Our Academy Program is designed to help students develop their horse skills in a safe and fun environment. Each level covers handling, riding, and care. The goal of our program is to graduate students who are ready to own or lease their own horse and give them a tool box full of knowledge and skills to be successful in any future career. While our focus is equine, interpersonal and educational skills are just as important. This is why we spend time in the barn, in the classroom, and on the horse.
Riding
Each level requires the student to master certain riding skills. The student is expected to be able to demonstrate these skills consistently, independently, and without specific coaching from their instructor. Skills are built upon as the student progresses through each level of the program, and are expected to increase in difficulty, taking longer to master.
Horse Care
A happy, healthy horse is key to a good riding experience. Each level focuses on a certain aspect of horse care, including health, maintenance, equipment, nutrition, competition, safety, transportation, and anatomy. Materials are designed for all ages, with more in-depth age appropriate reading available. While no testing out of each chapter is performed, students are expected to have retained and be able to recall the information covered.
On The Ground
There is so much more to riding than just time in the saddle. Students will develop skills for handling the horse on the ground, including leading, loading, lunging, groundwork, ground manners, and in hand showing. Students are expected to consistently demonstrate these skills any time they are handling a horse.