Our History

A “Bit” About Us

To Strengthen the community one child at a time

The Dream

As someone who didn’t always fit into the typical social molds, Brenda found horses were (and still are) her way to feel connected and accepted, providing her a safe place to face her fears, insecurities and dig deep to find her truth. Horses empower her to face the challenges in life, achieving things she didn’t think she could. Through her passion for horses and wanting to share this magic and give hope to youth struggling in her community, Horse Sense for Kids was born!

Brenda was blessed to grow up in a middle class home with access to programs and support and recognizes how important this was. Youth living in poverty don’t have such opportunities and get caught in the cycle of no hope. Horse Sense for Kids aims to give hope and create a different future!

Rob and Brenda Langendoen are passionate to provide a “sanctuary” for youth to feel accepted, cared for and empowered.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Brenda Langendoen

Brenda grew up loving horses as most young girls do. Once in college studying Recreation Leadership, she decided to follow her passion and start taking riding lessons. She immediately fell in love with the sport and western riding and quickly grew in her knowledge and skills, completing an CEF coaching program in 1995-1996 and becoming a certified CHA coach in 1996 as well as graduating from Mohawk College.

She began teaching at local horse farms and in 1999 property was purchased in Fenwick to build her dream horse farm! She has continued to work hard to provide the best possible horse programs and services for beginner to advanced riders.

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Brenda has coached many students to championships in both pleasure and games events. She loves to learn and continues to take lessons and attend clinics to grow as a rider, instructor and trainer.

Brenda has always been passionate about sharing the magic of connecting with horses with children that wouldn’t normally have such an opportunity. In 2014, she formed a non-profit organization, Horse Sense for Kids to expand programs for children in need. She decided to make HSFK a registered charity in 2019 to be able to further expand the opportunities for children in the community to enjoy the wonderful world of horses!

Farm Manager, Instructor

Robert Langendoen

Rob’s interest in horses came after living on the horse farm and learning all about horses and their unique qualities. After 17 years of working at Culligan, he decided to come to work on the farm full time.

Rob’s passion is in draft horses and how they can be used to work the land. He first purchased a beautiful Percheron “Pepper” and began driving her. Soon after, one was not enough so he purchased a Belgian named “Jess”. Together they made a wonderful team and were used to work up the footing of the arenas and give rides through the field.

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Rob is known as the “Big Kid” and provides a very entertaining atmosphere at Horse Sense for Kids making learning tons of fun for all ages! You will also find him around the farm, busy maintaining equipment, fencing etc and caring for the horses.

HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Shannon Mossey

Shannon grew up riding at BNR Stables starting back when she was 6 years old, spending many years growing, learning and fulfilling the passion for riding. Through Brenda she was able to explore and compete for many years in Gymkhana events, where her one true love of barrel racing was born.

After many successful years showing locally with Brenda’s horses, and her own personal horse, Shannon ventured out to see what else was out there. During her time away she was able to successful own and operate a horse boarding facility with her family for numerous years before selling to focus on her own horses. To this day Shannon still loves to compete across Ontario and the states with her barrel horses.