How to Plan a Meaningful 2026 Riding Season

How to Plan a Meaningful 2026 Riding Season

A new riding year brings fresh possibilities—new milestones to reach, challenges to overcome, and a deeper partnership to build with your horse. Winter is the perfect season to slow down, reflect, and begin shaping your plan for 2026. Whether you’re working toward confidence on the trail, refinement in the arena, or preparing a young horse for their next step, having the right support system can elevate your entire season.

In this article, we spotlight two exceptional Minnesota trainers and offer a closer look at their training programs, philosophies, and the boarding facilities they own and operate. Each brings a unique approach to helping riders grow, making them inspiring partners as you plan your goals for the year ahead.

Trainer Spotlight: Mel Harms-Grossman – SunRunner Ranch

To support riders as they work toward their 2026 goals, we’re highlighting Mel Harms-Grossman of SunRunnerRanch—a trainer whose approach reflects the heart of true horsemanship and offers steady guidance for both horse and rider. Mel is known for helping horses find calm, confidence, and clarity, particularly those that arrive anxious, unfocused, or labeled as “problem horses.” Her work is rooted in patience, education, and building a partnership from the inside out. Clients often share that while their horses feel transformed, they also walk away with a clearer understanding of timing and what their horses truly need.

Mel brings a wealth of knowledge to every ride and lesson, shaped by years of hands-on experience and a genuine desire to understand the why behind each horse and rider pair. She holds four judging cards—WHC (Wisconsin Horse Council Open Show), FQHR (Foundation Quarter Horse), Wisconsin 4-H (UW Extension 4-H Educator in Jackson County), and most recently MEOA (Midwest Extreme Obstacle Association). Whether a rider’s goals include showing, trail riding, or building a quieter, more connected partnership, Mel offers guidance rooted in feel, timing, and fairness. Her program emphasizes correct saddle fit and thoughtful horsemanship, creating a supportive environment where both horses and riders can grow, one ride at a time.

Deeply invested in bodywork, recovery, and long-term soundness, Mel works closely with professional saddle fitters, osteopaths, and Veterinary and Chiropractic practitioners, while also providing in-house bodywork. She has continued to expand her skill set through red light therapy, microcurrent, K-tape modalities, and ongoing education at annual biomechanics clinics. This commitment allows her to thoughtfully support injury and lameness recovery cases, always with the goal of helping each horse move to the best of its unique ability—comfortably, willingly, and with confidence.

Training & Rider Support

• Private or group lessons ($70–$45)
• Show Support—Coached World Qualifiers; AQHA Ranch Riding, WDAA, & FQHR organizations, with top ten to reserve world in WDAA & FQHR events. Local club qualifiers & year end winners.
• Groundwork, Horsemanship, and Confidence-building
• Ranch Riding / Rail, Pattern, 4-H, Obstacle / Trail, Western Dressage, Ranch Reining, Gymkhana Round Pen
• Trailer-in Lessons Welcome
• Schooling Horses Available at Select Times

Training Options

• Full Time — $555/month
• Part Time (10) — $375/month
• Part Time (5) — $225/month
• Single Ride — $65

Equine Housing & Care

• Full Care— $475/month
• Modified Full Care— $425/month
• Daily— $25

The facility offers 10×12 stalls with paddock turnout, along with quality hay and grain options to support each horse’s individual needs.

Additional Expertise

• Focus on Sustainable Mental & Physical Development
• Injury recovery support, informed by experience as a former Veterinary Technician (UT) and Veterinary Assistant (WI)
• Saddle-fit Guidance in Partnership with Experienced Fitters
• Biomechanics-based rehabilitation and corrective exercise programs

Contact Information

Mel Harms-Grossman – SunRunner Ranch
2086, 20th St SE Buffalo, MN 55313
[email protected] | (608) 797-0205
facebook.com/melhgtrainingsunrunnerranch

Trainer Spotlight: Jamie Novak – Novak Equine Center

Whether you’re developing a young prospect, fine-tuning an experienced partner, or simply aiming for more consistent communication and confidence in your rides, her teaching style emphasizes softness, balance, and a strong partnership. Jamie is especially skilled at helping riders tackle common challenges such as headset softness, heaviness on the forehand, speed control, and overall balance.

