Riding Skill Progression
Western Riding
Beginners
Riders coming into this class will have little to no experience in riding. Lessons will introduce students to the nature of horses and methods to safely and effectively handle them on the ground and under saddle. Students will learn to groom and correctly tack the horse. You will learn the foundational skills of mounting and dismounting and how to change directions and speeds. You will learn to use your reins and legs to communicate with your horse. You can expect to develop riding skills while improving balance and coordination.
Intermediate
Riders coming into this class have already taken lessons and have a solid foundation and are confident under saddle and with safety around the horse. Riders should be able to groom and tack up horses independently to prepare for their lesson. Riders will know basic balance and coordination and effective use of independent aids. Riders will have experience riding all different gaits of the horse and will start to learn basic horsemanship patterns as they progress.
Advanced
Riders will learn how to refine their riding skills and take it to the next level. Riders will grab, groom, and tack up their own horse by the time of their lesson and meet in the arena. These lessons include improving body control and balance, and how to understand how the horse’s body works. You will be perfecting riding techniques and collecting your horse with an independent seat and hands. Riders will also prepare for different events and shows we have scheduled if they would like to participate.
If you have gained the trust of a horse, you have won a friend for life.
English Riding
Beginners
Riders will learn about safety on the ground around the horse and how to groom and properly tack up the horse. You will learn how to properly lead your horse to the arena. Instructors will also teach how to properly mount and dismount their horse safely. You will learn proper body and feet positioning in the saddle where you will be most balanced. We will start to introduce proper posting and two point positions. Riders will learn about the different aids to communicate with their horse properly. Your instructor will guide you at your own pace, and you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you hit milestones.
Intermediate
Riders coming into this class already have a solid foundation. Riders are expected to be able to groom and tack up their own in preparation for their lesson. Riders will know different aids and body control to be able to communicate properly with their horse under saddle. They will have good balance through a posting trot with independent hands. They will be able to canter independently and in two point. Riders will have started beginner jump courses or have an introduction to dressage as they progress.
Advanced
Riders will be expected to grab and have your horse groomed and tacked and ready in the arena at the time of your lesson. Riders should be independent and confident in different paces of the horse with soft and independent hands and seat. Riders will be able to ride over small jump courses and know the techniques used to collect a horse properly. Riders will also be preparing for different events or shows we have planned if they are participating.
