Arena de la MAR, LLC
Equine Assisted Learning
Proudly serving participants across Ashland and Bayfield counties, our program is designed to build deep self-awareness, confidence, and true harmony between you and your equine partner.
We bring a rich, deeply rooted foundation to every session—combining the structured HorseSense curriculum with over 60 years of loving and working with horses, alongside more than 30 years in professional education. This unique blend allows us to create a safe, supportive, and truly transformative space for learning and growth.
Above all, our horses are our family. We take their care and well-being to heart, and there is nothing we love more than opening our barn doors to share the incredible magic, wisdom, and beauty of horses with our local community.
Expectations
Horses live outdoors, which means our learning environment is as dynamic as nature itself. Some days bring crisp, perfect weather, while others come with summer heat, winter chills, dust, or mud. Dressing in comfortable layers that you don't mind getting a little dusty—along with bringing a water bottle, sunscreen, or extra warmth—ensures you can stay focused and comfortable.
Footwear & Gear:
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On the Ground: For safety around our heavy-footed friends, sturdy, closed-toe shoes (like boots or solid sneakers) are required for everyone at all times.
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In the Saddle: All participants begin on the ground, focusing on building deep self-awareness, confidence, and clear communication with their equine partner. If you progress to riding, you'll need boots with a heel and an approved protective helmet. You’re welcome to bring your own helmet, or borrow one of ours!
Facilities
Tack Room.
Learning doesn't stop just because the weather decides to challenge us. Our Tack Room serves as a cozy, climate-controlled retreat where we can step out of the elements, take a breath, and focus on reflection, conversation, and quiet discovery.
Whether we’re escaping the summer heat with our AC and fans or staying warm around the heaters in the winter, this insulated space is designed for comfort year-round. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s already a favorite spot for deep learning and thoughtful discussion—especially on days when nature tests our resolve.
And if the mood strikes, Gator—our resident Chief Purr Officer and ultimate spotlight stealer—might just wander in to oversee the session!
Arena. Step into a dedicated space where connection comes first. Our expansive main arena is framed by secure fencing and features carefully dragged, sandy footing that provides a safe and comfortable ground for you and your equine partner to move, interact, and grow. Just alongside the arena, our covered gazebo with wooden riser seating offers a shaded spot for companions, family members, or observers to comfortably sit back, observe the process, and take in the insights as they unfold. It's also a nice spot for participants during post-session reflections.
Challenge Course. For a more focused experience, our separate, fenced obstacle arena provides an interactive classroom for hands-on learning. Navigating thoughtfully designed challenges alongside your equine partner offers a masterclass in direct, non-judgmental feedback. Unlike people, horses don’t care about your resume or your best intentions—they respond entirely to your body language, energy, and clarity in the moment. If you ask for a confident step forward with a hesitant whisper of energy, don't be surprised if your horse decides that colorful pool noodle is far too scary, or simply takes the opportunity to grab a snack instead! Working through these fun, physical puzzles gives you an immediate, honest mirror for your communication style, helping you build genuine trust, refine your leadership, and laugh a little along the way.