Emerging Equestrians: Fall Season

At Justin’s Place, our Emerging Equestrian program is about so much more than learning to ride a horse. It is a journey toward confidence, independence, responsibility, and connection—with both the horse and oneself.

Over the course of Emerging Equestrians: Level One, riders gradually build a foundation of practical horsemanship skills. They begin by learning the names and uses of grooming tools and tack, practicing buckles and clasps, and learning how to safely participate in grooming and tacking. As their confidence grows, they learn to lead a horse safely, navigate turns and halts, and take greater ownership of caring for their horse and their space.

Mounted skills progress right alongside these hands-on experiences. Riders learn proper posture, a balanced and forward walk, halts, turns, rein management, and eventually weaving through cones. They are introduced to the four natural aids—voice, seat, legs, and hands—and learn to use them in sequence to communicate with their horse.

But perhaps the most important progression is not measured by what a rider can do on horseback. It is measured by how much they begin to do for themselves. Throughout the program, we intentionally give riders opportunities to think, problem-solve, try, make mistakes, and try again—with support when they need it, but without taking away their independence.

By the final lesson, riders have the opportunity to put their skills together and demonstrate what they have learned. We celebrate not just the skills they have mastered, but how far they have come.

Our goal is to help each child discover: “I can do hard things. I can communicate. I can care for something bigger than myself. I can keep learning.” This is our hope for each and every participant in our Emerging Equestrians program this fall!

Here is a sample lesson plan from week 1 of Level One for our Fall session.