About the Program
Horsemanship Philosophy
Welcome to Equine Connections! We are an Equine Assisted Learning and ministry program focusing on character and spiritual development of youth and adults through horsemanship.
Through natural horsemanship techniques, lessons, and connection programs we help build strong foundations of horsemanship, and create opportunities for personal growth, while striving to share the love of Jesus in every session.
​
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect with youth and families in the Lincoln area through the use of horses, and create opportunities for positive character and spiritual development.
Programs
Connections Program
Connections is a unique program with the individual student in mind. This program is designed to focus on character building & relationships through the life-changing experience of horsemanship. Equine Connections is not your typical lesson, but utilizes natural horsemanship techniques on the ground and under saddle. Each session focuses on the students individual goals and is designed to connect the student with a horse that will help grow their confidence, leadership, trust, respect and much more. The student and horse will face challenges to build skill and character of the student.
Meet the Instructor
Tori Henton
With a passion for horses and Equine Assisted Ministry, I have been in the horse industry for over 25 years. As a rider, competitor, trainer, and instructor I have experienced the power of true partnership between horse and rider, and I am passionate about creating relationships with students and horses! I have a BS in Secondary Education, a Masters in Pastoral Ministry and love to connect with people through Equine Education.
Meet The Horses
Bliss
Arabian Gelding
Bliss is a small horse with a big personality!  He has a wonderful extroverted character and is very patient with our young riders.  He has taught many young people and adults to ride over the years.  He loves to toss his head, run through the pastures and jump obstacles. He enjoys treats and scratches.
Sophie
Quarter Horse Mare
Sophie is a "good old girl" who loves to trail ride around.  She teaches students the importance of riding confidently, and is fun to ride with her smooth trot and lope. Sophie always loves treats and a good scratch.
Other Farm Friends
Ruby
Occasionally we have a special visitor come to the farm.  Meet Ruby, a gentle hound mix who loves to romp and play out with the horses. If you see her make sure to say hello with a scratch behind the ears.
Friendly Hens
Freckles, Butterup, Penny, & Spinner
These sweet ladies are a favorite of the students! Â These girls are always willing to take a snack from your hand and even enjoy a gentle pet now and then.
Pricing
Private Lesson
Private lessons are 1 hour in length and include grooming, horse care, riding and instruction in natural horsemanship methods. English, Western, and ground work available.
(ages 6 and under 45 min lesson)
$35 per student
​
(ages 7+)
$50 per student on instructor horse.
$50 per student on personal horse.
​
*Contact for information on multiple family member discount
Semi-Private Lesson
Semi-private lessons are available if students prefer to ride together with a maximum of 2 students at a time. Lessons are 1 hour to 1 hr. and 15 min in length and include grooming, horse care, riding and instruction in natural horsemanship methods on instructors horses. English, Western, and ground work available.
$45 per student on instructors horse
$40 per student on personal horse
​
​
Connections Program
This program focuses on character building & relationships through the life-changing experience of horsemanship. Equine Connections is not our typical lesson. These lessons utilize natural horsemanship techniques on the ground and under saddle. Each session is designed to connect the student with a horse that will grow their confidence, leadership, trust, respect and much more. The student and horse will face challenges to build skill and character of the student.
Character Challenge Examples:
Leadership
Trust
Respect
Following
Teamwork
Responsibility
Fear
Emotional regulation
Love
Individual
$50 per student (1 hour)
$75 per student (1.5 hours)
Semi-Private Lesson (2 students)
$40 per student (1 hour)
$60 per student (1.5 hours)
Homeschool Courses
Horses 101: This fun and hands on learning experience for children ages 6 and up! This 4-week equine science curriculum is creation based and includes topics such as horse safety, communication, care, anatomy, and much more! The course also has a focus on character development of your child through the art of natural horsemanship. Along with learning equine science, each lesson will include character building topics such as leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and trust.
*This is not a riding course but does include daily hands equine experiences and ground games.
​
$150 per student (sibling discounts available)
​
​
​
Horseplay Club!
If your horse crazy kid wants to learn even more about horses, sign them up for Horseplay Club! During the summer months, students are invited to join in games, learning, activities, field trips and more! This Christ-centered club will have a blast learning, playing, and building a deeper relationship with horses & Jesus!
​
The club ages 7 and up, and can pick and choose which session/s they want to attend that fit with your summer schedule!
​
$25 per student (per session)
(Contact for dates & session topics)
Volunteers
Emma is a student and volunteer who brings a smile to everyone!  She assists in our Horseplay clubs, and equine management at the farm.  She is an enthusiastic up and coming horse woman who loves design, Jesus, and her own horse "Murph". We are grateful for her care of the horses and students.
Emma Bermeo
Vern is a passionate horseman & cowboy. He is a skilled all-around horseman with over 40 years of experience in riding, teaching, summer camp, ranch, and farrier work. His patient and kind demeanor makes him a wonderful instructor and mentor. We are blessed to have him and his horse Sophie as part of the team!