A Lesson for every kind of learner.

The Ranch offers western lessons for any age, skill level, and objective. Whether you have never ridden before, or have been riding all your life, our horses and certified coaching staff can improve your skills.

We offer a solid Basic Western Horsemanship Program for beginners, and for more advanced riders, we program Canadian Equestrian Federation classes for rider levels 1 through 4, and instructor and coaching classes as well.

The Ranch is the only riding stable we're aware of that offers a very popular "membership program". With some lessons, you can be certified to become a member here, providing you with the privilege to enjoy our horses indoors or out without a guide or instructor. You can set your own hours, ride your favourites, and go at your own pace with your favourite company - all because you are qualified to ride. Talk about membership having its privileges!

We offer varying learning environments to suit your budget or learning style:

• Private Lessons:
  For anyone who would like to set their own pace through our membership or CEF programs, or to supplement group lessons - these one-on-one lessons are an ideal way to learn. Private lessons are also the ONLY option available to children under the age of 8. $80.00/hour — bookings anytime!
• Semi-Private Lessons:
  Have a partner you would like to learn with? These two-rider lessons have a similar intensity to the private lessons, but add the fun of comfortable companionship and group learning, at a slightly smaller fee. $50.00/hour — bookings anytime!
• Children & Small-Group (Family) Lessons:
  These lessons involve a maximum of 4 people, a perfect environment for children - where fun is the key, but personal attention is vital - or for families wanting to learn together. Note that the Ranch will not involve beginner children in lessons with more than 4 people. $40.00/hour — bookings anytime!
• Group Lessons (up to 8 people):
  This option — for adults only — is a great way to learn in a fun environment, meet similarly minded riders, and keep the cost of lessons down. $35.00/hour — pre-set start dates for
  10-session lesson programs. Call for upcoming start dates and times.
• Adult Basic Western Horsemanship 1 & 2 — Becoming a Member!
  The objective of The Ranch"s Adult western horsemanship class is to bring students to a level of western horsemanship that will allow them to safely enjoy our horses in the arena or on trail, independent of a guide.

Students who complete a 10 lesson curriculum in a group environment — private or semi-private students generally complete the same curriculum in about half the time — are invited to take a test to become Ranch Level 1 Members and enjoy our horses in our indoor or outdoor arena. Students who complete a second 10 lesson curriculum are invited to take a test to become Ranch Level 2 Members and gain access to our trails without a guide. Members are also eligible to join the 16 Mile Club, and to join in on member's clinics and special event rides.

Following is The Ranch's adult lesson curriculum. Enjoy the riding information below —and please don't hesitate to contact us anytime for more information or to book your lesson. Contact our coach directly charlene@ridetheranch.com.

Basic Adult Level 1 Lesson Objectives:
Level one Basic Western Horsemanship is designed to give students a basic understanding of horse handling and riding. Students who complete this level are welcome to enjoy our horses in an arena setting. The focus of this course is spending time in the saddle and getting a good handle on sitting the walk, jog and lope gaits. As well as a solid understanding of horse safety and tacking.

Topics covered include:
• Grooming and tacking, ground safety, bridling, adjusting stirrups, tightening cinches and mounting   your horse correctly.
• Introduction to sitting, communicating and controlling your horse at a walk, jog, and lope.
• Discussion on the nature of a horse as "flight animal" and the basics of how they learn and
  communicate.
• Catching your horse (please note that after this lesson, you will be encouraged to catch, groom
  and tack your own horse prior to each lesson.
• How to identify a horse. Discussion on colours and markings.
• Optional bareback lesson.

Basic Adult Level 2 Lesson Objectives:
Level two Basic Western Horsemanship is designed to give students a more advanced understanding of a horse. Students who complete this level are welcome to enjoy our horses in on tail. The focus of this course is developing good trail skills and safety awareness. We work further on understanding and control of the walk, jog and lope gaits. As well as a solid understanding of horse safety and tacking.

Topics covered include:
• More in depth instruction on how to sit, communicate and control a lope. Pushing the envelope.
• Discussion on colic, and learning to properly cool your horse.
• Trail riding, and riding all three gaits on trail.
• Discussion on identifying a horse's age, and on the characteristics of breeds.
• Trail safety, etiquette, and developing good guiding habits.
• How to handle situations that may arise on trail. How to sit a bucking horse and handle a "spooky"
  horse.
• Introduction to advanced patterns at a walk, jog and lope
• Discussion on recognizing lameness, parts of the foot, and general foot cleaning and care.
• Introduction to the two hour trail, and membership exam — on trail

CEF Rider 1 through 4, Instructor and Coaching Certification
Adults are also free to further their riding skills by joining our monthly clinics, or continuing on in private or group lessons following the Canadian Equestrian Federation"s rider levels 1 through 4. Please contact the Ranch for details or visit the Ontario Equestrian Federation website at
www. horse.on.ca

Children's Western Horsemanship
The Ranch"s children's lesson programs are taught by CEF Certified Coaches and instructors. Beginners are placed into classes of no more than six students of similar age groups and skill levels.

Safety, comfort and fun are paramount in our classes as building confidence and communication skills are our primary objectives.

Group and/or private lessons are available on weeknight evenings or Saturdays. We have fantastic horses for your children to learn on, to ensure that their exposure to riding is an enjoyable, safe and controlled learning experience. Please see our safety page for more detailed information. Children's group lessons cost $35.00/hour per child for a one hour lesson.

Horsemanship FYI

Can't wait to get started? Enjoy the following collection of horsemanship lesson text — but remember — time in the saddle is the greatest teacher. Click here.

Until then... Happy Trails!

905-469-2989       info@ridetheranch.com