Out Side In, Grand Haven

Saddling over 90 years of combined horsemanship experience, including competition at the national level, the instructors at Out Side In focus their equestrian energies on benefitting the greater good. Led by executive director and psychotherapist Jennifer McVoy, the team spends much of its time focusing on equine-assisted psychotherapy, or EAP, a therapeutic approach that aims to improve quality of life for at-risk youth by using horses as catalysts for social and emotional growth. Riding lessons, offered in the disciplines of both English and Western, are aimed at helping riders of all ages and skill levels improve self esteem by walking a mile in someone else's horseshoes. Beginners can expect to start with the basic, entry-level skills of horse care, anatomy, saddling, and safety techniques before progressing to more advanced skills, such as jumping, barrel racing, or riding a horse through a drive-thru.