Confidence Builder
This program is very rider-driven. This is for the fearful “re-rider”, anyone coming back to riding after time away due to a traumatic riding experience or other loss of confidence. This is a program taken at the pace the rider prefers and can involve any combination of unmounted and mounted work. If you love being around horses, but have had your confidence shaken for any reason, you are welcome and not alone.
Riders at this level should have a background that gives them at least basic horse handling and riding experience. These are riders that would usually be registering at minimally Riding 201. The rider will be allowed to go back to the beginning or progress at whatever pace they feel comfortable. This means that if they are only able to get on and sit there on a given day, that’s ok. The instructor will provide as much support, encouragement, or pushing as the rider would like. Ages accepted from age 7 and up.**
Note: at this time, we are unable to accomodate riders over 230 lbs for mounted lessons. If you wish to participate over that weight limit, we are happy to teach you all about horses in unmounted lessons. There is so much more to horses than riding.
Students at this level can expect to learn:
How to enjoy being around horses again, even if that’s just on the ground to start with
Advancing their riding skills as much as they are comfortable with
Stretching them beyond their comfort zone as needed or desired
It’s ok to be where you are
It’s ok to NOT be ok
There is more to horses than riding
Riding CAN become ok again
**The student must have the physical ability to handle and ride a horse. This means being able to stand and walk independently, stand on one foot, move quickly out of the way in case of a sudden movement by the horse, have good balance both while on the ground and while mounted, be able to hear and understand verbal instructions given by the teacher, be able to see well enough to guide the horse, and have the fitness to stand in the stirrups and mount as well as lift a saddle. Horseback riding is a physical activity requiring a moderate level of fitness at the minimum. An obese or unfit rider will be harder for the horse to carry and effectively balance, as well as have difficulty balancing themselves in the saddle. Every effort will be made to accommodate unfit riders in unmounted activities, but be aware that fitness level may impact your ability to participate in mounted lessons. **