Levels Program
Hoofbeats in Harmony's Horsemanship Academy is one of a kind! All students entering the program start at Level 1 and graduate after Level 10. Students progress through the levels at their own speed, earning achievement awards when they level up. Each level is divided into 6 categories: Horse Care – Riding – Ground Work – Liberty Training – Physical Fitness – Equine Literature. It is necessary for the student to pass the required tasks in all 6 categories of horsemanship in order move up a level.
When students pass a level, they will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and a patch unique to the level passed that will go on their Hoofbeats in Harmony vest. Students are encouraged to wear their vests to their lessons to showcase their accomplishments.
Lessons are held on a weekly basis with 2-4 students per class.
Ages 8-15 are welcome to join us!
Our current lesson horses have a weight limit of 150lbs
The 6 Categories
Horse Care
Ground Work
Horse Care
Students learn all about what it takes to keep a horse happy and healthy. They participate in barn chores, learn to administer basic first aid, study horse anatomy, hoof care, nutrition, and more.
Riding
Ground Work
Horse Care
In the saddle, students enjoy learning the ins and outs of riding with balance, confidence, and precision. Early lessons are focused on learning basic safety procedures such as the one rein stop and emergency dismount. Later lessons incorporate increasingly difficult patterns, maneuvers, and speeds. Regardless of the level, there is always an emphases on safety and confidence.
Ground Work
Ground Work
Ground Work
Students learn how to handle horses safely and effectively from the ground. Ground work is an essential part of horse training. It allows the rider to establish boundaries around their personal space and builds trust and confidence between them and the horse. It also helps them build their feel, timing, and rope handling skills because t
Students learn how to handle horses safely and effectively from the ground. Ground work is an essential part of horse training. It allows the rider to establish boundaries around their personal space and builds trust and confidence between them and the horse. It also helps them build their feel, timing, and rope handling skills because they are able to visually see how their actions affect the horse.
Liberty Training
Equine Literature
Liberty Training
At liberty, students learn all about horse behavior and body language and how their own body language and posture can change the horse’s movement. Liberty is a fantastic way to build connection, communication, and trust. In the upper levels, we cover trick training and put together Liberty routines to music.
Physical Fitness
Equine Literature
Liberty Training
Just like any other sport, horseback riding requires a certain level of fitness in order to thrive. Riding takes a lot of balance, coordination, and core strength. These skills are best built on the ground so that we aren’t putting additional strain on the horse’s back. As students move up the levels, more and more physical fitness is r
Just like any other sport, horseback riding requires a certain level of fitness in order to thrive. Riding takes a lot of balance, coordination, and core strength. These skills are best built on the ground so that we aren’t putting additional strain on the horse’s back. As students move up the levels, more and more physical fitness is required to match the level of fitness they will need in the saddle.
Equine Literature
Equine Literature
Equine Literature
Books are treasure troves of knowledge just waiting to be explored! At each level, students are required to read two books off of the approved reading list. Once they have read the books, they will give a presentation on what the book was about and what they learned from reading it. They will also be required to choose two videos off t
Books are treasure troves of knowledge just waiting to be explored! At each level, students are required to read two books off of the approved reading list. Once they have read the books, they will give a presentation on what the book was about and what they learned from reading it. They will also be required to choose two videos off the approved list. These videos will expose them to various sports, trainers, training methods, and other aspects of the equine industry.