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Riding Levels

  • Riders of all levels will be taught (if they do not already know)

    • Proper grooming and horse care​

    • How to safely walk your horse on a lead 

    • How to properly tack your horse

    • Safe mounting and dismounting 

    • Emergency dismounting 

    • How to safely walk and trot on a trail (more advanced trail riding available for those who would like to do more)

    • Positive reinforcement 

  • Please note: 

    • Safety and comfort for both horse and rider are a priority ​

    • Improper use (intentionally causing pain, fear, or using excessive pressure) of spurs, crops, whips, and chains is not permitted 

    • Showing opportunities available for those who would like to show

    • Riders do not have to jump if they don't wish to do so 

    • Trail riders welcome 

  • Level 1: Lead Line 

    • For first time riders 

    • Private, one on one lessons with the trainer

    • Horse remains on lead line ​

    • Riders will learn how to ​​​

      • Correctly sit in the saddle & hold the reins

      • Lengthen and shorten the reins

      • Halt/stop your horse

      • Ask the horse to walk

      • Ask the horse to trot

      • Steer the horse at a walk 

      • Post at a walk and trot

  • Level 2: Beginner​

    • Private, one on one lessons with the trainer​

    • Riders can do a posting trot unassisted on the rail  

    • Riders will learn how to 

      • Change their diagonal ​

      • Stand in jumping position at the walk and the trot

      • Steer the horse at a trot

      • Trot to walk transition

      • How to increase speed 

      • How to decrease speed 

  • Level 3: Advance Beginner

    • Lessons are single or in pairs ​

    • Riders can 

      • Post​

      • Steer at a trot

      • Stand in jumping position at the trot for at least one lap

    • Riders will learn how to ​

      • Canter to trot transition

      • Steer at a canter

      • Simple lead change

      • Jump small cross rails at a trot, if jumping

      • Trot with no stirrups 

      • Bend their horse right and left 

      • Ride with one stirrup and no stirrups 

      • Sit the trot 

      • Start using correct rein, seat, and leg aids

    • Canter ​on the correct lead 

  • Level 4: Intermediate

    • Lessons are single or in pairs​

    • Riders can

      • Walk, trot (posting and sitting), and canter in the correct position​

      • Steer at the walk, trot, and canter

      • Stand in jumping position for at least two laps 

      • Do a posting trot with no stirrups for at least two lap 

      • If jumping, comfortably jump 18" cross rails (trot or canter) with a simple lead change 

    • Riders will learn how to 

      • Back up their horse​

      • If jumping, Jump 2'+ jumps at a trot and canter 

      • Use the correct rein, seat, and leg aids when turning and asking for speed change

      • Do a flying lead change

      • Do a 3 beat and 4 beat posting trot

      • Ride bareback on the flat 

      • Shorten and extend the trot & canter

      • Leg yield 

      • Turn on the forehand 

      • Hand gallop 

      • Canter with no stirrups 

  • Level 5: Advanced

    • Lessons are single or in pairs

      Riders can ​
      • Ride most horses ​​
      • Walk, trot (sitting & posting), canter, and hand gallop
      • Use proper rein, seat, and leg aids in all aspects of riding 

      • Leg yield 

      • Turn on the forehand 

      • Do a flying lead change in both directions

      • Stand in jumping position for at least four laps 

      • Do a posting trot no stirrups for at least four laps 

      • Canter with no stirrups 

      • Jump a 2'+ course at a canter, if jumping  

      • Walk, trot, canter bareback  ​

    • Riders will learn how to 

      • Jump higher jumps (height depends on comfort level of horse and rider combo)​

      • Jump bareback 

      • Jump without stirrups 

      • Spiral in and out at a trot and a canter

      • Demonstrate precise, clear, and invisible aids

  • Level 6: Expert

    • Riders can ​

      • Ride any horse ​

      • Jump to the highest (and safest) height of comfort for the horse at a given time 

      • Flat and jump bareback 

      • Flat and jump without stirrups 

      • Ride multiple horses in a day without fatigue 

      • Trail ride in rough terrain for unlimited miles at all speeds

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