Horsemanship Class
All new or beginning riders must complete a waiver and basic Horsemanship Class to learn how to tack, groom, and become familiar with the policies and procedures of our facility, regardless of previous experience, before beginning riding lessons.
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After completing the Horsemanship Class, you will be able to book your riding lessons. Lessons are given in Bareback (no saddle), Western (saddle has a horn), and English (lighter weight saddle, no horn) disciplines.
Level 1
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Haltering: tying the knot, how to carry the rope, and leading the horse.
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Taking the horse to the cross tie area, learning how to walk the horse from the stall into the cross tie area, and using quick-release snaps.
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Learning parts of the hoof, how to pick up the horse’s hoof, and to pick the hooves.
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Grooming: how to properly groom a horse, what tools are used, and for what.
Level 2
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Choosing the correct saddle and bridle
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Choosing the saddle pad, cinch, or girth
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Do you need Devonshire boots?
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How to saddle the horse, where to place the saddle pad, and where to put the saddle on the horse's back.
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How to attach the cinch and girth and how to determine where to attach the cinch or girth.
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Tightening the cinch or girth. Learning how to use the off billet
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Bridling the horse by correctly putting the bit into the horse's mouth without hurting the horse.
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Choosing what kind of reins are you using and how to attach them.
Level 3
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Fitting the student with the appropriate helmet.
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Walking the horse to the arena
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Upon entering the arena, make sure your gate is always closed.
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Checking the cinch or girth and determining if it needs to be tightened.
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Walk through Installing a mic system. Mics are used on the students which enable the instructor to gently talk to students to give the student direction.
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Walking the horse into the mounting block. Learn how to walk the horse safely and correctly into a mounting block.
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What side do you mount the horse from? And why?
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Mounting the horse. Taking the reins. Inserting the foot into the stirrup and swinging the left leg over and gingerly sitting down on the seat of the saddle.
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Taking each rein in hand and gently squeezing both legs to walk the horse out of the block.
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Begin the lesson with a walk about the arena if time permits to start instruction on right and left direct reining and halting of the horse.
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Dismounting and walking the horse back to the cross-tie area and removing tack.
Let's Work Together
Please contact
info@ShadowHills-EquestrianCenter.com.
For ages 12 & up, special circumstances may be applied for younger children, as these classes are geared toward adults.