Fun Western Riding Lessons

Our philosophy is that riding should be fun! At Hold Your Horses Camp Youth, you'll learn how to ride in a natural environment and in a riding ring - as well as on the trails of our 27-acre farm and a joining trails.

We have scenic wooded trails with oak, cedar and pine trees. with beautiful ferns, dogwoods with deer, squirls, and turkeys are often spotted on our trails. Navigating creek crossings and rolling hills our trails help you to find your balance naturally while you learn to control your horse and use trail edicate and safety. If you fall our instructors are always close by and always available to lend a hand to ensure a safe ride.

Beginner Riding Lessons

Beginner I 

■ Learn to safely approach, halter, and lead a horse.

■ Learn to groom, tack, mount, and dismount.

■ Introduction to riding aids.

■ Learn correct riding position and balance exercises.

■ Introduce walking and trotting.

■ Introduce the concept of diagonals.

■ Learn the two-point position and posting at the trot.

■ Practice utilizing riding aids in steering exercises.

■ Trail Riding

Beginner II (Walk-Trot-Canter)

■ Know the parts of the tack.

■ Learn diagonals.

■ Begin pole work.

■ Learn to canter.

■ Introduce sitting trot.

■ Improve and strengthen two- point position.

■ Trail riding.

Beginner III

■ Tacking Independently.

■ Increase strength and body position at walk, trot and two-point.

■ Introduction to no stirrup work at the trot.

■ Improve the use of all riding aids.

■ Begin cantering individually.

■ Introduction to leads.

■ Develop ability and confidence in pole patterns.

■ introduction to x-rail jumping and stride counting.

Intermediate

Intermediate 1

■ Work on transitions.

■ Know leads.

■ Expand the use of riding aids including leg yielding, half halting, and leg-to-hand.

■ Introduce collection and extension at the canter

■ Continue to work on x-rails and jumping small solids.

■ Begin course work.

■ Improve stride counting

Intermediate II

■ Develop clear understanding and execution of circles, serpentines, and figure eights.

■ Continue transition work.

■ Develop leg-to-land and apply course work.

■ Improve counting, balance, position, and strength

■ Jumping to 2' 3"

Advanced

Advanced

■ Continue position strengthing.

■ Apply prior knowledge to larger jump heights.

■ Master and execute flying lead changes.

■ Consistent balance and rhythm in course work.

■ Master ability to alter stride length on the flat and in course work.

■ Utilize all aids to maximize responsiveness and rideability.

■ Individually tailored instruction for advanced equestrian based on riding goals in hunt seat and jumping.