Horseback Riding Skill Level
Depending on the age and skill level of each rider they will be placed in the appropriate riding level. We always advance the student at the rate that suits each individual student to ensure safety and fun for the rider. As students progress they will also learn about healthcare, nutrition and management of horse's care needs.
Young Riders- (Under 7 Years old)
For the young riders lead line and lunge line with the instructor will build confidence while the instructor maintains control of the horse to insure safety. The rider will learn to approach the horse safely, both from in front and behind. The student will assist with grooming and leading the horse safely with assistance of the instructor. The rider will learn to hold the reins correctly. Learn proper leg and body position. Gain balance through use of exercises at the walk. Trot during double instruction with instructor. Learn to perform a circle at the walk and steer through cones. Steer over ground poles. Learn to stop and back the horse. Walk trot only.
New Program-
We are introducing our "Step-up Program" (7 yrs & under only)
This is a transition class offered to only riders that are ready to learn the canter but not quiet ready to join the regular group lessons. Class size is 1-2 riders and 30 minutes long just like the young rider lessons. This program is offered for a maximum of 3 lesson packages to allow the next group of riders space to also move up. Class availability is only Tuesdays & Thursdays at 3:30 and space is limited. Young riders might have to join a waiting list.
Beginner Riding Level (All Ages)
All beginners are started in a western saddle to learn the basics. That is because western saddles are bigger, more stable and more forgiving for a student that hasn’t developed a seat yet. First time riders will start on a lunge line until independent steering and control are demonstrated by student. Riders will gain their balance and confidence while on the lunge line allowing the instructor to maintain control of the horse. Once the rider is confident the student will be taken off the lunge line and begins independent riding. Steering exercises with colored cones and around poles will make learning fun. After learning circles, serpentines, and obstacles at the walk then students will advance to the trot. When being introduced to the trot student will return to the lunge line. Learning the sitting trot with and without stirrups. When control, speed and direction are demonstrated on the lunge line at the trot then the student will be allowed to advance to trotting independently. Steering, balance and control will now be practiced off the lunge line. The use of cones, ground poles, figure eights, and serpentines will be used.
Advanced Beginner Riding Level (All Ages)
By the advanced beginner stage in riding students can now switch to English, if desired. The advanced beginner stage of riding will cover many things. The rider has developed balance and a good seat in western so they will progress with confidence in English. English riders will learn the posting trot, sitting trot and two-point/jumping position. English riders will also learn about “diagonals” at the trot. Both western and english riders will learn speed control at the walk, collected trot and extended trot. While working on speed control of their horses they will learn guiding exercises such as serpentines, figure eights, and circles. When full control and a good seat are demonstrated at all stages of the trot from collected to extended trot, then the rider is ready to learn the canter. Students will learn about “leads” at the canter. Ground poles will be used for trot work. Students will begin to understand how to be an effective rider and not just a passenger on their horse. Learning to bend and supple their horse in the bridle while framing their horses up. Students that wish to compete will now be able to do so in flat walk/trot classes.
Intermediate Riding Level (All Ages)
Students that advance to the intermediate level will demonstrate full control of their horse at the walk, trot, and canter. They will understand and demonstrate correct diagonals and leads. Work on trotting circles, serpentines, figure eights, with correct change of bend and diagonals. The canter will now be performed while riding in a group. The rider will practice trotting and cantering without stirrups to improve their leg and balance. The rider will learn how to perform a simple lead change. Maintain the half seat canter and two point trot without trouble. At this point students will be able to show in the walk, trot, canter division at shows.
Advanced Level Riding Level (All Ages)
By this stage students will be required to either own or lease their own horse and be in a training/lesson package. Riders are ready to jump full courses with lead changes. We will work on fine tuning their riding skills. Work on inside outside bend, counter canter, leg yields, and many other training exercises. We will focus on their ability to be an effective rider as they work their horse. We will also focus on the rider’s equitation both on the flat and over fences. The rider will set goals to accomplish with their horse. If the rider wishes to compete they will be able to show both flat and jumping classes. Minimum of 3 lessons per week required.
