LESSON PROGRAM
We specialize in beginner and intermediate lessons that set students up with the skills they need for future success while still having fun. We offer Western, Hunt Seat, and Saddle Seat lessons, and show at local 4-H, Equestrian Team, and Open shows. Students receive hour-long, private 1-on-1 instruction to maximize learning potential. Further your connection with your own horse, or learn on one of our beautiful lesson horses and share the love we all have for our equine companions. Ages 5+ welcome.
Different levels of achievement are offered for goal-oriented riders.
At Michigan Heritage Horse Farm, we understand that every rider has different goals. While there is no one-size-fits-all curriculum, we do offer an outlined progression of skills, though every rider is not pushed or expected to follow the same path.
Level 1 (Introduction to Horses)
Learn the basics of grooming and tacking up a horse
Safely lead, mount, and dismount a horse
Walk, stop, and back on the lunge line while effectively steering
Complete a series of maneuvers off the lunge line at the walk
Name 5 parts of a horse
Level 2 (Western Riding)
Jog on the lunge line
Complete a series of maneuvers at the jog off of the lunge line
Learn how to ask for a collected headset
Memorize arena etiquette
Safely catch, groom, and saddle a horse alone
Name 10 parts of a horse
Level 3 (Effective use of Aids)
Learn how to adjust tack to fit the horse and rider
Ride with no stirrups
Demonstrate a pivot
Perform a turn on the forehand
Side pass over a pole
Effectively leg yield across the arena at the jog
Neck rein
Name 15 parts of a horse
Level 4 (English Riding)
Master posting the trot on a lunge line
Correctly identify posting diagonals
Steer the horse along a serpentine through the arena while maintaining the correct posting diagonals
Learn how to perform an emergency stop and emergency dismount
Name 20 parts of a horse
Level 5 (Cantering)
Canter on the lunge line
Canter full arena
Consistently identify canter leads
Practice speed control at all gaits
Ride all lesson horses, completing a pattern on each one
Introduce simple lead changes
Name 25 parts of a horse
Level 6 (Showing)
Learn to lunge horses
Master all showmanship cues
Clean 3 stalls
Clean a saddle and bridle
Clip a horse’s bridle path, muzzle, chin, and fetlocks
Give a horse a bath
Learn how to braid or band a mane and forelock
Participate in a mock class
Learn basic equine first aid
Successfully load a horse into a trailer
Enter an Academy or Walk-Trot class at a show
Win 3 Walk-Trot classes
Show in a Walk/Trot/Canter class
Meet our Horses
Behind every great lesson program is a team of equine companions ready to guide students through their riding journey.
