The First Fundamental

I am a "fundamental" instructor. As a lifelong horseman and professional trainer since 1989, learning the very foundation, the "fundamentals", of horsemanship has been the focus of my training as well as my instruction.

Fundamentals are for all levels of horsemen, not just for brand-new, beginner riders. However, horsemen who are started with a thorough fundamentals foundation are stronger horsemen sooner. Bad habits are fewer as they learn how to self-evaluate and make corrections.

Experiential learning has been an especially positive and successful method of teaching and learning in my program and I am an unconventional instructor. I employ creative ways for the rider to "experience" success for each skill so that good instincts and thoughtful responses replace reactionary, panicked responses.​

To complete my Beginner Level of horsemanship, I have divided instruction into ten lessons. Each lesson takes however long it takes to be understood and somewhat mastered by each rider. It may take two, five, or even ten weeks to complete the first lesson, but it will never be completed in just one hour-long lesson time.

Below is the agenda for the first lesson. Each lesson has elements of Horsemanship, Groundwork, and Riding. As I teach, I often am able to relate what we are doing with the horse to events in life for my riders. Horses helped me better understand myself and how to deal with life events good and bad, so incorporating that gift of the horse into my instruction is a priority for me.

When someone has learned with me, it is my hope they come away from the instruction knowing more about horses, themselves and are better equipped for life.

LESSON 1:

• Horsemanship –

  • Grooming

  • Safety

  • Parts of the Horse Introduction

• Ground Work –

  • Gaits – Introduction

• Riding –

  • Walk,

  • Halt,

  • Reverse

  • Introduction to Aids