Horsemanship Level 1

Groundwork

  • Training equipment
  • Learn to understand horse language
  • Ground manners gaining respect let the horse respect your space and you his/hers
  • Leading lessons
  • Longing exercises (this form for longing is not conditioning of the horse but mental work)
  • Speed control using body language (verbal commands optional)
  • Doubling
  • Stop & change of direction
  • Disengaging hindquarters
  • Lateral flexion
  • Teach your horse to stand quietly at all times
  • Lowering head using pressure & release methods
  • Back up
  • Saddling and bridling
  • Desensitizing

Mounted Work

  • You and your horse must be able to do groundwork level 1.
  • Equipment
  • Mouth training lateral flexion
  • Mounting & Dismounting
  • Forward motion using body language, seat, (verbal commands optional)
  • Balance
  • Seat  leg and body positioning
  • Reins management
  • Speed control using seat & body language (voice optional)
  • Change of directions using subtle cues
  • Stop one rein stop
  • Back up
  • Stand
  • Desensitizing 
Advance to Level 2