Young Woman's Mentorship Program
Mentorship Program Overview
The Young Women’s Equine Mentorship Program at Diamond Heart Ranchette is a 3‑month immersive experience designed for girls ages 16–19 who want more than just volunteer hours — they want purpose, confidence, and connection. Our ranch is a family‑run private facility built on therapeutic values, respectful land management, and a deep commitment to creating a space of peace, safety, and healing. Every detail of the property reflects intention, care, and the belief that horses can change lives.
In partnership with Horse Sense Education & Advocacy Non-Profit (HSNP), students step into a world where horsemanship is taught with compassion, where land is cared for with respect, and where young women are encouraged to grow into capable, confident individuals. Participants learn horse husbandry, riding foundations, equine rehabilitation, PEMF and red‑light therapy, ranch operations, and nonprofit event support — all through hands‑on experience guided by dedicated instructors.
Students can earn community service hours and career‑related credit, and we work directly with each student’s school and advisor to ensure they receive proper recognition for their dedication and hard work. Upon completing the 3‑month term, each student will receive a Completion Certificate, a formal Letter of Recommendation, and a Recognition of Achievement. We also review opportunities to extend the mentorship or consider exceptional participants for potential paid positions.
Diamond Heart Ranchette is more than a ranch — it’s a peaceful refuge built with intention, a place where horses teach patience and strength, and where young women discover their potential.
LESSONS AND EDUCATION
Combining Horsemanship and Equine Therapeutic Practices
Our Story
Lessons at Diamond Heart Ranchette:
Our focus is simple: support the horse and rider through balanced movement, meaningful communication, and therapeutic care. Lessons are tailored to meet the physical and relational needs of each horse and human partnership.
We emphasize biomechanics, posture, craniosacral rhythm, nutrition, dentistry, and hoof health—not as separate ideas, but as interrelated components of equine well-being. Riders learn how to listen and respond, not just direct. Horses receive respect, attention, and techniques that help restore comfort and balance.
Whether you're new to the saddle or working through a rehab plan, every lesson is built to deepen understanding and improve the physical and emotional experience for both horse and rider.
Meet The Team
Kristin Praly
Lead Teacher, Equine Cranial Sacral Specialist, and Ranchette Owner
Kristin Praly, Owner Operator of Horse Sense Education and Advocacy and Executive Director of Horse Sense Education and Advocacy Nonprofit, has over 40 years of experience with horses in nearly all the capacities horses find themselves working within human life.
Growing up in Saratoga, California, she was fortunate enough to spend all her free time at the many local stables. By the age of 12 Kristin mucked many a stall to raise enough money to pay for half her first horse. A Morgan Quarter horse mare was the first horse the family looked at. “We drove to a horse trader in Morgan Hill. It was winter and she was the prettiest in the line-up. I remember hoping she was the one for sale. Turns out the first thing that pretty horse did was bite me."
Lesson #1: "Do not judge a horse by its color!”
Kristin didn’t say a word about being bitten, hopped on and went for a fun ride. You guessed it. Her dad bought the horse. Kristin named the nameless horse Pepper for her personality. As it turns out, this mare wouldn't allow anyone else to touch her without Kristin present.
"I find that I like to listen to what's being presented to me by the horse. I have since learned that many people cannot connect with horses on the same level that I have always just assumed was natural.
Katelyn Praly
.png)
Assistant Teacher, Herbal Consultant, Equine Bodywork PA, Barn Management.
Katelyn’s lifelong relationship with horses spans Vaulting, Pony Club, Gymkhanas, 4-H, parades, and carriage driving at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. She began teaching at age 15 and brings a steady, hands-on perspective to rider development. Her instructional approach emphasizes balanced riding—where horse and rider communicate with ease, confidence, and mutual trust.
Driven by a deep curiosity and respect for equine wellness, Katelyn has studied Equine Cranio Sacral therapy and massage, and is currently immersed in Herbology. Her goal is to support horses proactively—addressing imbalances before they become problems and tailoring nutritional strategies to individual needs. Through her evolving knowledge in botanicals and functional nutrition, she promotes whole-horse health that reinforces clarity, comfort, and longevity in the saddle.