The western riding program
Six levels, one trail
Riders start at the level that fits their age and experience. Every level ends with a buckle and a certificate — and a move up.
Little Wranglers
Ages 2–4 · 45 min
Parent and child together: western saddle intro, grooming, and a first led walk.
- Safe approach & grooming
- Hold the horn for balance
- Horse body part names
- Sit in a western saddle
- Led walk with instructor
- Reward & thank the horse
Ranch Hands
Ages 4–6 · 45 min
First independent riding on a lead rope: walk, halt, and neck rein basics.
- Mount from block independently
- Neck rein introduction
- Jog intro on lead rope
- Walk & halt transitions
- Cone weave at walk
- Western tack names & care
Trail Riders
Ages 6–9 · 60 min
Off the lead rope: neck reining, jog, lope, first pattern work, and a trail ride.
- Independent neck reining
- Pole weave at walk/jog
- Supervised trail ride
- Jog & lope independently
- One-handed rein hold
- Full independent tack-up
Arena Riders
Ages 9–12 · 60 min
Speed events: barrel pattern, pole bending, flag race and trail obstacles.
- Barrel cloverleaf at jog
- Flag race basics
- Rollback turn technique
- 6-pole bending pattern
- Trail course obstacles
- Pre-ride health check
Competitors
Ages 12–17 · 60 min
Full speed at the lope. Choose a discipline pathway and train for competition.
- Barrel racing at lope
- Ranch pleasure rail work
- Competition prep & etiquette
- Pole bending timed runs
- Western reining patterns
- Horse health & first aid
Range Riders
Adults 18–64 · 60 min
Adults, beginners welcome. Greenhorn, Ranch Rider or Trail Boss track at your own pace.
- Groundwork & body language
- One-hand neck reining
- Pattern or trail goal ride
- Western grooming & tack-up
- Jog & lope at your own pace
- Trail ride with buddy checks
Greenhorn
Never ridden, or not in many years. Nervous riders welcome.
Ranch Rider
Comfortable at walk and jog, and wants more confidence and control.
Trail Boss
Lopes confidently and wants a goal: patterns, trail riding or a discipline.
Ready to find your level?
Reach out to save a spot for Term 1 or ask about placement. We'll help you find the right fit.