The 140-acre family-run facility provides a safe, supportive environment where both horses and riders can progress steadily, even through the winter months. With a heated indoor arena, expansive outdoor riding areas, a round pen for young horses, and riding trails throughout the property—with additional county trails nearby—the facility is perfect for year-round training and varied riding experiences. Novak Equine Center is also a full-service boarding stable, offering a wide range of amenities including quality feed, turnout options, stalls, paddocks, and individualized care tailored to each horse’s needs. Combined with thoughtful instruction and a strong focus on biomechanics, this facility ensures that every horse and rider has the resources, guidance, and support needed to reach their goals in 2026—and beyond.

Training & Rider Support

• Private or group lessons — $50
• Focus on riding mechanics to help horses respond calmly, move correctly, and stay strong long-term
• Classical Dressage to improve suppleness, responsiveness, balance, and overall movement
• Guidance for advancing through the Dressage levels using the Training Pyramid
• Western Pleasure training with support for Breed Shows, Open Shows, and haul-in showing
• Comprehensive support for gaming, 4-H, open shows, and breed competition
• Goal-focused training for every rider—whether competing or riding for pleasure

Young Riders Academy – Youth Lessons (18 & Under)

The Young Riders Academy provides a welcoming, goal-focused environment where kids and teens can learn horsemanship, build confidence, and develop a strong partnership with their horse.

• 30-minute private lessons — $50
• Flexible monthly scheduling with online sign-up
• Free monthly Youth Party with at least one lesson (grooming, learning, snacks)
• Non-lesson youth welcome to attend parties for a small fee
• Emphasis on horsemanship, communication, and teamwork
• Lease options available for more saddle time and discipline exploration

Boarding at Novak Equine Center

Novak Equine Center offers a welcoming, year-round training environment supported by a knowledgeable on-site trainer and well-designed riding spaces. Every boarder—regardless of barn option—enjoys access to the outdoor arena, round pen, temperature-controlled 200×80 indoor arena, heated lounge, daily turnout (private paddock or pasture), free-choice quality hay, and a hot/cold wash rack.

Barn Option One – $565/month

• 12×12 stalls
• Temperature-controlled barn
• Private tack lockers
• Blanketing services

Barn Option Two – $515/month

• 10×10 stalls
• Temperature-controlled barn
• Shared tack space
• Blanketing services

Barn Option Three – $475/month

• 10×10 stalls
• Non-temperature-controlled barn

Contact Information

Jamie Novak – Novak Equine Center
17457 Timber Lane SE, Brainerd, MN 56401
[email protected] | (218) 251-2470
novakequinecenter.net
facebook.com/novakequinecenter

Planning Your 2026 Riding Season: Steps for Success

Once you’ve identified the trainers and resources that best support your goals, these steps will help you build a meaningful plan for the year.

Reflect on 2025

Take inventory of the past year:

• What improved?
• What frustrated you?
• What did your horse struggle with?
• Where did time or confidence hold you back?

Reflection creates clarity and direction. It also helps you recognize how far you and your horse have already come.

Set Goals That Strengthen Partnership

Meaningful goals are those that support connection, communication, and progress.

Consider:

• Softness and balance
• Confidence on the trail
• Improved transitions or patterns
• Show preparation
• Young horse development

Build a Winter Training Plan

Consistency through winter sets the stage for spring success.

• Schedule regular lessons or clinics
• Use groundwork to build softness and responsiveness
• Trailer in for indoor arena time
• Study biomechanics and horsemanship principles

Both featured trainers offer winter-friendly programs to help riders maintain momentum.

Break Your Year Into Manageable Phases

• Jan–Mar: Foundation, balance, conditioning
• Apr–Jun: Increase saddle time, refine transitions, start patterns
• Jul–Sep: Peak season—shows, trail miles, advanced work
• Oct–Dec: Evaluate, reset, and begin planning for 2027

Surround Yourself With the Right Support

Having the right guidance can make all the difference in turning your 2026 riding goals into real progress. Trainers like Mel Harms-Grossman and Jamie Novak provide structure, confidence, and clarity, helping both you and your horse advance steadily toward your goals.

With their year-round support, you can continue learning, refining, and growing through every season, ensuring that each ride builds a stronger, more connected partnership.

Here’s to a connected, confident, and purposeful 2026 riding season—one filled with growth, accomplishment, and joyful time in the saddle.