Homeschool Horsemanship

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Our Homeschool horsemanship classes are offered both spring and fall. Classes are limited to 4 children per class and are appropriate for ages 8 and up. Classes meet weekly and run one hour and 45 minutes. The goal of this 12 week course is to provide a fun opportunity for kids to learn about and practice what it takes to care for a horse or pony. We typically spend about 15 minutes on the lesson of the day, 20 minutes tacking up/grooming, 40 minutes riding and 30 minutes on farm chores. 

• Week one: Catch, Halter, Lead, Tie. The students will be taught to catch a horse, halter them, lead safely and tie to a fence correctly.
• Week two: Cleanliness.  Students will learn how to pick manure from paddocks and stalls. 
• Week three: Feed. Students will learn about proper nutrition for horses and ponies and will assist in preparing food for the next feeding. 
• Week four: Water. Students will learn the importance of providing a clean and abundant supply of water to horses and ponies. They will learn to be able to recognize when a water tub is in need of cleaning and have the opportunity to practice scrubbing one out.
• Week Five: Grooming. We will groom each week before riding but this week we will emphasize why we groom and get some extra practice.
• Week Six:   Hoof care. A visit from our farrier.
• Week Seven: Tacking up.  Saddling and bridling. Naming parts of a saddle and bridle.
• Week eight: Horse identification. Breeds, markings etc.
• Week Nine: All about tack.  Equestrian tack is expensive and will last much longer if properly cared for, this week we will learn how to clean a bridle, polish a bit and organize a tack room. 
• Week ten:   Parts of the horse. Identify and name different parts of the horse.
• Week eleven: Routine Vet care. 
• Week twelve:  Horse and pony conditioning.