisely! Horses will integrate into a new herd best when large, open turnout is available for them to observe each other and keep distance. It's important to provide multiple feed or hay stations and water troughs if possible to ensure all horses have access to necessities in turnout. Horses feel more secure when they know what to expect. Stick to consistent feeding, turnout, and handling schedules. Ensure your horse's new environment is free of hazards and has plenty of room for all of the horses to move and establish their hierarchy. Watch the herd closely for signs of stress, such as changes in appetite, body condition, or behavior. Address issues promptly with the help of your vet or equine professional. Be patient with your new horse or moving situation! Adjustments take time. Give your horse the space they need to feel comfortable and secure. High-Turnover Environments: Special Considerations Horses coming from auctions, rescues, or other high-stress environments may have additional challenges, such as:
When to Expect "Normal" The timeline for your horse to "settle in" depends on the unique circumstances, but here are some milestones you might notice:
Have you recently moved your horse or introduced a new one to your herd? Share your experiences in the comments below, or head to our Facebook page to continue the conversation! Who We Are: Storm Chaser Stables (SCS) is an education-focused farm with a unique horsemanship and farm school program dedicated to helping children, youth, and families develop life skills and a love for nature through experiential learning. Our programs teach students not only practical skills in animal care, self-sufficiency, and awareness of our environment, but also how to connect meaningfully with their surroundings and each other. We believe that real learning happens through hands-on activities that inspire curiosity, empathy, and resilience. Young people today need more than traditional academics—they need experiences that give them a sense of purpose and belonging. At SCS, we provide children with life-changing opportunities to learn horsemanship, explore unique class options related to life skills such as cooking and farming, and build self-confidence through social-emotional learning in nature-based environments. Our Mission: Many of the schools and families we work with don’t have access to these unique and powerful learning opportunities. With limited outdoor resources becoming increasingly common, children miss out on engaging, supportive environments that could unlock their potential. At SCS, our mission is to ensure that everyone has the chance to experience personal growth through farm education, animal care, and self-sufficiency skills. We believe that every child matters, and what they learn, how they engage, and who they become will make a positive impact on the world. Our Goal: Since 2020, Storm Chaser Stables has been empowering students through our farm school day program and horsemanship classes. When we ask students and families what they love most about SCS, their enthusiasm for the hands-on learning and safe, supportive environment is overwhelming. Our programs strive to give students the skills, excitement, and confidence to thrive.  To expand our programs and provide an enriching and safe environment for every student, we’re raising $50,000 to fund essential projects and materials at our new location with our GoFundMe Campaign. Here’s a cost breakdown of how your donation will make a difference:
Please consider a donation to help us reach our goal of enriching education for kids in rural central Virginia! All donations have a direct impact on the children and families we serve, helping us create a safe, engaging environment for everyone to grow, connect, and learn. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to a future where all children have access to the transformative power of nature-based learning.
Brief update on our journey towards nonprofit development: We are still working on it! This process is not one to be taken lightly and we are seeking additional support from an experienced sponsor. In the meantime, we need to gather responses from the community!
At SCS Farm School, we are striving to better support youth education and development in our community. We want to know the following from YOU:
SCS Farm School is beginning to work with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor that will support us in our journey to nonprofit status. If we get enough families pledged to sign up for SCS Farm School day program, we will be able to take on MORE scholarship-funded students AND any tuition payments will become tax-deductible. This can ONLY happen if we hear from you, Parents! Please contact us now to answer our poll and pledge to attend! You KNOW something needs to change for your child’s education. Maybe they need a smaller group setting, more movement in their day, 1:1 support, freedom to take breaks, hands-on life skills practice, co-op classes for fun and socializing, or an alternate learning environment due to mental health or other reasons. Only you can advocate for your child’s unique educational needs! Please email us today to pledge your support of our nonprofit endeavor to support youth education in our community!
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AuthorJeni Platt is the Founder and Program Director of Storm Chaser Stables, where she blends horsemanship, social-emotional learning, and mindful practices into hands-on, experiential education. A mom of three, yoga teacher, and mental health advocate, Jeni brings a holistic approach to her work with both horses and people. She holds a BA in Psychology and is currently completing her Master of Education with a focus on experiential and SEL-based learning. Her writing shares insights and reflections to support growth, connection, and curiosity. 
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