Assess Your Skill Level

Beginner

  • never been on a horse before or have ridden only a couple of times
  • long periods between riding
  • no formal instruction
  • if you have ridden before, it was at a walk only

Novice

  • been on a horse at least a few times
  • comfortable communicating with a horse – basics of stop, start, and steering
  • no/minimal lessons or coaching
  • may have trotted or cantered before (without falling off)

Intermediate

  • can identify basic riding aids and demonstrate competency using those aids to communicate with a horse
  • generally comfortable riding all three gaits; can post a trot and balanced (don’t grip the saddle horn) while cantering
  • feel comfortable riding a more independent or moderately spirited horse
  • ride fairly regularly; last time on a horse being less than 1 year ago

Strong Intermediate

  • ride regularly (at least monthly); last time on a horse being less than 6 months ago
  • received riding lessons/coaching (English or Western)
  • safe, comfortable, and competent in all three gaits; can post or sit a trot, have a balanced and independent seat (do not hold onto the saddle) while cantering, can cue the correct canter lead
  • can navigate more complex terrain, including how to ask your horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle
  • comfortable and capable of riding a young, green, or spirited horse

Advanced

  • You ride regularly (at least monthly); last time on a horse being within the month
  • comfortable and capable of handling any horse on complex terrain and at all three gaits with an independent seat and soft hands
  • can ride over small jumps
  • know the techniques to collect a horse
  • have the skills and knowledge to ride and train a young/green horse

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

we take skill level into consideration when assigning horses. For your safety and comfort, as well as the horses’, we appreciate honesty in your assessment.

For riders at an Intermediate level and above, we may ask you to demonstrate your skills prior to your ride. Guests that are not at. (or above) the level indicated on their reservation may be excluded from the ride.

We encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about horses and riding to read about our Educational Programs.