We teach you how to ride correctly, yes, but we also teach you how to take care of these beautiful animals. It's so much more than just grooming, feeding, and tacking up, which we do cover in level 1. It's hoof care, knowing the signs of a sick horse and what to do about it, it's judging body condition and knowing if a horse is at a good weight, it's understanding the function of various bits, how to tell if a saddle fits.
Our lesson program curriculum is aimed at turning out horsemen and women who understand these things, and not only want the best for their horse but know how to give their horse the care they deserve. At each of the 4 levels of instruction, you will work through topics at your own pace. At the end of each level, you will take a written and practical test to pass into the next level. Upon passing level three, students are prepared to begin leasing (renting) a horse, and upon Graduation from the Academy, which generally takes 1-2 years, students will be prepared to buy their own horse. At this point they may also begin specializing in a discipline of their choice.
You don't need to have ever touched a horse to start in our academy. We start from the ground up and build a solid foundation that will set you up for success with horses. We provide everything you need. A lesson horse matched to your skill level, a helmet approved and certified for equestrian activities, a safe, clean and functional facility, and instructors that are patient, kind, knowledgeable, fun, & creative. Students are not yelled at, neither are horses.
A sample of some topics covered at each level
Level 1: Grooming, tacking up, basic anatomy.
Level 2: Coat Colors, equine language, anatomy and function of the hoof
Level 3: Nutrition, Skeletal Anatomy, Deworming
Level 4: Vaccinations, Vital Signs, Saddle Fit
