Equestrian Homeschool program

Duration: 8 Months  

Frequency: Once a week  

Age Group: 7-14 years  

Class Size: Maximum of 10 students

Class Structure: 90 minutes of interactive and hands on learning with instructor, 30 minutes for lunch, and 60 minute group lesson in the arena

Month 1: Foundations and Horse Safety

  - Introduction to the program and safety protocols

  - Understanding horse behavior and safety around horses

  - Grooming tools and techniques  

  - Importance of grooming for health and bonding

  - How horses communicate through body language  

  - Recognizing common behaviors and emotions

Month 2: Equine Anatomy

  - External anatomy of the horse  

  - Introduction to skeletal and muscular systems

  - Internal and external parts of the hoof

  - Importance of the hoof in the health of a horse

Month 3: Tack, Tack Safety and Care

  - Overview of saddles, bridles, bits, and other equipment  

  - Fitting and using tack properly

  - Cleaning and storing tack 

  - Identifying wear and tear

  - Hands-on practice with saddling and bridling horses  

  - Understanding the importance of correct fit

  - Ensuring equipment is safe for use  

  - Troubleshooting common tack issues

Month 4: Advanced Riding Technique

  - Trotting basics and maintaining balance  

  - Steering at a trot 

  - Fun activities to build confidence and reinforce skills  

  - Group riding challenges

  - Developing rhythm and control at a trot  

  - Introduction to posting trot 

  - Understanding the canter  

  - Practicing transitions between gaits

  - Learning simple riding patterns  

  - Building coordination and memory

Month 5: Horse Health & Nutrition

  - Signs of a healthy  horse  

  - Introduction to common equine ailments

  - Understanding horse diet  

  - Preparing and distributing feed

  - Importance of hoof health  

  - Basic hoof cleaning and maintenance

-  Role of veterinarians in horse health  

-  Role of farrier in horse health

  - Basic first aid for horses

-Month 6: Stable Management

  - Cleaning stalls and maintaining the stable  

  - Organization and cleanliness

  - Keeping track of feeding, exercise, and health records  

  - Importance of consistency in care

  - Adapting care routines for different seasons  

  - Blanketing and hydration needs

  - Overview of running a stable  

  - Roles and responsibilities of stable management

-Month 7: Breeds, Characteristics and Behaviors, and How Horses helped develop The World

  - Overview of different horse breeds and their characteristics  

  - Markings and patterns

  -What Horses were bred for

  - The Role of Horses in our History

  - How a horse’s behavior is influenced by environment and training 

-Month 8: Review & Application

  - Review of material, riding and care skills learned  

  - Assessments and feedback

  - Students present a project on a chosen equine topic (age appropriate based on ability) 

  - Group discussions and learning from peers

  - Demonstration of riding skills in a mock show setting  

  - Celebrating progress and achievements

  - Reflection on the journey and celebration with peers and family

ALL months will include Basic Riding Skills

 - Mounting & Dismounting

  - Safe techniques for mounting and dismounting  

  - Riding posture and balance 

  - Learning to walk and halt a horse 

  - Basic steering techniques

- Guest Lectures: Sessions with professionals like veterinarians, farriers, and trainers when available

- Project Work: Students complete an individual or group project related to their interests in equines  

- Journaling: Students maintain a journal to reflect on their experiences and progress, age appropriate depending on their ability

This curriculum offers a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience, blending practical skills with in-depth equine knowledge to support holistic development.