About Us
Why Tutoring?
You might be surprised to see tutoring on a horse barn's list of services. It's not exactly a western tradition! But we've come to believe that riding and learning ask the same things of a kid—patience, persistence, and heart.
Every time a child gets in the saddle, they're learning to stay calm under pressure, to keep trying after a setback, and to trust the process even when progress feels slow. Those are the exact same qualities that help a child push through a tough math problem or stick with a book that doesn't come easy at first. We've seen firsthand how the confidence a child builds on horseback can carry right over into the classroom—and vice versa.
That's why we wanted to offer something more than just riding lessons. We want every child who walks through our gates to grow, whether that's in the saddle or at the books. Because at the end of the day, we're not just teaching kids to ride—we're helping them grow into confident, capable people, one lesson at a time.
Why at a Barn?
- Learning without the classroom pressure: A barn is low-stakes and judgment-free — no desks, no peer pressure, no "everyone's watching." Kids who freeze up in a traditional classroom often relax here. The setting itself is calming. Being around horses and open space can lower anxiety before a kid even opens a book.
- One-on-one, individualized attention: Unlike a classroom of 25+, tutoring here means a kid isn't falling through the cracks — the pace is set by them, not a curriculum calendar.
Great for kids with learning differences (ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety) who need movement breaks, patience, and a less rigid structure.
- A trusted, familiar space: If a child already rides with us, they already trust the environment and the people in it — that comfort can make tackling a hard subject feel less intimidating. Parents get a two-for-one: the same afternoon can cover both riding and schoolwork, which is a practical win too (less shuttling around town). This does not mean your child who is not interested in riding is not welcome in our tutoring program!
- Flexible Learning Environments: Learning doesn't have to happen behind four walls. At Mountain View Equestrian, tutoring sessions can move outside, into the barn, or stay indoors — whatever setting helps your child focus best that day. A change of scenery, some fresh air, and the option to take a breather outside can make all the difference for kids who struggle to sit still in a traditional classroom. It's a small shift that often leads to a much better learning experience.
- Horses' Influence on Learning: Believe it or not, there's real research behind the idea that horses can help kids learn. Reading-with-horses programs have grown across the country in recent years, and studies have shown that reading aloud to a horse can reduce anxiety and build confidence in young readers. Horses are non-judgmental listeners — there's no fear of being laughed at, no pressure to get every word perfect. Some research has even shown measurable improvements in literacy skills after structured programs like this. At Mountain View Equestrian, we've built our tutoring program around that same idea — using the calm, encouraging presence of horses to help kids feel safe taking risks with their learning.
Meet Abigail - Our Tutor
As head of our tutoring program at Mountain View Equestrian, Abigail offers one-on-one academic support for Kindergarten through 6th grade in math, writing, science, reading, and Latin. Whether your child needs help keeping up with homework, wants to get ahead, or needs focused support in a specific subject, Abigail tailors each session to meet them exactly where they are.
Abigail's own education gives her a unique perspective on teaching. Having attended a classical school herself, she is deeply familiar with the classical approach to education — including the discipline, critical thinking, and love of learning that model is designed to cultivate. She understands firsthand what it takes for a student to grow academically within that framework, and she brings that understanding into how she structures her lessons. She is currently a college student studying Biological Sciences on an academic scholarship, which reflects both her strong academic ability and her genuine passion for learning — something she hopes to instill in every student she works with.
Beyond academics, Abigail brings warmth, patience, and genuine care to every session. Her faith shapes not just the occasional lesson, but the way she shows up for each child — through encouragement, kindness, and the trust she builds with every student she teaches. For families at Christian schools or those interested in their children becoming more Biblically literate, she's also happy to incorporate the Bible into lessons across any subject, or to teach it as a standalone subject.
Abigail works with students of all skill levels and backgrounds, whether your child needs a confidence boost, extra practice in a tricky subject, or simply a caring, consistent presence to help them stay on track. Her goal isn't just to help students catch up or get ahead — it's to help them build a genuine love of learning that lasts well beyond their time with her.
What Abigail Believes & Values
Abigail also believes strongly in the value of learning without a screen. In a world where so much education has shifted to tablets, apps, and typed assignments, she's seen firsthand how much kids benefit from writing things out by hand — working through a math problem on paper, physically forming letters, or flipping through the pages of an actual book. There's something about slowing down and engaging with material directly, without a device in the way, that helps concepts stick and keeps kids more present in what they're learning.
Because of this, Abigail leans toward paper-based, hands-on methods whenever possible — worksheets, handwritten practice, physical books, and old-fashioned problem-solving. That said, she's more than willing to incorporate technology into lessons when it's genuinely helpful or when a family prefers it. Whether your child learns best with a pencil and paper or needs some tech-based tools along the way, Abigail is happy to adapt her approach to fit what works best for your child.
Discover the Mountain View Equestrian Home
Welcome to Mountain View Equestrian! We are a small, family-friendly horseback riding lesson barn based out of Golden, Colorado, just a few minutes outside downtown Golden, Evergreen, Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, and nearby cities.
At this time, we are at full capacity. However, we are working to have some open spots in the coming months, so if you are interested, please reach out and we can help get you on the waitlist! Our mission and values are truly one of a kind, and we want to share them with as many of you as possible!