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2008 Lessons Class Level Descriptions
One-hour group lessons offered; 8 students per group (excluding Entry). Helmets are required and can be provided if necessary. Riding boots are required and can be purchased at the Riding Center.
BEGINNERS
Entry, Novice-E and Novice are classes designed for beginners. They can be ridden either English or Western (tack) saddle regardless of ultimate discipline. Students will be taught the basic balanced seat.
1. Entry: These classes are for new students who have very little riding experience. This level focuses on basic control techniques: Halt, walk, and steering. Students usually remain in this level for 1 session. Students also learn about safety around a horse and may have 1 lesson on grooming and tacking. By the end of the session the student should be able to do the following:
1. Check girth, estimate stirrups from the ground, attach reins, and lead horse to mounting block
2. Have control at the walk and be able to do simple maneuvers.
3. Halt and Back up
4. Trot/jog short distances
5. Begin to learn and work on correct position and posture
6. Know how to acquire and maintain arena spacing
7. Maximum of 6 students per group
2. Novice-E: This class is the next step up from the entry level. Students usually stay in this level for 2 or 3 sessions. This level reinforces the skills that were started in Entry. Students should be able to do the following at the end of the Novice –E level.
1. Be able to perform the skills learned in entry with more confidence and “know-how”
2. Learn the posting rhythm and start to learn posting diagonals
3. Learn how to two-point
4. Be able to maintain balance while standing in stirrups
5. Be able to get a working walk and maintain it
6. Continue working on overall position and developing a solid leg and seat
7. Be able to maintain control at the trot in a straight line
3. Novice: This level is the next step up from the novice-e level. Students apply their knowledge from Novice-E and learn to become more active and productive riders. Students must master the following skills before moving on to “Introduction To Canter”:
1. Students must be able to lead their mounts, check girths, and adjust stirrups from the ground on their own.
2. Students must be able to maintain proper contact with horse’s mouth
3. Students must have a solid posting rhythm and know their diagonals and how to change them
4. Students must have good control at the walk and trot at all times.
5. Students must have a solid leg position and a proper over all position.
6. Students must be able to perform a sitting trot with out stirrups.
7. Students must be well balanced and have confidence at the walk and trot.
INTRODUCTION TO CANTER: This level has been created to make the step between novice and intermediate more comfortable and gradual. Students will continue practicing the skills mastered in novice as well as learn how to ask for and ride a canter. As this is a stepping stone between Novice and Intermediate, students will probably only spend one session here. The goal at this level is to learn the basics of cantering. Students are encouraged to first take Intro to Canter before moving on to their style (either Western or English) and discipline of choice.
INTERMEDIATE
Students will select either discipline to pursue: Western or English
Western
When riding in this class the students will become more comfortable and competent at the canter in small groups as well as alone. This level will work on patterns that may be used in horsemanship classes and will further your control of the horse. Western techniques will also be applied to help your knowledge of the western style expand.
English
Riders at this level continue working on everything already learned in the preceding levels. The largest focus at the Intermediate level is perfecting the canter and learning about leads and how to ask for the correct lead. Students usually remain in this level for 2 to 3 sessions Students must acquire the following skills before progressing to the Open-Green level:
1. Always have excellent control at the walk and trot
2. Be able to sit, post, and 2-point for extended periods of time at the trot with and without stirrups.
3. Ask for and maintain the canter
4. Know canter leads and how to correct them
5. Be able to move with the horse at the canter
6. Be able to maintain control at the canter one at a time
7. Be able to perform a canter circle
8. Be able to trot over ground poles while posting and 2-pointing with stirrups
OPEN GREEN ENGLISH/WESTERN
At this level students should be comfortable working with their horses from the ground. Students must know how to groom, tack, and bridle horses, as they are required to “tack” their mount prior to each lesson. This level is for riders who have become confident and comfortable at the line canter. This level begins the group canter and introduces cantering over ground poles.The following things are learned at this level:
1. Simple lead changes
2. Two-point at the canter (English)
3. Cantering under control with several other riders
4. Performing patterns utilizing all three gates
5. Canter over ground poles
6. Show good equitation and form
OPEN ENGLISH/WESTERN
Once graduating to this level, riders will split into very different styles of riding. All riders in these classes must have successfully completed the Open Green Level.
