Riding 101
A person registering at this level will have minimal horse experience such as occasional summer camp experience or having started with this program at the New to Horses level. A rider at this level should be able to catch, handle, groom, tack, and mount a horse preparatory to active riding and with minimal assistance. 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:
Independent riding at the walk
Beginnings of basic figures at the walk (figure 8, serpentines, circles)
Backing up under saddle
Rating the walk (pas de deux)
Longeline work on seat/balance preparatory to learning to trot:
Dropping stirrups and reins
Arm circles
Around the world
Beginnings of the posting trot on the longeline
Explanation of diagonals
Good control of the horse at a walk, including being able to sit a spook
Emergency dismount at a halt
Beginning to play with an independent posting trot
A student who has all these skills may try for their Bronze Medal
(Must have all badges and Bronze Medal to pass to Riding 201)
**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. **