What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Michael Lyons Horsemanship

Home
United States
Randleman, NC
Michael Lyons Horsemanship

Directions Website

Helping riders build confident, willing horses through clarity and consistency. Clinics • Lessons • Training • Apprenticeships
📩 Message us to work with us
(1)

Michael dedicated his life to bettering the relationship between horse and rider. Together Michael and his wife Julia teach riders nationwide to better connect with their horse

11/13/2026

Good groundwork is so much more than just moving a horse around on the end of a lead rope.

In our program, I see quality groundwork as one of the most valuable tools we have for developing a horse, both mentally and physically.

There is something incredibly beneficial about giving a horse the opportunity to learn how to relax into their work, find balance, and use their body freely without the added weight and influence of a rider.

When done with purpose, groundwork can help us change patterns of movement, encourage better use of the hindquarters, free up the shoulders, back, and neck, and help a horse discover a softer, more balanced way of carrying themselves.

But here’s the important part…

I want my groundwork to look and feel just as balanced, relaxed, and intentional as my ridden work.

I don’t want a horse simply moving its feet because I asked. I want a horse learning to organize its body, release unnecessary tension, and become more confident and comfortable in the movement we’re asking for.

And just as importantly, I want their mind to stay with me through the process.

To me, good groundwork isn’t separate from good riding. It’s an extension of it. The same principles of softness, balance, relaxation, and willingness should carry through everything we do with our horses.

Because the goal isn’t just to get the horse moving. It’s to improve how the horse moves, how the horse feels, and how the horse thinks about the work.

That’s where groundwork becomes so much more than an exercise. It becomes a valuable part of developing the whole horse. 💜🐴

11/05/2026

Fall weather, turning leaves, and pretty horses makes for great candid photoshoot days!

10/27/2026

🐴 We’re Looking for an Intern to Join the MLH Family!

Do you have a passion for horses, a desire to learn, and a willingness to work hard? We might have the perfect opportunity for you!

Here at Michael Lyons Horsemanship, we love what we do, and we love sharing it with others. We’re looking for someone who wants to roll up their sleeves, become part of our daily farm life, and truly dive into the world of horsemanship.

Our days are filled with training horses, caring for the animals, teaching lessons, sharing laughs, and usually a little bit of organized chaos. 😂 We work hard, but we have a lot of fun doing it!

We pride ourselves on creating a positive, family-like environment where questions are encouraged, learning never stops, and everyone plays a part in making the farm run.

What we’re looking for:
🐴 Someone passionate about horses and eager to grow their horsemanship skills.

🐴 A dependable, hardworking person who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

🐴 Someone with a great attitude, a willingness to learn, and a team mentality.

🐴 Someone who wants to experience the many different sides of the horse industry, from daily care and barn management to training and developing horses.

This is an opportunity to learn alongside us, gain hands-on experience, and develop a deeper understanding of horses and the business behind them.

A few important details:
📍 Located in Randleman, NC.
🏡 This is a non-residential internship. On-site housing is not available, so applicants must live locally or arrange their own accommodations.

We aren’t looking for someone who already knows everything. We’re looking for someone who is excited to learn, willing to put in the effort, and wants to be part of something special.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! Send us a message introducing yourself, your horse experience, and what you’re hoping to gain from an internship with us.

And if you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this with them! 💜🐴

10/26/2026

Dissipate, don’t participate.

It’s a saying you’ll hear us use often when we’re coaching riders, and it’s one of the most important lessons we can teach in horsemanship.

When things aren’t going the way you want with your horse, you have two choices. You can participate in the emotion, or you can help dissipate it.

When a horse gets frustrated, anxious, reactive, or resistant, it’s incredibly easy for the rider to match that energy. We get frustrated because they’re frustrated. We add pressure because things aren’t working. We become emotional because they’re emotional.

And before long, instead of one emotional participant, we have two.

But you cannot expect your horse to find relaxation and clarity in a situation that you’re helping escalate.

Our job as horsemen is to be the steady presence in the conversation. To recognize when things are beginning to unravel and have the awareness to redirect that energy into something productive.

Sometimes that means changing the question. Sometimes it means simplifying the task. Sometimes it means giving the horse a moment to process and find the right answer.

It doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations or never holding your horse accountable. It means understanding that adding emotion to an already emotional situation rarely produces the result we’re looking for.

