(480) 436-0743
Come Ride with Us — Your Journey Starts at Saddle Sore
Serving Two East Valley Locations
San Tan Valley
Apache Junction
ABOUT US
Located in San Tan Valley, Saddle Sore LLC is a family-owned equine facility operated by Mindy Shreeve since 2013. We proudly serve riders at two East Valley locations — San Tan Valley and Apache Junction. We offer therapeutic and typical riding lessons for youth, as well as equine clinics designed to inspire learning, confidence, and horsemanship skills.
As owner and director, Mindy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation through the Parks and Recreation Management Program at Arizona State University and has been a PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor since 2012. Therapeutic riding is at the heart of our programming. Our goal is to promote the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of every participant through positive, horse-centered experiences.
At Saddle Sore LLC, our mission is to create a safe, enjoyable, and dynamic environment where individuals can embark on a transformative journey to master the fundamentals of interacting with horses. We are dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of horsemanship, ensuring that participants not only develop essential riding skills but also build meaningful connections with these majestic animals. Through our commitment to safety, fun, and growth, we strive to instill a lifelong passion for equestrian pursuits while promoting a sense of responsibility and respect for our equine partners.
PROGRAMS
Therapeutic Riding Lessons
At Saddle Sore LLC, we believe that every rider deserves the chance to learn, grow, and connect with horses. Our therapeutic riding program is designed for youth of all abilities, offering a supportive and adaptive environment where each session is tailored to individual needs and goals.
Following the HorseSense Learning Levels curriculum, we combine mounted and unmounted activities to help riders build confidence, improve balance and coordination, and experience the emotional and cognitive benefits of working with horses.
Whether it’s learning horsemanship in the saddle or exploring horse care on the ground, our therapeutic riding sessions create opportunities for skill-building, personal growth, and lasting connections between horse and rider.
Beginner & Intermediate Riding Lessons
Our beginner and intermediate riding lessons give youth riders a well-rounded foundation in horsemanship through the HorseSense Learning Levels curriculum. Riders will learn English & Western styles while learning essential riding skills in a safe, encouraging environment.
Lessons go beyond the saddle with unmounted barn sessions focused on horse care, safety, and equine knowledge. We also integrate our HorseCentered curriculum, where students explore equine behavior, groundwork, and the art of building a strong partnership with their horse.
This holistic approach ensures our riders not only develop riding skills but also gain a deeper understanding of and respect for the incredible animals they work with.
Upcoming Events & Meet Ups
Howl at the Moon presented by Spirited Soul ConnectionSun, Sep 07San Tan Valley
CPR & First Aid CertificationSat, Oct 25San Tan Valley
Year End Recognition & PotluckSat, Dec 06San Tan Valley
Camp Saddle SoreThu, Jun 04Happy Jack
WE ARE PROUD OF OUR EXPANSION
SADDLE SORE AT CIRCLE C
Location: Apache Junction
Circle C Stables – Apache Junction
Our second home since 2022, Saddle Sore at Circle C in Apache Junction offers typical beginner–intermediate riding lessons in a supportive, small-group setting. Lessons at this location are ESA compatible, and space is limited to ensure quality instruction and plenty of individual attention.
We currently offer small group lessons on Tuesday and Thursday evenings — perfect for riders looking to build skills, confidence, and a love for horses in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Home to Spirited Soul Connection
Location: San Tan Valley
Spirited Soul Connection, a unique wellness service in San Tan Valley, AZ, offers transformative experiences with horses. Ideal for single parents, young adults, or anyone who's found traditional therapy doesn't work for them, our certified, trauma-informed Equine Gestaltist (R) guides clients through sessions to clear roadblocks and live authentically.
OUR HERD
ODIE
(March 27, 1992 – April 8, 2025)
Odie was the founding member of our herd and the heart of Saddle Sore. She began her career as a working cow horse before transitioning to teaching kids in Therapeutic Riding in 2005. Sweet, loving, and endlessly caring, Odie had a motherly way of making every rider feel safe and supported.
She retired from lesson work at Saddle Sore at the end of 2017 but remained our watchful supervisor, quietly guiding and keeping the herd in harmony. Odie was — and will always be — a loving and constant reminder of what we strive to achieve and why we do what we do. Her presence shaped our barn family, and her spirit continues to inspire us every day.
Breed: AQHA
Color: Bay
Sex: Mare
Size: 15 hands
SHORTY
Shorty was trained in cutting cattle and western riding, but he’s happiest on a long, winding trail ride. Funny, playful, and full of personality, he’s easy to ride and loves working with our new little riders. As one of the original horses on the ranch, Shorty has been a steady, dependable partner from the very beginning. He’s our “go-to” horse — patient, trustworthy, and always ready to help riders of all ages build confidence in the saddle.
Breed: AQHA
Color: Bay
Sex: Gelding
Size: 15 hands
FANCY AKA FANCY FACE
Fancy is experienced in trail riding and working a parade with style. She joined the program at Saddle Sore Ranch as a therapy horse in 2018. Fancy always carries her riders with confidence and beauty.
Breed: American Paint Horse
Color: Overo
Sex: Mare
Size: 15 hands
POWDER
Powder is named for her coloring a classic dusty, powdered look. She aims to please and does her best with each and every rider she carries. Powder enjoys lazy days, a good roll in the dust or mud when she can get it.
Breed: Appaloosa
Color: Black
Sex: Mare
Size: 14.3 hands
TRIXY
Trixy is energetic, outgoing and outspoken but lovable all the same. She is smart, reflective of the rider she carries and adaptable. Trixy loves to play in her water trough, with the hose and many a volunteer has received a soaking from this big loving girl.
Breed: American Paint Horse
Color: Tobiano
Sex: Mare
Size: 16.1 hands
BO JANGLES
One of the younger members of our herd, this svelte young man is learning the ropes of working with clients at Saddle Sore Ranch. He loves a good, lengthy grooming session and run around the arena. Bo keeps our riders on their toes and smiling.
Breed: American Paint Pony
Color: Tobiano
Sex: Gelding
Size: 13.2 hands
OTHER SERVICES
In addition to the Programs mentioned above, Saddle Sore Transport also provides in-state services.
Please contact us for details and pricing.
VOLUNTEERS
Saddle Sore LLC is grateful for those who choose to contribute their time and effort to our facility. We strive to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for both volunteers and our community.
MUST BE 14 YEARS OLD
OR OLDER
NO PREVIOUS HORSE
OR RANCH EXPERIENCE NEEDED
“There's something about the outside of
a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
Inspiration
Winston Churchill
CONTACT SADDLE SORE
Get in touch today to schedule any of the services we provide at Saddle Sore for either of our locations. Please designate which location and type of service you are interested in. You will typically receive a reply within 24 hours, please check your Spam/Junk folder just in case our reply goes there first.
~ Thank you for your consideration
San Tan Valley Location:
7214 E Arizona Farms Rd in San Tan Valley AZ 85143
Apache Junction Location:
Saddle Sore at Circle C
971 E. Ranch Rd in Apache Junction AZ 85119
(480) 436-0743