Where horses help youth grow.

Montanova Stables Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. In partnership with our horses and ponies, MSF helps students develop valuable life skills such as patience, trust, responsibility, and self-confidence.

Montanova Stables Foundation exists thanks to the generosity and heart of our community.

We partner with area schools to identify children who will benefit from our afterschool and summer camp programs. These programs are rooted in the belief that horsemanship can play a valuable role in developing youth into confident leaders. This dedicated education is offered to students at no cost to their families thanks to generous support from our barn community and the community at large.

What we do

Montanova Stables is home to Montanova Stables Foundation, providing horsemanship-based programs in support of area youth. Montanova also offers lessons for all ages and horse boarding.

  • During the school year, students come to our barn for afterschool enrichment through horseback riding lessons, horsemanship, and work in the barn. Students gain a valuable sense of accomplishment and increase in self-confidence as they master these skills. Volunteers from the community and organizations like University of Virginia's Madison House and APO Fraternity provide invaluable support. 🐴 learn more

  • The mentorship program is a huge part of what makes MSF special. Mentors provide one-on-one support to students in the afterschool and summer camp programs. Mentors themselves grow and develop their own skills in both horsemanship and leadership as they help others learn. 🐴 learn more

  • We offer one-week summer camps from June - August. The camps teach a full range of horsemanship skills, including riding, grooming, tacking, and horse care. These camps are open to students from our afterschool program, our lesson program, and the public. 🐴 learn more

  • The Vet Club was established to support any rider or horseperson interested in furthering their veterinary knowledge. Hosted by Keswick Equine Clinic's Dr. Shelly McDaniel, DVM, this club gives our students accessible knowledge of horse health and nutrition. 🐴 learn more

  • Drill Team is like synchronized swimming, but on horseback. It's open to all ages and meets once per week. Taught by one of our Board members and local veterinarians, MSF boarders, adults, and students alike participate. Drill Team puts on performances during MSF open houses and during local events like the Grace Church Historic Farm Tour. 🐴 learn more

  • Montanova has a well-established lesson program teaching students of all ages and ability levels. With backgrounds in eventing, hunters, jumpers, and dressage, instructors can tailor lessons to meet personal goals. 🐴 learn more

  • Our boarding facilities are currently full. You are welcome to check in with us, and we are happy to provide recommendations for other barns in the area. MSF is grateful to our Boarders for their wonderful support of our programming -- many of their horses are "adopted" by summer campers. 🐴 learn more

How you can help

We couldn’t do what we do without support of many kinds, from many people. If you resonate with our mission, please consider helping in one of the following ways.

Volunteer

Donate

Buy Merch

Talk About Us