The more challenging the moment, the more important our timing, patience, and emotional control become.

Because ultimately, we can’t always control how our horses respond to a situation, but we can control what we contribute to it.

The next time things start going sideways with your horse, ask yourself:

Am I helping dissipate this situation, or am I participating in it?

That one question can change the entire direction of your ride.

Dissipate, don’t participate.

10/24/2026

Michael and Woody Be Amazing had a great show this past weekend at the South East Ranch Horse Series for owner Sharon Timmons!

🥇 Green Open Working Cow Horse
🥇 Green Open Trail
🥇 Green Open Boxing

10/23/2026

🐴 Grab your friends, pack your bags, and come spend a day (or a few 😉) at the barn with us!

Looking for a fun getaway that also gives you the opportunity to really grow with your horse?

Our Half-Day and Full-Day Private Sessions at Michael Lyons Horsemanship are one of our favorite ways to help riders take their horsemanship to the next level!

Whether you come on your own or gather a group of friends, these sessions are tailored specifically to YOU, your horse, and the goals you want to accomplish.

Maybe you’re wanting to build a better foundation, work through a specific challenge, gain confidence, or fine-tune your performance in the show pen. Whatever your goals may be, we love having the opportunity to slow down, dive a little deeper, and give you the individualized instruction to help you make real progress.

And here’s the fun part…

🏡 Make a getaway out of it! We have cabins right here on the farm, so you and your friends can stay, enjoy some time away from the everyday hustle, and spend your days doing what you love.

There’s something pretty special about getting a group of horse-loving friends together, spending quality time in the saddle, learning new things, and heading home with a little more confidence and a whole lot of motivation.

Half-day, full-day, or make a whole trip out of it! We would love to help you put together an experience that fits your group.

📩 Send us a message to talk about scheduling your private session or group getaway!

Sometimes the best investment you can make in your horsemanship is simply giving yourself the time and opportunity to grow. ❤️

10/21/2026

🐴 MOORESVILLE, NC… WE’RE HEADED YOUR WAY THIS WEEKEND!

We’re excited to be spending this weekend at Southern Sky Stables for a two-day Horsemanship Clinic!

Whether you’re working through challenges with your horse, wanting to improve softness and body control, or simply looking to build a better foundation, we’re excited for a weekend of learning, growth, and good horsemanship!

👀 AUDITORS ARE WELCOME!

Not bringing a horse? Come spend the day with us! Auditing is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and take home valuable information to apply to your own horse.

📍 Southern Sky Stables | Mooresville, NC
📅 This weekend, October 24–25

We’d love to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones! Come join us for a great weekend of horsemanship! 🐴

10/11/2026

🐴 **RANCH RIDING WEDNESDAYS ARE BACK!** 🤠

One of our most popular group sessions is making its return, and we're excited to get everyone back in the arena!
Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills for the show pen, build confidence with your horse, or simply become a better rider, **Ranch Riding Wednesdays** are a great opportunity to learn, practice, and make progress alongside other riders.

Each week, we'll work on different elements of Ranch Riding, including:
🐴 **Ranch Riding Patterns** — Improving transitions, precision, maneuver ex*****on, and overall quality of movement.
🐴 **Ranch Trail** — Building confidence, accuracy, and communication through obstacles.
🐴 **Rail Work** — Developing consistency, balance, and quality of gaits while working around other horses.

One of the biggest benefits of these sessions is the opportunity to ride in a group setting. Getting your horse comfortable with traffic, distractions, and other riders is valuable whether you're preparing for the show pen or just wanting a more confident, well-rounded horse.

And with the days getting shorter, we're putting our indoor arena and lights to good use! No more racing against the sunset to get a ride in after work.
Wednesday Evenings - 5:30 PM to approximately 6:30–7:00 PM
**limited spots available**

Our goal is to create a fun, encouraging environment where riders can challenge themselves, learn from one another, and continue building better horses.
You don't have to be a seasoned competitor to join us. Just come ready to ride, learn, and improve!
You'll find the sign up link for the session in the comments below... or visit our website under Lessons. Our new Fall lesson schedule is LIVE and posted as well.

Address

5396 Old Walker Mill Road
Randleman, NC
27317

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://michaellyonshorsemanship.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Michael Lyons Horsemanship posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.