Welcome to HaystackHorses
Ranch Field Trips That Bring Learning to Life
HaystackHorses provides youth-centered ranch field trips that offer students meaningful, hands-on learning experiences in a safe, supportive ranch environment.
Our program is an unmounted experiential learning experience—students do not ride horses. Instead, they engage in interactive, supervised activities that foster confidence, teamwork, and real-world exposure to equine and agricultural pathways.
Who We Are
HaystackHorses is a youth-focused organization providing structured ranch field trips through unmounted experiential learning.
We create opportunities for students—especially those with limited exposure to agriculture and equine environments—to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning outside of the traditional classroom.
Our Approach
Our programming is rooted in:
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Experiential Learning – Students learn by doing
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Safety First – All activities are supervised and unmounted
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Youth Development – Building confidence, communication, and adaptability
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Access & Exposure – Introducing students to new environments and career pathways
Who We Serve
We partner with:
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Schools and school districts
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Nonprofit organizations
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Youth development programs
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Community-based organizations
What We Offer
Hands-On Ranch Learning Experiences
Students participate in structured activities such as:
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Animal care and ranch exposure
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Basic horse anatomy and grooming
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Introduction to equine equipment and disciplines
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Career exploration in the equine and agriculture industries
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Horse-guided team-building activities
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Each field trip is intentionally designed to promote confidence, communication, and connection.
Why HaystackHorses
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Safe. Structured. Impactful.
Unmounted & Low Risk
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No riding involved
Supervised & Guided
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Led by trained professionals
Youth-Centered
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Designed for youth in 3rd grade up to high school
Experiential Learning
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Hands-on, engaging, and memorable
Meet Our Founder
Kyla Sinegal
CEO & Founder
Kyla Sinegal is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HaystackHorses, an equine-based youth development organization rooted in mentorship, community partnership, and inclusive access to horsemanship. A native of Oakland, California, Sinegal brings more than a decade of leadership experience across public administration, human resources, nonprofit management, and equity-centered program development.
Sinegal's connection to horsemanship spans her lifetime. Raised in a family deeply connected to riding and ranch culture, she honed her training skills at the Oakland City Stables, where Sinegal's Father, Clint Sinegal boarded their family horses, Little Doc and Swift City Slicker aka Slick. In 1995, Sinegal and Little Doc earned 1st place at the Bill Pickett Rodeo in Castro Valley, California—a milestone that strengthened her dedication to equine education and community impact. Her early volunteer work with the Wildcat Canyon Ranch Youth Program, under the guidance of Teacher Kenneth "Sonny" Wesley and co-founder Harvey Smith, shaped her understanding of how equine mentorship can transform young lives.
Sinegal holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management from California State University, East Bay, and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from Chabot College. Her professional career includes executive and consulting roles in the nonprofit and public sectors, with expertise in organizational development, equity and inclusion initiatives, workforce planning, and strategic leadership. She also serves as a public education leader, contributing to policy development, governance, and community advocacy.
Grounded in her commitment to equity and youth empowerment, Sinegal established HaystackHorses to create accessible pathways for young people to build confidence, discipline, and connection through horsemanship. Under her leadership, the organization partners with families, schools, and community stakeholders to provide culturally responsive equine programming that honors tradition while fostering growth and resilience.
Sinegal is widely recognized for her community-centered leadership, her dedication to expanding opportunities for underserved youth, and her vision for leveraging the transformative power of the horse–human bond to strengthen the next generation.
Leadership & Community
San Lorenzo USD Trustee
As a Trustee for the San Lorenzo Unified School District, I champion equity and student success—values that also guide the mission of HaystackHorses.
CABSE Board Governor
As an Advisory Board Governor of the California Association of Black School Educators, I am committed to advancing equity, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for all students. HaystackHorses embodies this same vision, providing youth with transformative equine experiences that foster confidence, growth, and lasting success.
2016-Present
2020-Present
Book Your Spot
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At HaystackHorses, we believe every person deserves the chance to discover their own resilience, strength, and purpose—and we are honored to create the spaces where that journey begins.