Justin Haefner's extraordinary learning experience began on the first day of high school. He rode with his science-teacher father to the Hill School where they parted ways. Justin set off for Middleburg Common Grounds where he would home-school himself from start to finish.

"I was 14. I didn't have a driver's license and I needed a place to work so I went to the coffee shop. I didn't know anyone," recalled Justin. "Common Grounds became my second home and I had a table there for four years. It was amazing. I got to meet great people in the coffee shop and I made super connections through the horses."

Home-schooling at Common Grounds fascinated people, both local and out of town. The setting also turbo-charged the socialization process that involves mostly one's own age group at a traditional high school. Justin met all kinds, especially business and horse people. The focus of his life is horses.

"The main reason why I homeschooled was so I could continue to ride and keep learning about horsemanship," Justin said. "It all worked out. I did it at the pace I needed to do it and I finished my courses on time."

The inspiration for that single-minded work ethic, drive, determination, dedication, and self-discipline: his passion for horses. Justin has two young Nokotas and said, "They're an amazing breed that's endangered. Very intelligent. They're nothing special and everything special. I want to do everything I can to promote Nokotas and foundational training for all horses."

Common Grounds owner Cyndi Ellis said, "Justin took care of his horses first thing in the morning and then spent the rest of the day at a four-top. He was always so good. If we got busy, he'd move to a smaller table. He's a self-starter, very structured and self-disciplined. He still stops by and chats with the staff."

Justin decided to home-school in kindergarten. He loved the Hill School and met two of his best friends there, but "I just knew that home-schooling was perfect for me." He graduated from the Hill School in 2014, ready to tackle high school.

Pam and Paul Haefner bring special skills to parenting. Paul earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Sports Psychology with many equestrian clients (Riding Far LLC). Pam is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and Family Therapist with 20-plus years of experience. Luke, 15, is an actor who just began home-schooling after attending freshman year at Highland. The family dynamics are unusual in many ways, but Pam and Paul's parenting techniques speak for themselves.

"While I think that Paul and I are a great team, we just really pay attention to our kids and we listen to what they're saying," Pam said. "Justin told us in kindergarten: 'I'm not going to high school. I'm going to home-school.' When it was time, he reminded us what he had said. Justin's a bit of an old soul. He thinks out every detail when he tackles a project. I think he's very bright and thoughtful. Mostly, I just listen to Justin."

Justin customized the University of Nebraska's Online High School Curriculum. "The program wasn't really what he wanted, so we put all the pieces that he liked together and added in what they didn't offer," Pam said. "Justin chose his core and elective courses. I wanted him to learn how to budget and manage money. We found a program on a DVD about savings and investing, and my father-in-law helped Justin work out an investment program. Paul and I were the contractors — Justin took it from there."

Pam and Paul surprised Justin with a graduation party on Monday, August 13, at Common Grounds. From 9 to noon, about 75 people stopped by to congratulate Justin, socialize, and enjoy the plentiful array of party food made by Cyndi while beverages were on the Haefners. Justin was totally surprised by the guests and their many gifts.

"My parents are an important part. They always encourage and support us, whatever our passions," Justin said. "My education with horses has taken place alongside my homeschooling. Some days I did all schoolwork; other days it was all horses. It balanced out in the long run."

Justin was two when he started riding. He's been hooked on horses ever since. "I have studied natural horsemanship and French classical dressage," he said. "I'm training horses in the area, operating under my father's Riding Far, LLC, as a partner. I try to give the horses I work with the foundation they need to go on and do the job for their rider."

Home-schooling is ideal for self-starters; otherwise, it can be a negative experience. "An independent study program can be incredibly freeing for an individual who's highly driven by a passion that simply doesn't fit into a typical modern school system," said Justin. "Home-schooling allowed me to travel through the year. I went to Florida to work with Jake Biernbaum, one of my first role models. Another of my most influential mentors is Patrick King, who lives in Staunton, Va. when he isn't on the road teaching clinics. Horses and home-schooling really worked out well for me."

Justin's foundational approach to training is appropriate for all equines, whether they're being started or in need of remedial training — whatever the discipline, sport, or level. He makes barn calls and takes horses for training. Based in Middleburg with stables in The Plains and in Aldie, he's already earning rave reviews for his thoughtful and effective but gentle training method.

For more information: www.justinhaefnerhorsemanship.com or Justin Haefner Horsemanship on Facebook