Lessons
Explains how to groom and tack up a horse; explains what equipment is needed, what it is used for and, when applicable, how it developed. Explains...
Choosing a suitable horse
Choosing a riding academy
Choosing a saddle
Choosing a bit
Grooming and tacking up
Suggested Reading
Lesson 2: Basic Rider Equipment for Safe Riding
This section includes descriptions of basic protective gear for both children and adults, as well as the types of clothing needed to be comfortable...
Why we wear what we wear
Proper equipment for junior riders (children under age 12):
Proper equipment for adult riders
Other useful equipment to acquire, children and adults
Suggested Reading
Lesson 3: Leading, Mounting and Dismounting, and Basic Position
This lesson will teach students how to lead a horse to the riding arena, how to ask the horse to stand, how to mount and dismount the horse and the...
How to lead a horse
How to ask a horse to stand for mounting
Adjusting the stirrup length
Preparing to mount
Mounting
Getting a leg up
Placing the feet in the stirrup irons
Holding the reins
How to dismount
Suggested Reading
Lesson 4: Beginning to Ride: Walk and Halt
This lesson teaches beginners how to ask a horse to move forward in a straight line and how to halt. Before proceeding, the student should...
How to ask a horse to walk
How to halt a horse
The basics of steering
Exercises at walk and halt
When in doubt
Ask, ask, ask, ask, ask
Suggested Reading
Lesson 5: Where Do I Go From Here?
This lesson, after the student has extensively reviewed the material in lessons one through four, this lesson will continue with information on basic...
Basic riding theory and philosophy
Theory
How to turn corners
How to reverse direction
How to work in the open, without a fence line
How to maintain a good walk, and why
No pain......lots of gain
Suggested Reading
Lesson 6: Basics of the Trot
This lesson introduces the next gait, the trot. Because it is a two-beat rhythm, it is relatively simple to learn, but not easy. The horse’s back...
Review: Mounting, dismounting, walking, halting.
What to know about the gait: interesting facts
What to know about the gait: equine and rider body mechanics
What the trot feels like
How to ride the trot
Two-point: What it is, and what it's used for
Posting the walk
Begin trotting
Practice exercises in two-point at the trot
Breathing, again and always
Suggested Reading
Lesson 7: Beginning to Post theTrot
This lesson will take the student through some additional exercises for trotting in two-point and posting. It will introduce the concept of...
Review: Two-Point on Straight Lines
Posting the Trot: Posting on Straight Lines
Helpful Hints About Posting
Theory and Philosophy Pertaining to Skills at This Level
More Breathing Exercises
Suggested Reading:
Lesson 8: Getting Good at Trotting
This lesson will emphasize a review of everything learned to date and will add exercises designed to prepare students for the next steps, sitting...
Review of Posting
Giving Yourself a Class: Confirm Walk and Trot Skills
Final Lesson: Preparing for Sitting Trot and Cantering
Exercise One
Exercise Two
Exercise Three
Suggested Reading
