Whether you are a timid beginner or a seasoned rider there is always something to learn at Golden Isles Riding Academy. Our wonderful school horses are hand-picked to build the rider’s confidence and ensure a fun, safe ride. Once the rider has reached a certain level of confidence then they are challenged to bring out the best and reach their specific riding goals. No two lessons are alike and are always centered around the rider’s level while encouraging them to steadily improve. While many riders enjoy lessons on a weekly basis, others receive instruction two or three times a week depending on their desired results. All beginning riders start with private lessons before moving on to group and jump lessons.
- Level I
- This is a starting class where riders will learn the necessary skills to tack up and un-tack their horse (i.e.: Leading, grooming, saddling, bridling, etc).
- Riding skills will include mastering how to handle their horse/pony at the walk and trot. The more experienced riders at this level will be able to successfully maneuver their horse around a course of poles, with independent hand and seat aids.
- Skills they will learn at this level
- Riders will learn how to mount both correctly and safely.
- How to correctly hold the reins, and lengthen/shorten them
- How to do a jumping/two-point position at walk and trot
- How to do a posting trot on the correct diagonals
- Using the arena and navigating over a course of poles in jumping position
- How to put on and take off the bridle safely, put on the halter, and correctly putting on and taking off the saddle
- Grooming (learning the different types of brushes and what they are used for)
- Cleaning tack and properly putting it away.
- Riders will learn how to mount both correctly and safely.
- This is a starting class where riders will learn the necessary skills to tack up and un-tack their horse (i.e.: Leading, grooming, saddling, bridling, etc).
- Level II
- A class for Intermediate riders. This class is for riders who are beginning to trot small fences and learning to ride the canter gait. The more experienced riders at this level will be able to successfully maneuver their horse around a small cross-rail course, at either the trot or canter.
- Skills they will learn at this level:
- Riders will know how to trot on the correct diagonal and also be able to sit the trot
- Riders will begin to learn to canter and discuss correct leads.
- Starting to jump over small fences at the trot.
- Cantering will be introduced once they can hold a good jumping position over the crossrail at the trot.
- Using their arena and be able to change the lead or diagonal while riding around a course of fences
- Safely leading horses to their stall or pasture
- Riders will know how to trot on the correct diagonal and also be able to sit the trot
- A class for Intermediate riders. This class is for riders who are beginning to trot small fences and learning to ride the canter gait. The more experienced riders at this level will be able to successfully maneuver their horse around a small cross-rail course, at either the trot or canter.
- Level III
- This level is for our more experienced lesson students who have mastered level I and II. The more experienced riders of this level will be able to navigate around a small course of jumps at the canter with changes of lead either through the trot or with a lead change.
- Skills that will be taught at this level include:
- Cantering/trotting around full courses of jumps of varying height
- Learn how to do adjust canter stride (lengthening and shortening)
- No stirrup work at trot and canter
- More advanced transitions, (i.e. walk to canter, trot to halt)
- More advanced horsemanship.
- Cantering/trotting around full courses of jumps of varying height
- This level is for our more experienced lesson students who have mastered level I and II. The more experienced riders of this level will be able to navigate around a small course of jumps at the canter with changes of lead either through the trot or with a lead change.
All Lessons at Golden Isles Riding Academy are $65. All riders must sign a release form prior to their ride. Minors must have a parent or guardian complete the rider information form and sign the Release of Liability Form.
Private Lessons
All new riders begin with one-on-one private lessons. This guarantees complete focus on the rider allowing the instructor to assess their skill level and tailor the lesson to encourage the rider and build confidence.
Group Lessons
Designed for the intermediate to advanced rider allowing them to work on more advanced horsemanship skills. Riding in groups challenges the rider to adjust and maintain their position in the ring and teaches them how to be proactive controlling their horse in a group setting.
Jump Lessons
Level II & Level III Riders
Tiny-Tots Lessons
For our little ones that have a love of horses but not quite ready to take the reins on their own. A full 20 minute lesson starts with getting comfortable around the horse, giving them a treat, explaining the saddle, bridle and other tack before sitting up tall in the saddle. All Tiny-Tot lessons are taught in the small round pen and the instructor is always at the rider’s side to ensure safety and a fun introduction to horses. Much more than just a pony ride.
Custom Lessons
If you are having a particular problem or need extra instruction in an area then we can discuss the concern and tailor a lesson to concentrate on the issue at hand. Helpful during many phases of learning and improving your skills.
For more information, feel free to email Owner/Trainer Kelli Jordan at kellijordan@goldenislesridingacademy.com.
