Young Rider Development Program
Price
Weekly - $90 per lesson
Casual - $105 per lesson
Youth Group Lessons
Once our students graduate from beginner private lessons youths under 17 go into our youth group lessons. These lessons are a little more fun and team building orientated. The students in these groups build lasting friendships with each other in an environment where we encourage a strong work ethic and compassionate consideration of others.
Our group lessons are an hour and a half in duration with the first half hour on the ground learning how to read the horses body language and understand cue training and horse behaviour, followed by an hour in the saddle furthering their ridden skills. As the riders develop their skill set and the instructor sees fit the students are able to apply for their assessment to graduate through the rider development program into the next grade.
level 1 - intro
Our intro level groups learn basic skills required for navigating the arena and arena figures with a maximum of 4 other students. The challenges they learn further develop their steering skills, working in an open paddock, riding over poles, tuning the horses to be sensitive and responsive to their stop, go, turn aids and starting to learn how to ride with their legs. On the ground we start learning about positive and negative reinforcement, structuring your training session for developing willingness and consent and timing of applying and releasing pressure through basic cues and tricks.
Level 2 - intermediate
For our students to graduate into our intermediate school classes they will be able to show a well established, strong and balanced 2 point and 3 point seat. Intermediate lessons involve refining the quality of communication between horse and rider so that the rider can navigate the harder school movements and start working over cavalettis. We work on developing the riders ability to better feel their horse to ask for engagement and half halts and introducing how to work into contact and build connection. Riding in the paddock, students will learn how to work with the horses in an open area in walk and trot with periods of canter. On the ground we start increasing the complexity of our tricks and cues as well by combining cues for larger tasks at liberty and in hand. Always returning to our core philosophy of willingness, consent, choice and connection to establish a well rounded relationship between horse and rider.
Level 3 - advanced
For our students to graduate into our advanced school classes they will need to pass a theory exam on understanding different terminologies used in training and how they can be applied in different case studies. They will also be asked to perform a simple dressage test and small showjumping round to demonstrate their skill set and development. Our advanced riders will have the opportunity to join show team outings and learn the ins and outs of what is required of competing. Advanced lessons involve riding with throughness, swing and relaxation into and established contact, working frame and self carriage. For those that are interested in show jumping they will start to learn how to jump more complex combinations and heights. In the paddock, the students will be learning how to navigate an open area with other horses, walk, trot and canter in preparation for attending shows and competing. On the ground we will be working on the more complex liberty tricks that are trained for horses to be in shows and movies. Again always keeping in mind our core philosophy of how we work with our horses.
Join the show team
Spots on the show team are limited and only made available to our students that can prove themselves in the stables and working with the horses. An application to join the show team can be made by any student riding at level 3. Prepping for competitions will require the volunteer of extra hours from both parents and students. There is a lot of behind the scenes work needed for show team and competition prep and that will need to be taken into consideration upon application.
Buying your own horse and lessons
We welcome our students who have the ability and desire to buy their own horses and bring them into have their lessons on. We recommend that you ask us for advice when it comes to purchase the right horse for your child. We also recommend waiting until your child is close to graduating level 2 intermediate classes as this will give them a more well rounded skill set to deal with the trials and challenges that come up owning your own horse. Before joining a group lesson with your own horse, you will have a half hour assessment lesson to grade you and your horses skill set combination to fit into an appropriate group level.
Lesson availability
Contact for group lesson times. Lessons are held Monday to Thursday 3.30pm - 5pm and 5.30pm - 7pm
Ages 7 - 17
Hour and a half group lesson
Maximum number of riders - 6
Testimonials
Hear why our students keep coming back
“I’m very grateful for my daughter being able to attend your school with your fur babies for her school equestrian mastery. This is absolutely her most favourite day of the week attending your equestrian SPIRIT classes. She’s not only is gaining confidence in learning so much from ground work,and trust in the saddle with these beautiful fur babies,but also loves the connection between human and horse. She’s learning from the very best, your team, her personal growth in this area has been wonderful and delights in sharing how her day was and what’s she’s learnt, when she excitedly hops in the car. I also wanted to let you know, the winter horse riding camp you offer through winter break is a wonderful idea. My daughter loved attending the three day horse camp,making new friends and enjoying one of her favourite sports horse riding .Thanking you Katie and team.@EQUESTRIAN SPIRIT.”
~ NC
“My daughter had been riding for many years, but it was not until she was working with Katie that she learnt what it really means to own a horse. Through Katie’s guidance my daughter has come to genuinely understand the goal is not the well disciplined horse but the relaxed and connected horse. Consequently I have seen my daughter transform from a good rider to a good horsewoman.
I love the fact that while riding is the culmination of a lesson, it is not the goal. You ride a bike, Katie teaches that you create a relationship with your horse. Thanks to Katie’s work, my daughter’s interactions with our own horses is consistently positive.
Lydia loves her lessons and says the best part is the way Katie explains things in a way that is easy to understand but at the same time challenges her to always do better.
Thanks Katie!”
~ PK
“My son starting riding lessons with Katie Boniface in early October 2000. He had a number of riding instructors that year and we were searching for an instructor who could build his understanding of the nature of horses, how he could be more responsive and institutive as a rider and how to care for horses. My son Wolf just wanted to own and ride horses and develop good horsemanship skills and was unable to find an instructor who would take the time to explain and develop horsemanship skills, not just basic riding technique. Katie not only built upon Wolf’s love of horses and riding, but fostered a deeper understanding of connecting with horses, riding skills to suit the horse ‘s disposition, experience and terrain, as well as caring for and working with a horse on the ground. Katie guided us with the selection of Wolf’s own horse he now owns and has developed a great relationship with his horse and mastered many riding skills. Katie accepted Wolf’s love of horses and has caringly guided him in his journey ensuring success at every turn.”
~ WL