ENGLISH RIDING
The Fundementals
English riding classes focus on developing a strong partnership between horse and rider, emphasizing precision, style, and effective communication.
Key elements 🐴
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Equitation: Focuses on the rider's position, balance, and effectiveness, ensuring a polished appearance and fluid communication with the horse.
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Leg Position: Proper leg placement is crucial for stability and effective cues, enabling riders to give clear signals while maintaining security in the saddle.
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Rein Management: The use of reins is refined to maintain light contact, allowing for responsive communication while avoiding being heavy-handed.
Evaluation Requirements for Participation
To ensure the safety and proper skill placement of all participants, the following youth must have their horsemaster levels evaluated BEFORE registering for the clinic:
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First-Time Participants: All riders joining for the first time, regardless of their horsemaster level.
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Level Advancement: Any past participant wishing to progress to a higher horsemaster level.
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New Horse Entries: Returning participants who will be riding a different horse.
Class Levels
Participants must complete a Horsemaster level evaluation before registering for their chosen level
English 1/2
Level 1: For riders with minimal experience
Level 2: For riders with intermediate skills
Class Overview
This class enhances fundamental English riding skills, focusing on control, balance, and smooth transitions between gaits.
Fundamental Skills:
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Leading, tying, mounting, and dismounting
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Correct hand and body positions
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Balancing and steering
Gait Techniques:
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Walking, trotting, and controlled cantering (instructor's discretion)
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Smooth transitions between gaits
Advanced Skills:
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Learning diagonals and leads (as appropriate)
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Introduction to two-point position (as appropriate)
Exercises and Drills:
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Rail work
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Trotting/cantering over poles
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Potentially cross rails, 20-meter circles, figure eights
English 3/4/5
Level 3: For riders with intermediate skills
Level 4/5: For advanced riders
Class Overview
This class builds on prior knowledge to refine English riding skills, focusing on advanced techniques and preparation for competition.
Fundamental Skills:
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Refined hand and body positions
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Improved balance and steering
Gait Techniques:
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Controlled walking, trotting, and cantering
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Smooth transitions between gaits
Advanced Skills:
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Independent seat and hands
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Perfecting advanced equitation patterns, including complex serpentines and figure eights that challenge your abilities
Exercises and Drills:
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Engaging in on- and off-rail work to strengthen your understanding and execution of techniques
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Refining advanced patterns through targeted exercises that enhance performance