Beginning
This class is an introduction to horseback riding. The first lesson of the class is a ground lesson where students will learn about safety around horses, saddling and bridling and basic grooming. Students will be assigned their horse for the session during this class.
The next 4 weeks will consist of riding fundamentals―walking, trotting, halting, and basic horse control. The class focuses on safety and allowing students to become comfortable on horseback. Depending on how the student progresses, the instructor may suggest they take the beginning class a second session before advancing to the Continuing level. Students must be able to saddle and bridle their horse with little to no assistance in order to advance. (Instructors will always do an equipment check prior to riding.)
Continuing
At the Continuing level, students will be introduced to more technical instruction using their reins and seat. There is more riding at the trot and canter in this class. Instructors will often introduce basic patterns for students to maneuver. As the class's riding progresses, more advanced patterns will be incorporated into the lessons.
Advanced
Advanced classes assume the student can ride at the canter and effectively maneuver patterns with less instruction. These classes are often what we call exercise classes where the instructor puts the rider on a task and they are able to perform it with little assistance. Students can only ride in the Advanced class after recommendation from their instructor and approval from Chad Easterling.
Adult/Child or Parent/Child
These classes mix adults and children and are a perfect opportunity for relatives and kids to do a fun activity together. Classes may move at a slower pace to accommodate the age mix. They follow the same guidelines as the class descriptions above.