Horsemanship Before Riding
Every student learns to handle, groom, and tack up before they sit in the saddle. Riders who understand horses on the ground become safer and more confident riders.
About MSB Riding Academy
Patient Instruction, Real Horsemanship, and Riders Who Grow
MSB Riding Academy in Howell, Michigan is built around calm instruction, real horse knowledge, and steady rider development. Melinda Blaine teaches riders to become capable in and out of the saddle, with safety, confidence, and horsemanship at the center of every lesson.
Your Instructor
Melinda
Blaine
Patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in every rider who walks through the gate.
Melinda founded MSB Riding Academy on a straightforward belief: students who understand horses become riders who are safe, confident, and self-sufficient. Every lesson, from the first time in the saddle to showing, is built around that idea. English huntseat, western, horsemanship, tacking up, horse care. You leave knowing more than how to ride.
15 +
Years Riding
5
Years Teaching
100 +
Riders Trained
Teaching Philosophy
Why MSB Does It Differently
No Shortcuts, No Rush
Lessons are built around each rider's pace. Melinda does not push students past what they are ready for, and she does not hold them back when they are ready to grow.
Self-Sufficient Riders
The goal is riders who can think for themselves in the saddle. Students learn to read their horse, make corrections, and solve problems instead of waiting to be told what to do.
Safety First
How We Keep Riders Safe
- Every rider is matched to the right horse for their age, size, and experience
- Helmets are required for all mounted riders
- All new families start with a barn walkthrough before scheduling lessons
- Lesson horses are selected for patience, temperament, and reliability
- Small group sizes ensure Melinda can give real attention to every rider
- Ground rules and barn safety are covered before anyone touches a horse
The Program Horses
Meet the Horses Who Make It Possible
Every horse in the MSB program is chosen for patience, temperament, and teachability. They are the foundation of what makes lessons safe, effective, and genuinely enjoyable.
Ready to Ride?
Book Your First Lesson With Melinda
Every new family starts with a free barn walkthrough. No commitment, just come see the barn and talk through what you want to learn.