Riding the horse is the fun part. Caring for the animal, however, offers additional learning opportunities for leadership and character building — core values that are developed in middle school and high school cadets at Missouri Military Academy. 

MMA’s equestrian program teaches horsemanship such as saddling and mounting and horseback riding techniques (walking, trotting, cantering and galloping) — plus equine care and management. 

According to Equestrian Director Christy Nowlin – horse handler and instructor with nearly 40 years of experience – horse care and management go hand-in-hand with horseback riding. 

“I teach cadets everything they need to know about safety, horsemanship, grooming, saddling, and riding – both in and out of the barn,” Nowlin said. “My primary objectives are to properly train cadets to deal with such a large animal and then to help them build a relationship with the horse they are assigned to work with. That relationship fosters responsibility, confidence and self-assurance.” 

Physically, the equestrian program helps cadets improve their balance, motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, and core strength, and the program also expands their overall knowledge of the animals. 

“I'm in the program because I have horses at home, but I didn't really do much more than feeding and riding. I've learned how to tack, control, and more,” said Brennan Williams, a 12th grader from Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

The development of soft, interpersonal skills – such as responsibility – are a primary focus for the equestrian program’s middle and high schoolers. 

“I wanted more responsibility. Having to take care of an animal is the best way to achieve that,” said 11th grader Roy Kioko from St. Louis, Missouri, about why he joined the equestrian program at MMA. 

MMA currently maintains a fleet of ten horses, one thoroughbred and nine quarterhorses. In the last five years, the equestrian program has grown from 6 cadets to more than 35 participating each year.

“Horses are beautiful animals. I love being around animals with such prominent personalities and emotions. I have learned that horses are very fragile, requiring lots of love and care,” said Jude Mesa, a 10th grader from Portland, Oregon, about his experience with the program.

Nowlin emphasizes that the equestrian program supports leadership development, one of MMA’s core values, through the responsibility they are given.

“I work to help cadets become strong leaders,” said Nowlin. “Learning how to control a 1,200-pound animal takes courage, grit, and determination. The horses don't always like to do what they are told, and it takes a strong character to consistently ‘be the boss’ of the horse.” 

Missouri Military Academy is an all-male, college preparatory military boarding school (middle school and high school) with a diverse domestic and international student population.