Description
Our Level One program equips you with the confidence and ability to handle horses on the ground and in the saddle, ensuring a safe and enjoyable equestrian experience. Develop your horsemanship skills through practical lessons and hands-on activities, guided by our experienced trainers. Embark on your equestrian journey with a solid foundation.
This program is more than just “horse time”—it’s the beginning of a complete education in horsemanship. By the end of Level One, students walk away with the ability to catch, handle, care for, and ride a horse with both competence and calm. This isn't about tricks or speed—it’s about doing things the right way. With respect for the horse, attention to safety, and a mindset for learning.
Graduation from Level One is a significant achievement, and a required step before students move into more advanced levels of our academy. Whether your goal is ranch work, competitive riding, or simply a deeper relationship with horses, this is where it starts.
Frequently asked questions
1. Orientation & Safety
- Learn barn rules, horse behavior, and safe handling techniques
- Practice speaking to and approaching horses correctly
- Understand how to move confidently around large animals
2. Horse Identification & Catching
- Learn coat colors, markings, brands, and breeds
- Catch horses in a pasture with both rope and buckle halters
- Practice “hook on” groundwork and reading horse emotions
3. Ground Handling
- Confidently lead horses at the walk
- Address bad ground manners: pulling, rushing, stopping
- Tie with quick-release and Bolen knots to different fixtures
4. Grooming & Tack
- Groom thoroughly using proper tools and order
- Learn all saddle and bridle parts, including function and fit
- Saddle and bridle a horse independently, including cinchy horses
5. Riding Basics
- Mount from a block, dismount, and tie up
- Learn walk, stop, and steering with soft hands
- Practice direct and neck reining
- Begin transitions between walk and trot
- Ride bareback at a walk for balance
- Practice control through games like "Follow the Leader" and "Red Light, Green Light"
6. Trail Readiness
- Ride through natural obstacles
- Correct trail behaviors like grass eating or unasked-for trotting
- Lead the string and practice confidence on the trail
7. Care and Closure
- Unsaddle and clean tack properly
- Rinse and bathe horses after work
- Recite horse anatomy and tack functions from memory
- Final instructor check-offs for independence in each skill area
| Lesson Frequency | Estimated Time to Complete Level One | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 4 lessons/month | 10–12 months (1 year) | Recreational learners with steady commitment |
| 8 lessons/month | 6–9 months | Focused students with consistent availability |
| 12+ lessons/month | 4–6 months | Dedicated riders ready to progress quickly |
To graduate from Level One, students must demonstrate all required skills without assistance, as outlined in their official evaluation packet. Each benchmark is signed off by a certified instructor, and a final review confirms readiness for Level Two.
This isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about developing true competence, safety, and connection.