Young Riders- (Under 7 Years old)
For the young riders lead line and lunge line with the instructor will build confidence while the instructor maintains control of the horse to insure safety. The rider will learn to approach the horse safely, both from in front and behind. The student will assist with grooming and leading the horse safely with assistance of the instructor. The rider will learn to hold the reins correctly. Learn proper leg and body position. Gain balance through use of exercises at the walk. Trot during double instruction with instructor. Learn to perform a circle at the walk and steer through cones. Steer over ground poles. Learn to stop and back the horse. Walk trot only.
New Program-
We are introducing our "Step-up Program" (7 yrs & under only)
This is a transition class offered to only riders that are ready to learn the canter but not quiet ready to join the regular group lessons. Class size is 1-2 riders and 30 minutes long just like the young rider lessons. This program is offered for a maximum of 3 lesson packages to allow the next group of riders space to also move up. Class availability is only Tuesdays & Thursdays at 3:30 and space is limited. Young riders might have to join a waiting list.
Beginner Riding Level (All Ages)
All beginners are started in a western saddle to learn the basics. That is because western saddles are bigger, more stable and more forgiving for a student that hasn’t developed a seat yet. First time riders will start on a lunge line until independent steering and control are demonstrated by student. Riders will gain their balance and confidence while on the lunge line allowing the instructor to maintain control of the horse. Once the rider is confident the student will be taken off the lunge line and begins independent riding. Steering exercises with colored cones and around poles will make learning fun. After learning circles, serpentines, and obstacles at the walk then students will advance to the trot. When being introduced to the trot student will return to the lunge line. Learning the sitting trot with and without stirrups. When control, speed and direction are demonstrated on the lunge line at the trot then the student will be allowed to advance to trotting independently. Steering, balance and control will now be practiced off the lunge line. The use of cones, ground poles, figure eights, and serpentines will be used.
Advanced Beginner Riding Level (All Ages)
By the advanced beginner stage in riding students can now switch to English, if desired. The advanced beginner stage of riding will cover many things. The rider has developed balance and a good seat in western so they will progress with confidence in English. English riders will learn the posting trot, sitting trot and two-point/jumping position. English riders will also learn about “diagonals” at the trot. Both western and english riders will learn speed control at the walk, collected trot and extended trot. While working on speed control of their horses they will learn guiding exercises such as serpentines, figure eights, and circles. When full control and a good seat are demonstrated at all stages of the trot from collected to extended trot, then the rider is ready to learn the canter. Students will learn about “leads” at the canter. Ground poles will be used for trot work. Students will begin to understand how to be an effective rider and not just a passenger on their horse. Learning to bend and supple their horse in the bridle while framing their horses up. Students that wish to compete will now be able to do so in flat walk/trot classes.
Intermediate Riding Level (All Ages)
Students that advance to the intermediate level will demonstrate full control of their horse at the walk, trot, and canter. They will understand and demonstrate correct diagonals and leads. Work on trotting circles, serpentines, figure eights, with correct change of bend and diagonals. The canter will now be performed while riding in a group. The rider will practice trotting and cantering without stirrups to improve their leg and balance. The rider will learn how to perform a simple lead change. Maintain the half seat canter and two point trot without trouble. At this point students will be able to show in the walk, trot, canter division at shows.
Advanced Level Riding Level (All Ages)
By this stage students will be required to either own or lease their own horse and be in a training/lesson package. Riders are ready to jump full courses with lead changes. We will work on fine tuning their riding skills. Work on inside outside bend, counter canter, leg yields, and many other training exercises. We will focus on their ability to be an effective rider as they work their horse. We will also focus on the rider’s equitation both on the flat and over fences. The rider will set goals to accomplish with their horse. If the rider wishes to compete they will be able to show both flat and jumping classes. Minimum of 3 lessons per week required.
Oakridge Riding Club
Serving Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth and all of Ventura County
(805) 279-8480
Serving Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth and all of Ventura County
(805) 279-8480
