Our Philosophy

Youth Horse Master's Program

For interested young clients we offer a graduated riding and stable management program

The Youth Horse Masters Program is sectioned into three divisions: Unicorn for beginners, Pegasus for intermediate riders, and Horse Master for advanced riders. Graduation from each division is determined by passage of both a practical exam and a written exam. When the first level of a division is completed, the rider earns the privilege of wearing the division hunt cap cover and farm emblem. A star and certificate is awarded for each subsequent level achieved. Call the Farm and request a brochure!

Unicorn, Levels I – III
Our beginning riding division encompasses basic work at the walk, sitting and rising trot, walk-trot transitions, halt, rein-back, beginning canter work, and ground pole exercises. Emphasizing a deep and balanced seat, much of the work is done frequently without reins on a longe line and the exercises are facilitated with horse games. Incorporated into this level is beginning stable management, including grooming; the parts of the horse; haltering and leading; the parts of the bridle and saddle; the varieties of horse clothing; tacking-up, untacking, and tack cleaning, as well as learning to free-longe one’s horse in our covered round arena.

Pegasus, Levels I – III
Our intermediate division includes trot and canter off the longe line; walk-trot-canter transitions; simple arena figures; an introduction to collection and extension; beginning lateral work such as leg yielding and shoulder-in; turns on the forehand and haunches; and walking, trotting or cantering cross-rails and small vertical fences. Pegasus
students also engage in intermediate stable management, including introductory nutrition, conformation, basic restraint, bathing, feeding, stall cleaning, leg bandaging, mane pulling and braiding, and learning to longe with a line and work a horse “in-hand” on the ground.

Horse Master, Levels I – III
Our advanced division includes more intricate exercises of collection, extension and lateral work; flying changes at the canter; bridleless riding on the flat and over simple fences; jumping courses of fences and gymnastics; and in-hand work with side reins and driving lines. It also includes horse whispering, advanced nutrition, advanced restraint, movement, first aid, the application of horse boots, shoeing options and show trimming and clipping, as well as loading and unloading a horse from a trailer.

9 am - 1 pm Mon - Thursday - $475.00 per session

The weekly sessions are open to no more than 8 participants per group. Payment is expected upon time of sign up, and is non-refundable. Daily sessions will consist of riding and stable lessons, as well as games should time permit. Students should have appropriate foot gear for riding, a riding helmet, riding pants, and should bring a snack. Except for the Beginner Session, enrollment is restricted to students above 8 years of age. There is a high staff to student ratio.

Session 1: Beginners

July 6 - 10

Open to students who are new to riding. Sessions will feature on-the-ground lessons in beginner horse care, as well as beginner level games. Ground lessons will introduce students to basic horse safety, leading, grooming, and preparing the horse to be ridden. We accept students as young as 6 in this session.

Session 2: Unicorn Level I

July 13 - 17

Open to students who are at a Unicorn Level I status, or are comfortable with basic position at a walk and trot on the lunge line. Sessions will feature on-the-ground lessons in basic horse care as well as riding games.

Session 3: Unicorn Level II

July 20 - 24

Open to students who are at Unicorn Level II status, or are comfortable riding off the lunge line at the walk and trot. Sessions will feature on-the-ground lessons in basic horse and equipment care as well as riding games and free lunging.

Session 4: Unicorn Level I

July 27 - 31

Open to students who are at a Unicorn Level I status, or are comfortable with basic position at a walk and trot on the lunge line. Sessions will feature on-the-ground lessons in basic horse care as well as riding games.

Session 5: Unicorn Level II

Aug 3 - 6

Open to students who are at Unicorn Level II status, or are comfortable riding off the lunge line at the walk and trot. Sessions will feature on-the-ground lessons in basic horse and equipment care as well as riding games and free lunging.

Session 6: Unicorn Level III

Aug 10 - 13

Open to students who are at Unicorn Level III status, or are comfortable steering at the walk and trot, and cantering on a lunge line. Sessions will feature horse games and ground lessons will educate riders on advanced horse care, fitting equipment, and bathing.

Summer Barn Rat Days

Friday's & Saturday's

Free of Charge, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Once a participant has finished two weeks of our Summer Program, or through experience is otherwise qualified and is 10 years old or older, they qualify for our Barn Rat Program and by arrangement may stay for the afternoon and help out around the barn. Students will be assigned the care of a particular horse, and under the supervision of a team leader, will participate in the daily running of the farm.

2009 Summer Youth Riding Program Registration Form Click Here!