Summer Horse Camp Information
Beginner (Level 1 – Discovering Natural Horsemanship) White
Intermediate (Level 2a – Taking the reins) Green
Advanced (Level 2b – Natural Rider) Blue
Junior Staff – Barn Crew – (Level 3 – Shine for the Son) Yellow
Level 1 & 2
Level 1 Discovering Natural Horsemanship (Beginner Camps – All Ages) – White
This is the beginning of your relationship with horses. These skills will not all be perfected in one week of camp.
Specific Skills include but not limited to:
- Approach, lead and work with a horse Naturally and safely – learning the horseman’s handshake approach and How horses communicate and play with each other
- Practice moving a horse naturally on the ground before mounting
- Know what behaviors to look for before you mount a horse (horse and rider safety checks)
- Mount with control, without disturbing the horse. Horse may be held by an assistant. ALL Riders will mount from a block.
- Dismount safely with control and prepare your horse to lead. Reins removed from horse’s neck and English stirrups “run up”
- Ride at a walk with good natural balance and control (passenger lessons).
- Ride at a trot with good natural balance and control
- Stop from the walk/trot with relaxed control (using 1 rein for control)
- Ride turns and reverses in walk and trot
- Give 5 safety rules learned and reasons why each is important
- Demonstrate 3 simple grooming steps
- Show 5 point pre-ride safety check of equipment
- Explain how to know if a horse is acting safe and “ride-able” as demonstrated by willingness to work in partnership on the ground prior (forward, backward, side to side, up and down) pre-ride safety check for the horse
- Know the basic parts of English and Western tack
- Learn the four natural aids (voice,hands,seat,legs) used in riding your horse
Level 2a
Level 2 a Taking the Reins – Intermediate camps all ages (Green)
Having developed a strong foundation, you are refining your communication skills and beginning to control your energy with a horse.
This group of skills will take multiple weeks of camp (previous or continued riding lessons) to master.
Specific Skills include but not limited to:
- Establish a solid foundation in the next 4 games horses play
- Perform independent Safety checks, mounting correctly, correct your stirrup length, adjusting stirrups for a natural balanced seat
- Dismount and prepare to lead
- Tack check on both sides, maintain properly tightened girths – in multiple steps as needed
- Ride with balance at a walk/trot: sitting trot, half seat/standing, posting
- Demonstrate good level 2 control and partnership: you will work toward riding at least twice around the arena at a trot without breaking gait, stop naturally- without roughness to the horse, maintaining the proper distance when riding in a group, Riding at a trot without breaking gait in simple reverses, circles, dressage or western patterns
- Ask your horse to lope or canter and working toward riding at least once around the arena with good level 2 balance and control
- Post on the correct diagonal both directions of the arena(english and western)
- Show how to cool a hot horse, proper tie and quick release knot, understand how to clean a stall, stable and do stable chores
- Verbalize parts, colors and markings of the horse
- Trail riding requirements: 5 safety rules for trail riding, Recognizing and navigating hazards, Safe distances on trails, Simple obstacles, Safety Up and down hills
- Jumping (Is NOT required for any level. However riders may begin simple jumping exercises over low poles at this level, 2 point, ground poles)