Hoofbeats in Harmony
The 6 Dimensions of Horsemanship
Horse Care
Knowledge about horse care is essential for anyone who works with or around these amazing animals. Your child will become familiar with topics such as grooming, hoof care, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, how to set up a healthy and safe living environment, how to administer medications, how to take vitals, how to recognize and treat common illnesses and injuries, and much more.
Riding
There is way more to riding than simply sitting on a horse. Your child will learn to communicate their requests using their weight, seat, legs, and hands in a way that is clear and kind to the horse they are riding. Riding requires a lot of multi-tasking as there are many aspects to communicating with a horse under saddle.
Groundwork
Working with a horse from the ground allows the rider to evaluate the horse's frame of mind before getting into the saddle. Most things we ask of our horses can and should be taught from the ground first. Your child will learn how evaluate and teach a horse new skills in a safe an effective manner. This helps them develop the skills needed to safely work with and train a horse of their own someday!
Liberty Training
During a liberty session, the horse is loose with no ropes attached. Your child will learn to use psychology and body language to communicate their requests to the horse. Liberty work is very rewarding and is beautiful to watch. This is likely to be one of your child's favorite dimensions!
Physical Fitness
Just like any other sport, horseback riding requires a certain level of fitness. Riding a horse takes a lot of balance, coordination, and core strength. Stretches, core exercises, and cardio fitness are all key components in helping your child become a safe and balanced rider.
Equine Literature
Reading books and watching educational videos allows your child to continue their learning journey even when they are away from the barn. This opens them up to experiencing classic horse stories and learning from horse trainers around the world. Your young rider will come back to the barn excited to discuss what they read and try out what they learned.
Help! My Child Loves Horses!
Does your child love horses? Do you want to support their passion, but you aren't sure how to get started? Do you have any concerns or fears about what being involved with horses may require?