The Walking Horse’s unique center of gravity and gaits require an equitation seat of its own. Referred to as Walking Seat, it is characterized by balance, grace and ease as the rider sits with legs directly under the body. With steady hands and relaxed demeanor, the rider develops the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with their mount. A clear understanding of the intermediate gaits is essential to proper equitation form to accommodate each individual horse’s needs.
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Lesson Information
Lessons at Hopeful Dreams focus on fun, safety and skill progression. They are geared to offer children and adults the rewards of challenge, achievement and friendship. Lesson plans are designed for each student with their individual goals in mind. Whether a student owns a gaited horse and would like to gain a better understanding or if they would like to just experience the "Glide Ride" for themselves, we have a curriculum that suits all needs. Hopeful Dreams Farm is dedicated to teaching a comprehensive horsemanship program. The lessons follow a structured curriculum at four levels. Within each riding level there are four more levels that indicate a students proficiency and understanding of skills taught.
Each level covers basic equitation, arena and trail riding, general knowledge of horse behavior, handling and knowledge of theory. The HDF riding program is progressive and positive, allowing students to build upon skills and progress at their own pace from one skill level to the next. While riding is taught on gaited horses, all the basics are covered. We all start with grooming, tacking (English & Western), mounting and steering. As the student progresses, we then learn to recognize the different gaits. First from the ground and then from the saddle. We learn the differences between the pace, stepping pace, rack, foxtrot, saddlerack, flat walk, running walk and the trot. Then as each student's seat and equitation improve, we learn to canter.
| We teach children from the age of 4. There is no upper age limit. We do however have an upper weight limit of 225lbs. | |
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All beginner riders start their riding with half-hour private lessons while they get to grips with the basics and build riding confidence. Once riding independently off the lead rein (usually after 2-4 half-hour lessons) Jessica will recommend a suitable group to join. |
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Respect of the horses is an utmost priority at Hopeful Dreams Farm. As students learn to control their horses with their bodies, cues and aids to the horse become more subtle. Jessica believes that riding should look like "magic". No one should be able to see or hear you ask your horse for anything. Clear, correct communication is the key to respect for your horse. Expect to learn something new each time you come out for a lesson!
All Lesson Students are required to wear:
An ASTM certified riding helmet
Long pants
Riding boots with at least a 1 inch heel
(No tennis shoes or hiking boots with thick tread)
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Peanuts on Ponies
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Important Forms Needed for Lesson Program
*To save time, please print these forms. Bring them completed to the first lesson.
Private 45 min
$45
Group (2-4 riders) 1hr
$30
Packages-Save 10%
4 Private Lessons
$162
4 Group Lessons
$108
Peanuts on Ponies (4-6yrs) 30 min
$25
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Lexi and Risky Field Day of the Past 2008 Rebecca and Beamer Amy and Storm Allison and Power Nicki and Mecca Charlie and Risky-Champion Brook and Missy- Reserve Champion
Merideth's new horse Bailey
- Gait recognition from the ground and under saddle
- Individual tack assessments and recommendations
- Gaited horse conformation and how it relates to gait
- Balanced riding on a gaited horse and how it improves the horse's movement
- Riding alignment and developing a base of support
- Evaluation of gait and exercizes to develop and maintain gait
- One-on-one instruction for each rider to address individual issues
- Transitions, lateral work and timing of aids
- Understand the basic principles of riding a gaited horse
- Build a solid base of support for the rider
- Understand the relationship between horse and rider bio-mechanics
- Develop balanced gaits, transitions and turns
- Develop better hands through a deeper seat
She is also available for lecture clinics to 4-H groups and riding clubs.
