Lesson Program
Southern
Oak Equestrian Center offers lessons for everyone, no matter what
your experience level. We also have a very knowledgeable staff, who
are
dedicated
to maximizing the potential of every level of rider. You can learn
more about them on from our staff
page.
We strive to provide a happy and safe environment
for everyone involved in our program, from students, parents, and
visitors to horses and instructors. We look forward to helping you
learn, grow, and become a well-rounded horse person.
From horse behavior to grooming, to proper tacking to
riding basics, our lessons focus on safety first and fundamental skill
development
both on the ground and in the saddle. We believe understanding horse
care along with a strong foundation of basic skills will help you
become a talented and compassionate horse enthusiast.
Please
take a moment to download, print out, and read our Lesson
Program Handbook to ensure that you understand and get the most benefit from
your
participation
in our program. The policies necessary to keep our program running
efficiently are explained. You will find answers to questions about
enrollment and billing, scheduling and inclement weather, and absences
and make-up lessons.
Lesson
Details:
(For more detailed information and pricing, please view
the Lesson Program Handbook)
Introduction
to the Horse (A4)
Introduction to the Horse is structured to provide close interaction
between trainer and student as the new rider learns how to handle, groom,
and tack or untack a horse/pony. Classes include two students, two horses,
and one instructor. Each student gets a 30 minute lesson in the saddle
and 30 minutes hands-on horse care. Students in this introductory class
gain proficiency in a variety of areas. Following appropriate safety
rules (see Student Handbook), the student learns to groom, tack or untack,
and handle a horse independently on the ground. Students learn fundamental
balance and form at the halt, walk, two-point and vertical positions.
In addition, students learn to post at the trot and halt the horse using
their aids.
Maiden Rider (A6)
The Maiden Rider class builds on the foundation established in Introduction
to the Horse. In addition to the posting trot, new concepts are introduced,
including posting on the correct diagonal, sitting trot, and two-point
and vertical positions at the trot. Riders learn to drop and pick up
their stirrups at the walk and trot and ride without stirrups for short
distances while maintaining proper form. In addition, students learn
to use a driving leg to ride the horse, handle their mount confidently
on the ground and in the saddle, and demonstrate consistent balance
and form at sitting trot, posting trot, vertical and two-point positions.
Students are introduced to steering and transitions using their aids.
Students at this level are responsible for the entire horse care process,
including grooming, tacking, untacking and cooling out their mount.
Walk/Trot Equitation (A5)
The Walk/Trot Equitation class transitions beginner riders from the
comfort of the small, enclosed arenas to the larger arenas on the property.
Six students, each with their own mount, practice the skills developed
in the Maiden Rider class with the added challenge of maneuvering around
a large arena at a safe distance from other horses. Steering exercises
along with proper form and balance are a focus of the Walk/Trot Equitation
lesson, teaching students to use their bodies to communicate where they
want the horse to go. Students also learn safety rules for riding in
a crowded arena, while continuing to develop consistency in body position
and confidence as a rider. Riders refine their equitation as well as
learn to ride their horse through a variety of obstacles, including
over ground poles and around cones. Introductory course work using ground
poles, equitation patterns, and field riding are introduced at this
level. Students at this level are responsible for the entire horse care
process, including grooming, tacking, untacking and cooling out their
mount.
To move out of the Walk/Trot
Equitation lesson into the Walk/Trot/Canter & Jumping Groups, students
must demonstrate competency, confidence, and consistency as a rider.
A strong consistent leg; soft considerate hands; straight, tall body
position, use of the seat, and balance in the heel must be second nature.
Posting on the correct diagonal, reversing correctly, maneuvering safely
amongst other horses and correct steering must also be mastered.
Group Lessons (Walk, Trot, Canter, & Jumping)
The standard group lesson has a maximum of seven students. Riders progress
to more challenging skills, including cantering and jumping. Students
in these lessons are placed in groups with similarly skilled riders.
Fence heights correspond with skill-level.
Private and Semi-Private
Lessons
Once enrolled in a group lesson, students may want to add additional
lessons. Riding more frequently can help the rider master fundamentals
more quickly as leg muscles develop with repetition. Students may choose
to add another group lesson weekly or a private or semi-private lesson.
In order to enroll in private or semi-private lessons, students using
school horses must first be registered in a group lesson. Private and
semi-private lessons are scheduled to supplement the lessons learned
in the group. If interested in semi-private or private lessons, speak
with your trainer for details.
We also attend many
different shows, and host schooling shows several times a year.
Sign-up sheets for these shows will be posted, and be sure you talk
to your instructor if you are interested in attending. If you are planning
on taking a school horse to a show, please review the Horse
Trailering and Preparation policies. There are additional policies
in effect for the lesson program. If you are interested in becoming
a part of the lesson program, please take time to read the Lesson
Program Handbook for Southern Oak Equestrian Center, as well as
the tacking and untacking policies.
