Sharing the Magic
Classical riding has an incredible power to transform lives. Those who participate in it find that they learn more about themselves than they do about anything else, and the learning never ends. While it has long been associated with the courts of Europe at the great riding schools like the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, the modern era has made it available to anyone with the passion to learn. Indeed, many riders that have become great masters of the modern era have humble beginnings. We believe strongly that the future of classical riding lies with those who are born with a deep-seated passion for horses, learning, and art, no matter where they come from. However, we have encountered a number of people over the years who would give anything to ride like the great riders of the past but who do not have the personal resources. This is why we have developed our programs: to cultivate the next generation of riders no matter how humble or broken their backgrounds and help them fulfill their destinies in this amazing art form.
Equestrian Outreach
Phoenix Riders
Wholeness through Horses
We are currently creating a program that introduces at-risk youth, veterans, victims of human trafficking, and more to horses through classical riding. This program offers hope, healing, and wholeness to participants through a series of weekend and week-long retreats using horses as a gateway to finding their life’s purpose and a chance to “rise out of the ashes.” Those who fall in love with classical riding, like we have, will have an opportunity to explore classical riding in depth and develop skills for career paths and advancement.
Certification Program
Another program we are creating is a tiered certification system for grooms, riders, and trainers. This will allow for our students to be certified and prepared for becoming professionals in the equine industry.
Scholarships
We are also setting up the Karl Mikolka Memorial Fund, a scholarship for continuing the education of talented riders passionate about classical riding. This scholarship will allow riders and program participants to have access to more intensive educational opportunities.
Wellness Education
You cannot be a good rider without taking care of yourself. However, not everyone has a clear picture of what that looks like. We’re developing online and in-person classes for the public to learn the foundations of what makes a healthy diet, what makes a good exercise program, and how to grow food in limited spaces with a limited budget. These classes are geared towards everyone, especially those who don’t have easy access to these resources.
We also have wellness offerings for both mental and physical wellness. These are offered at discounts for students, veterans, and those in “helper” positions. Check out our Anima Renova offerings to see what we have and what we are developing!
Environment and Agriculture
Tenacious Acres Restorative Agriculture
Part of our classical philosophy is that we need to not only help horses and riders become their best, but we also need to take care of our environment. Tenacious Acres is a restorative agriculture program geared toward education in renewable agriculture practices. We use various techniques, including partner animals for weed and parasite control, agroforestry, permaculture, and other gardening techniques. We prefer to use endangered and heritage breeds and varieties, such as San Clemente Island Goats and Tufted Roman Geese. Stay tuned for the development of a community education program!
Internship Programs
We have internship programs for those who wish to get more involved. Interning with Tempus Renatus is an amazing opportunity to grow your skills and learn more about yourself. You do not have to be an accomplished rider nor have extensive experience to become an intern, so don’t be afraid to apply if you meet the other requirements but have little (if any) dressage experience!
Interns may stay for either a short term (minimum of 3 months) or for a long-term program. Long-term interns form the pool from which we select riders and assistant instructors with the School.
Interns are responsible for the regular farm chores as well as assisting with the training of horses that may require an extra set of hands (such as with introducing them to longeing, work in-hand, or long-reins). We have limited on-site accommodations available with more coming soon.