Homeschool Horsemanship

Homeschool Horsemanship at The BARN encompasses much more than recreational riding.  Each Homeschool Horsemanship lesson includes information and experiential practice intended to teach students how to be safe around horses, how to care for a horse, how to communicate to the horse and how to understand what the horse is trying to communicate to us.  In addition to basic beginner mounted skills, we will learn about equine anatomy, nonverbal communication and emotional regulation, breeds, colors and markings, nutritional needs of horses, and a few different riding disciplines and the tack required.  We will meet for 90 minutes every other week for six total lessons.  The first two lessons will be unmounted, the last four lessons will include mounted work.  Every lesson will include approximately 50-60 minutes of hands-on experience with the horses.

We accept riders of all abilities between the ages of 6 and 14 (First through Eighth grades, approximately).  Riders must be ambulatory, able to sit on the horse unassisted, and weigh less than 200lbs.  Class size is limited to 5 participants.

Parents/caregivers are required to remain onsite during the lessons and are encouraged to participate if they choose.  

Weekly agenda:  

Week 1:  Basic safety rules around horses; Horse behaviors & emotional regulation; How to halter and lead a horse

Week 2:  How to safely tie a horse;  How to groom a horse;  Basic horse anatomy; Nonverbal communication

Week 3:  Mount and dismount safely; Riding disciplines and tack; correct use of reins;  Walk On and Whoa!

Week 4:  Popular breeds and uses; Communicating with the reins; 2-point position; Ground poles & obstacles

Week 5:  Basic horse care and First Aid; Horse nutrition; Halt and back; Trotting (optional)

Week 6:  Horse Facts and Fiction; Famous horses; Obstacle course in hand; Obstacle course mounted

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND FORMS