Lord of the Reins Riding Academy

CLASS CURRICULUM

These classes are developed to help any level rider and horse progress in a comfortable, yet technically correct manner. You don’t have to be competitive to take these classes. However, you will learn the basics of equestrian showing if you wish to experience the thrills of competition.

All ages and levels of riders can either work with their own horses or ride school horses during a six week program. Students will be allowed to test-out in order to try a more advanced class. More accomplished students may be moved forward if I feel they are ready for a higher level.

*New students must take one initial 30 minute riding lesson (this is included in the course). This allows me to get to know my students, their goals, and their current riding abilities, in order to place them in the correct class. If for some reason you are not comfortable with enrolling in the course after this lesson, you will not be charged a fee. If you prefer to take private lessons, they are also available.

Remember, if you are riding your own horse, pick a class in which the horse is capable of doing well. Like people, your horse will enjoy its sense of accomplishment and will develop more fully. Don’t ask your horse to do more than it’s capable of during its training. If your horse doesn’t accomplish the basics, it will only frustrate you as the rider. A great horseman has said, “A lesson horse is just good enough for a rider “- Egon Von Neidorff

Beginner Horse Enthusiast:

This is the perfect class for the horse lover who is an eager beginner. While emphasizing safety, you will learn the basics: putting on a halter, grooming, leading, rope handling and securing your horse correctly. Plus, basic lunging and knowledge of tack and equipment necessary to make your riding safe and enjoyable will be taught.

Basic Seat and Lunging Techniques:  

This class gives the rider extensive work on the lunge line. This is to help the rider focus on his/her seat, core, back, head and leg position. It also includes working on proper posting trot, change of diagonal, 2 point (forward seat) and developing the sitting trot.  Use of leg aids, half halts, and seat aids will be thoroughly implemented. If riders are safe and secure, the canter will be applied as well.  We will focus on accomplishing transitions and proper use of the reins, outside rein and driving aids. Additionally, you will learn how to correctly lunge and to develop your horse through proper muscular, physiological and mental preparation. This will include learning to use the proper equipment:  a surcingle, side reins, long lines, etc.  We will also work on ground driving, long lining and basic “In- Hand Work”. This will also teach you how to prepare your horse for proper transitions on the lunge, and to develop appreciation for working forward, through and riding supple. This is great for any age rider and any horse three years or older and is essential in preparing a young horse for riding.

Intro to Dressage: (Pre req.)  Basic Seat Development and Lunging Techniques

Here, I teach the basics of Dressage. This includes essential movements, terminology and knowledge of what is required of a horse and rider team riding Dressage. The scoring system and what judges will be looking for will also be discussed. Riders and their horses will work at the base training scale level learning rhythm and relaxation. Also, you will be developing quiet hands and correct seat and proper use of leg aids. Walk, trot, serpentines, correct half halts and full halts will be the foundation of this class. We will also be practicing the Intro Test required for shows, as well.

Dressage (Training Level):  (Pre-req). Intro to Dressage

This class is for a more accomplished and confident rider and for older horses that are comfortable with cantering in a forward, but not racing manner. This class builds on the basics from the Intro Level Class and teaches riders more about transitions of all three gaits. For example, we work on free walk, medium walk, trotting stretching forward and downward, working trot, working canter, 20 meter circles, cantering and simple changes. We will also discuss new terminology and what judges look for during the training level classes and practicing tests.

Dressage (First level):  (Pre req). Training Level

First level Dressage reveals how solid your riding is and how accomplished you are with the basics. We will be focusing on the third level in the training pyramid and with your “connection”. I will be teaching you and your horse to work off a proper outside rein. This class focuses on perfecting “changes of bend”, including 15 meter circles, serpentines, and transitions – within a gait (working trot to lengthened trot). Leg yield will be introduced into a test, as well. Again, we will study new terminology and what the judges look for in execution.

Dressage 2^nd, 3rd 4^th level – private lessons only

Basic Hunter/Jumper: (Pre- req). Dressage Training Level

This class is for the English rider who wants to develop basic jumping skills. It focuses on correct jumping position, legs, heels, hands, eyes, and back. We will work on two-point position, counting strides and stride length, preparing for a jump, leaving a jump, lead changes and keeping your horse relaxed and quiet while teaching it to jump.

Basic Western:  (Pre req). Basic Seat and Lunging Techniques

Learn how to prepare for Barrel Racing, Reining, Western Pleasure, and Trail. We will discuss and work on how to sit correctly, leg and hand position, and use of leg aids. We will be working on walk, jog, and lope. You will be working towards the basics of a good stop, sitting a stop correctly, and simple lead changes and lateral work.

Beginning Reining & Advanced Western:  (Pre req). Basic Western

We will cover all the basics of Reining and terminology, the sliding stop, run down, spins, rollbacks, and flying changes. This class will improve your horse’s training and prepare it for reining as well as Western Horsemanship classes. You will be teaching your horse to be supple and relaxed with lateral work to prepare them for more advanced skills.

Reining:  (Pre- req.) Beginning Reining

This class is for the more advanced rider who really wants to focus on Reining. In this class there will be more emphasis on developing a sliding stop, good rollbacks and flying changes and spins.                           **********************In this class horses must have slider shoes****************************

Halter and Showmanship (Stock horse):

This class will get students ready to compete in halter and showmanship classes. You will learn how to set up your horse, conformation, and the proper position of handler during a show.  We will work on pivots, jog, stop, and backing your horse. We will also discuss what the judge is looking for in a class and demonstrate essential grooming techniques for your halter horse.

In- Hand, Inspections and Dressage Suitability   (Arabians, Morgans, Warm Bloods, Drafts and Crosses)  

This class will teach you how to present your horse for all In– Hand Classes. You will learn to work on the “triangle position” for horse and handler. Learn what the judge is looking for in conformation, movement, temperament and disposition. Here you will perfect your grooming skills.

Barrel Racing: (Pre req.)   Basic Western

This class will teach both horse and rider how to prepare and advance in barrel racing. We will work on correct patterns, and where to look and how to position for rounding a barrel.  You will learn what equipment should be used for each horse’s breed, and how to warm up and cool down your barrel horse.  We will discuss what things you should be aware of as you advance and ask more of your horse. Also, learn when it’s appropriate to “back-off” with your horse.

How to start your own horse   [English or Western]

This is the perfect class for someone who is confident enough with young horses and would like to start his/her own horse, under saddle. We will work on all the basics your horse must have before you sit in the saddle. This class will work on extensive correct ground work, lunging and ground driving techniques. Included will be proper equipment and safety training, for both horse and rider, while introducing a young horse to new things.                                                                 

    ****************** You must have your own horse (3x a week class) *******************

Rules and Requirements:

No payment is required until after the initial lesson. If you’re happy with the initial lesson and decide to sign up for the 6 week courses, the fee is paid up-front. There are NO REFUNDS should you cancel at any time after that initial lesson. If you cannot make it to a session due to illness or an emergency, you can make-up a class by coming to another session, even if it’s a different course.

If students are progressing quickly, they may advance to another level if the instructor sees fit.

ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR HELMETS!! WE DO NOT SUPPLY HELMETS

CLEAN-UP AFTER YOURSELF, ALWAYS!    (AISLEWAY, ARENA, TACK)

YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF CARING FOR AND STALLING OR PASTURING YOUR HORSE (even if it’s a lesson horse)

TRAILER- IN STUDENTS:  $10 FEE TO BARN FOR USE OF ARENA - PER TIME

IF USING A LESSON HORSE:  $10 FEE TO BARN- PER TIME

All STUDENTS AND PARENTS MUST SIGN A LIABILITY WAIVER