Hunter Under Saddle: When taking this class, the student will refine their equitation skills and form on the flat. This class will work on techniques for proper turns, lead changes, course strategies, and showmanship. The focus is to develop a strong well-balanced, supple and secure rider who is able to think and apply the techniques taught in this class in their work over fences. All riders must have already completed the Open Green Level.
Dressage: Riders for this class will be taught the exquisite and beautiful movements of lower level dressage. In this class you work with the horse and his movement to better your riding abilities and the way your horse responds and moves. This class will focus on dressage skills that will enable the rider to train the horse in the areas of dressage: rhythm and regularity, relaxation, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection.
Musical Drill : You have seen the Musical Drill Team perform at horse shows and clinics before. In this class the students will learn how to execute moves just like the Team. Learning the basic terminology and procedure of the movements, the student’s will then attempt them together. This class puts much emphasis on the importance of teamwork and patience. The riders will become masters of controlling their horses and unifying their movements with the other riders in the class.
Natural Horsemanship: This class will be led by Paul Angel and/or John Levine. This class will teach the basic principles of Natural Horsemanship and will include games to play with your horse, safe handling practices, and will help to create a partnership with your horse.
Contesting: This class is instructed by Dee Anderson and teaches the beginnings of Western Speed events (barrel racing, pole-bending, and flag racing) This class is currently up and running but is still new this year, and will take on a clinic like format for the fall. It will run longer than an hour and still holds the 3:15 time slot on Sunday afternoon.
OPEN JUMP LEVELS
In these classes after perfecting your walk, trot and canter abilities the student will progress to over fence work and making their form and position immaculate.
1. Crossrails: In this class the student works on the basics of jumping technique and style. They will incorporate ground poles and cross rails not exceeding the height of 18”. Knowledge of leads and a strong two-point position is essential.
2. Novice Jump: Students must be comfortable over cross rails and show good form and control over ground poles and the jumps. The obstacles for this level are no higher than 18” verticals. Students will be working in the arena as well as out in the field if suitable.
3. Prix Caprilli: While taking this class riders will begin by learning the basics of dressage. As they further their abilities, they will begin to use the skills they have learned in over fence work. The fences in this class will not exceed 18”. Basically a combination of dressage and jumping, this class will prepare you for entire courses and the more advanced levels of jumping.
4. Intermediate Jump: The riders in this class must exhibit confidence and comfort over the Novice fences. Similar to the Novice Jump Level the students will practice both in the arena and in the field if suitable. These fences in this class will not exceed 2’.
5. Open Jump: Before taking a place in this class, the student must be confident and comfortable with the fences in the Intermediate level of jumping. The riders will continue perfecting their equitation on the flat and over fences. The fences in this level will not exceed 2’6” in height. Course work will be done both in the ring and the jump field if suitable. Riders will continue to develop their jumping skills and work on the proper ways to help train a horse over fences.
6. Combined Training: This class is for upper-level jump students and will cover the elements of 3-Day Eventing (Dressage, Cross-Country, and Stadium-Jumping). The class will also include discussions of proper conditioning methods for event horses, safety equipment for horse and rider and the different levels of lower level eventing.
If you have any questions concerning these classes talk to your instructor or Dee Anderson.
SPECIAL RIDER'S PROGRAM LESSONS
Since the 1990's, the staff and voluteers of the Special Rider's Program at WWRC have been dedicated to providing physically and emotionally challenged children and adults the medically acknowledged benefits of horseback riding and care of animals.
The Special Rider's Program gives riders a unique opportunity to experience nature and companionship with a horse. The benefits that riding brings to our students are endless - improving balance, speech and coordination to name just a few. The sense of power, freedom, confidence and feeling good about themselves is universal. It is amazing to see our riders communicate with their horse and the immense pleasure they get from interacting with our horses and our volunteers. Their smiles light up our days!
We currently have thirty riders in the program per year, with a waitlist established for perspective riders. Please contact us at wwrc@greatparks.org or (513) 931-3057 for more information on becoming a volunteer or being added to the waitlist.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS LESSONS
The Winton Woods Riding Center was named a Special Olympics training facility in the Fall of 2007. We currently offer one Western and one English style S.O. class per week. Students must be approved through the WWRC office to join these classes, which are offered in sync with our lesson sessions. For more information, contact the office at wwrc@greatparks.org or (513) 931-3057.
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