Riding 301
A person registering at this level will have a lengthy history of riding lessons in either the recent or distant past, previous horse ownership, or have gone through the program here having their badges, Bronze, and Silver medals. Riders at this level should be able to catch, handle, groom, tack, and mount a horse preparatory to active riding with no assistance. Riders at this level have demonstrated the ability to independently ride at a walk and posting trot. Riders have, at the minimum, been introduced to the canter on the longeline and may have had limited independent canter experience. 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:
Refining the posting trot:
Diagonals consistently correct
Steady hands
Trotting figure 8s or serpentines with appropriate change of diagonal
Longeline work refining the trot
Posting with no hands
Posting with no stirrups
Dropping stirrups and picking them up without looking
Cantering independently
Understanding leads
Rating the trot (pas de deux)
Trotting over poles
2 point position at the trot
Beginnings of sitting trot
Introducing double bridle
Continued equitation refinement
Emergency dismount at a trot
A student who has all of these skills may try for their Gold Medal
(Must have all badges, Bronze medal, and Silver Medal to try for Gold Medal)
**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.**