Voices of Connection, Growth, and Hope
At Oregon Horsemanship and Melody’s Haven of Hope, every story matters—every horse, every child, every teen, every adult, every family, every moment of connection. Our work is built on genuine relationships, heartfelt transformation, and the incredible partnerships that form between humans and horses.
This space is dedicated to the voices of those who have experienced that magic firsthand. Here, you’ll find stories from students, families, helpers, and visitors whose lives have been touched by our programs and the horses who call our sanctuary home.
Their words reflect the heart of what we do: helping horses heal, helping people grow, and creating a community where both can thrive together. Learning true horsemanship rather that be riding, groundwork, barn management, health and welfare training, and so much more.
We invite you to read their experiences and share their heartfelt love of the horse and human connection
From the Hearts of Our Community
Lives Touched, One Horse and One Human at a Time
I have been a part of the Oregon Horsemanship community since 4th grade, and while I am excited for college, I am deeply saddened to leave this amazing community behind. What started out as a one-time summer camp quickly morphed into me begging my mom to stay at the barn longer every Saturday until I could drive myself. I am so thankful to have joined an equestrian community focused on partnership and communication between the horse and their rider, and Letitia and Alyssa are both talented and empathetic instructors and people. They truly put in so much effort into connecting with each of their students while also fostering a safe learning environment for both student and horse. They also dedicate all their resources towards making sure every rescue horse has every need met and is well taken care of. I am so grateful for this herd!
– Josephine
Student (Coast Guard Academy)
We cannot say enough good things about Oregon Horsemanship. My daughter received a deep, thorough understanding not just of how to sit on a horse, but how to act and think and move around horses, and how to communicate with body language alone, that will serve her for the rest of her riding career, and life.
It is clear that Letitia and her team truly care about the horses and the students. They provided personalized, tailored instruction to my daughter to help her grow as a rider and develop new skills quickly. When she met her “heart horse,” she was able to develop that relationship further and get to know him on a deeper level.
We miss living close to Oregon Horsemanship but know that the kids and horses there are all receiving the best care!
KC
Parent
Joining a women’s workshop isn’t just about meeting other horse lovers. It’s about learning about yourself, how you communicate to humans and animals, and to discover ways to take care of yourself. When you are comfortable with yourself, you and the horse you interact with will have a meaningful and lasting connection until you see each other again.
Julia
Woman;s Workshop Attendee
I would recommend these workshops for anyone who loves animals, would like to feel comfortable with horses in particular and also would like to meet and have “me” time with like minded women.
Patti
Woman’s Workshop Attendee
“I absolutely love Oregon Horsemanship! I started learning to ride in January 2024 at another barn and quickly realized it wasn’t the barn for me as the only thing you could do there was get up on an already tacked horse and they really didn’t give clear instructions. I did some looking around and found Oregon Horsemanship on Google. I read up on the reviews and what Oregon Horsemanship was all about on their page. I am so happy I found this barn. Not only are the trainers Letitia and Alyssa clear in instructions, but they are also super friendly, knowledgeable, and genuine. The atmosphere is kind and friendly, and the horses are well cared for and loved by both the staff, helpers, and lesson goers. The property is gorgeous! The entry in the spring is lined with blossoming flower trees and has a wooded trail area with both an indoor and outdoor arena. Lessons are excellent from getting the horse you are paired with to grooming, tacking up, and lung work to mounted lessons. You have the opportunity to truly learn how to be a partner with the horses. I absolutely recommend this barn!”
Sam B.
Adult Stufent
My daughter has been taking lessons for almost a year. I have seen her change over the last year to a more confident girl. It has reflected in her school work and how she is at home. She loves these horses and the staff, and they are wonderful with her
Bonnie S.
Parent of Student
We have absolutely loved our experience at Oregon Horsemanship. They do a great job of introducing littles to the horses in a fun and safe way. Our 5 year old has absolutely loved her time here and has learned so much about caring for horses and built so much confidence in her skills with riding. They truly know how to foster love and respect for the animals. Letitia has been very accomodating of our schedule making it easy for us to continue lessons while still meeting life obligations. We highly recommend working with this group!
Jordon and Brandon
Parents of Student
AMAZING!!! Much better then any other horse camp that my daughter has been in. Beautiful grounds, awesome clean arena, great volunteers. Great teaching, my daughter loves it, loves the horses, and leaning a lifelong skill. Thank you so much for everything Letitia
Robert L.
Parent of Camper
“This program has made my daughter so incredibly happy. We consider Oregon horsemanship our family. The care, safety and experience is beyond anything I could’ve imagined. What Letitia and Alyssa are doing for horses and people is amazing and I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you!”
Crystal R.
Parent
This is a wonderful place. My five year old daughter did her first horse camp over the summer. Letitia is a timely communicator and let us come before camp started to tour the barn and meet the horses. My daughter came home everyday from camp BEAMING. She truly fell in love with horses during her time here and we were able to continue with weekly lessons. It has been amazing watching my girl fall in love with something new and I don’t doubt it’s because the love Letitia, Alyssa and team share with new young riders. I love how they prioritize safety and educate on horse care too and it’s not just about riding – great building skills for compassion and confidence! 5 stars from us!
Allie H.
Parent of Student and Camper
The lessons at Oregon Horsemanship are about so much more than learning to ride. It’s been fun watching my daughter’s knowledge and confidence grow. She really enjoys lessons with Alyssa, and Letitia and her staff are welcoming to humans and passionate about horses.
Eileen B
Parent