Empowered by Horses
A masterful learning journey from the start; whether you want to spend recreational time with horses or you want to commit to a life with horses.
Overview of Program
Our program focuses on teaching partnership-based horsemanship and riding by learning to understand the behaviour and language of the horse.
We believe lessons should provide so much more than development of riding skills alone. Our system is designed to allow students to progress at their own pace while building the skills that can take them in any direction with horses. Our program is carefully structured as a complete education curriculum to develop true horse-masters and emphasize important life skills such as leadership, effective communication, self-confidence and self-esteem, while providing a physically, mentally and emotionally healthy environment for horses.
Introduction to Horses
This is the starting point for all who are new to the world of horses (ages 5+). The Intro to Horses course is a 10 week course that runs twice each year; Spring and Fall. Lessons are structured as 40 minute, 1-on-1 private sessions and start with the entire lesson spent learning about safety and how to groom, then learning how to tack up, lead horses in hand, and ride on lead line.
$45 +HST per person, per lesson
Seasonal/Casual Program
The starting point for those who have less than 1 year of experience or those looking to return after a long break from riding. In this program, riders of all ages (6+) and abilities take lessons once a week. Riders will learn all the core skills while keeping their commitment at a recreational/seasonal level. Riders can stay at this level indefinitely if they love horses but maybe can't or don’t want to make a bigger commitment.
$60 +HST per person, per lesson
Year Round Program
This program runs year round and does not require seasonal registration. Riders in this program begin to see their riding as a sport, not just as a recreational activity. Students in this program take 1 or more lessons each week. There are opportunities for part board, half board, full lease, horse ownership and continuing education as riders work through these levels.
Starting at $50 +HST per person, per lesson
**Riders who would like to enter our program at a level other than Level 1 will be scheduled for an assessment to determine their appropriate placement in our program.
The Seasonal/Casual program runs on Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturday mornings. There are 4 seasons or semesters each year; fall (Sep - end Nov), Winter (Dec - end Jan), Spring (Mar - end May) & summer (June - end August). This program requires registration for each semester, which opens first for existing students, then to waitlist, then public.
Level 2 - Beginner Riders. For riders who have completed level 1 (Intro to Horses). Lessons are 1 hour total starting with 20min to groom/tack up, followed by a 30 minute, 1-on-1 private lesson and ending with 10min to untack. Riders start on a lead or lunge line on a variety of appropriate horses, then progresses to independent riding (off lunge). Students can advance to group lessons once they can demonstrate all the above skills at “good” or better.
Level 3 - Foundation Riders. For riders who have completed level 2 and are ready for group lessons or for riders who want to keep their riding at a seasonal/casual level. Group lessons are 1.5 hours total, starting with 20min to groom/tack up, followed by a 1 hour group lesson with a max of 4 riders and ending with 10min to untack.
The Year Round Program runs year round and does not require seasonal registration. Riders in this program begin to see their riding as a sport, not just as a recreational activity.
Level 4 - The Growing Rider. Students looking to move to this level must be in group lessons at Level 3 or, if new to our program, must take an assessment to be placed at this level. Students take 1 or more lessons a week and volunteer regularly before or after your lessons helping out in the barn. Students focus on skill development and begin to understand riding is a commitment! Students can participate in “in-house” club events, such as learning events and social events and are eligible for year end awards/scholarship.
Level 5 - The Eager Rider. Before moving to this level, you must have been a Level 3 or 4 rider for a minimum of 1 year, be comfortable on multiple horses, feel confident navigating the barn, the pastures, tack room and can recognize when your horse is having a problem. You are ready to do a basic part board. You have a practice ride one day a week in addition to your lesson (2 days a week of riding). A lesson at least once a week is always required. The practice ride is used as a way to practice the skills worked on in the lesson and/or spend quality time with a horse. You must clean your horse’s tack after each ride; both lessons and practice rides. This level does not promise exclusivity on the horse nor does it allow showing off property or riding away from the property. Lessons will be conducted most of the time on this horse unless the instructor feels it is important to ride another horse. You must have your own grooming equipment and saddle pads that you keep clean. You are eligible for the tack up helper program (subject to availability), you can participate in “in-house” club events, such as learning events and social events and are eligible for year end awards/scholarship.
Level 6- The Knowledgeable Rider. Before moving to this level, you must have been a Level 5 rider for a minimum of 6 months. You are ready to take on an intermediate half board. Perhaps be a horse owner in the future! You get three rides a week. At least one of those rides will be a lesson each week. The horse may still be used for lessons outside your rides. You are responsible for half of the cost of maintenance of the horse’s health including feed, supplements, vet, farrier, osteopath treatments and required vaccines. You are starting to experience more of the financial commitment involved with horses. You may keep your belongings at the barn. You should help clean blankets and maintain horse presentation. You must have appropriate memberships and insurance. You must have your own grooming equipment and saddle pads that you keep clean. You are eligible for the tack up helper program & Junior Instructor program, subject to availability. You can participate in “in-house” club events, such as learning events and social events and are eligible for year end awards/scholarship.
Level 7 – The Committed Rider. Before moving to this level, you must have been a Level 6 rider for a minimum of 6 months. You are ready to take on a Full Lease. You pay full board, lease fee and insurance and have exclusive rights to riding that horse. You must continue to take a minimum of one lesson per week. You must purchase your own tack, just as you would if you were the horse owner. All equipment (brushes, blankets, etc.) must be yours. You pay all medical and maintenance costs on the horse as recommended by the trainer. Cost is dependent on which horse you lease. You will experience the process of looking for a horse, just as it would be if you were purchasing a horse. You are eligible for all shows and excursions (at your expense). Horse ownership without the obligation of keeping the horse FOREVER while learning what it takes to have a horse. Your costs will reflect your board costs and the value of the horse.
Level 8 - Masterful Horse Owner. Before moving to this level, you must have been a level 7 rider for a minimum of 1 year. You are ready for your own horse! You pay full board & insurance. You must continue to take a minimum of one lesson per week. You must purchase your own tack. All equipment (brushes, blankets, etc.) must be yours. You pay all medical and maintenance costs on the horse as recommended by the trainer. You understand that having a horse means caring for them forever. You understand the purpose of the Purchase, Board & Sale Agreement and are committed to its terms for the benefit of the horse.