What do riding lessons teach?

A horse riding lessons program provides instruction enabling students to gain skills in and feel comfortable with horseback riding in various conditions.

Students are assigned individual goals for each lesson and are evaluated for progress.

Level One - True rookie riders start by learning some important characteristics of horses and how to safely be close to horses on the ground as well as in the saddle.  

Level Two - Riding students progress to applying what they have learned about horses and practicing balanced and controlled riding. 

Level Three - More advanced students are taught increasingly detailed knowledge regarding how to work with the horse in order to perform in the riding ring or riding on trails. 

Levels of Riding Achievement 

Horse riding students are placed in the proper class level as a result of demonstrating mastery of the course material and riding skills, as presented in the riding lessons manual. Student riders are evaluated at the beginning of each session, for rider and horse safety, as well as intra-session so as to note progress. 

The Level One riding student has little or no recent horseback riding experience. 

The Level Two horse rider has knowledge of some of the basics and is able to participate in group rides without assistance. 

The Advanced Level Two student has good riding control and knows how to saddle and bridle the horse. 

Intermediate: Rides well-balanced through the paces and can catch, groom, and completely and properly tack-up the horse. 

Upper-Intermediate: Rides with authority, can use aids, and understands principles of training. 

Advanced Level 1: Progressing on advanced riding skills, showing precise control in basic exercises, and shows knowledge and responsibility in the proper care of horses. 

Advanced Level 2: Demonstrates special ability, is prepared to compete, and has well-rounded knowledge about horses. 

Advanced Level 3: Is able to work effectively with challenging horses and has developed specific insight in issues of horsemanship practice.