Our Program

We use a building block style curriculum designed to help build a solid foundation. This means that students are not just learning to ride, they are first learning how to handle a horse and ready the horse for riding. This is accomplished through our badge system. Each badge has elements to complete with 3 levels of assessment. All required badges for the riding program must be met prior to moving up the medal levels.

Each riding class has an associated medal level. As you gain skills and want to move up, you must test out of the previous level. We will hold, at least once each year, a testing day where all students wishing to pass their badge and/or medal level must demonstrate confidence, safety, and competence in each skill. At the end of the evaluations, there will be a dinner and awards ceremony celebrating the awarding of the badges and medals.

It’s a fun time to have your friends and family come and cheer on your achievement and celebrate you! Our hope is that our students will feel encouraged and supported as well as having clear expectations of goals to meet to reach the next level.

The Badges

 
SARONA stands patiently at the Blocker Tie Ring

SARONA stands patiently at the Blocker Tie Ring

Horse Handling Badge

  • Catching

  •             Haltering

  •             Straight-tie w/blocker ring

  •             Straight-tie w/quick release knot

  •             Cross-tie

  •             Bring back out to pasture

  •             Unhalter/release

Students grooming RILEY after a lesson

Students grooming RILEY after a lesson

Grooming Badge

  • Currycomb

  •             Dandy brush

  •             Picking feet

  •             Mane/tail brushing

BAILEY waiting to be tacked up for a lesson

BAILEY waiting to be tacked up for a lesson

Tacking/Untacking Badge

  • Saddle pad

  •             Saddle/girth

  •             Bridle

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Groundwork Badge

  • Leading

  •             Stop/square up

  •             Longeing

  •             Back on the lead

  •             Trot on the lead

  •             Pivot turn on the lead

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(Optional) Horse Care Badge

This badge is optional for students in the riding classes. Any student taking the unmounted horse care lessons can use this for their competency evaluation. It includes the following elements:

  • Stall Cleaning

  •             Vet oral exam

  •             Farrier oral exam

  •             Deworming protocol

  •             Feeding oral exam

The Medals

 
A student getting tips while walking SARONA

A student getting tips while walking SARONA

Bronze Medal

This is our Beginner riding level. A student earning their bronze medal will have earned all the required riding badges and shown confidence, safety, and competence with all the skills in Riding 101.

A student learning how to post on FORREST

A student learning how to post on FORREST

Silver Medal

This is our Intermediate riding level. A student earning their silver medal will have all their badges, completed Riding 101 and/or demonstrated competence with Riding 101 skills, have their Bronze medal, and shown confidence, safety and competence with all the skills in Riding 201.

Marisa doing spiraling circles in a double bridle on SPICE

Marisa doing spiraling circles in a double bridle on SPICE

Gold Medal

This is our Advanced riding level. A student earning their gold medal will have all their badges, completed both Riding 101 and Riding 201 and/or demonstrated competence with all the skills in those classes, have their Bronze and Silver medals, and shown confidence, safety, and competence with all the skills in Riding 301. Once a student has their Gold medal, they can continue riding with our program and hone the skills they have gained, or they may choose to specialize in a certain equestrian discipline. The skills you learn and the foundation built here at Hiddenview Farm will give you a base in whichever equine pursuits you choose!