Riders in our Learn to Jump lessons are able to safely and confidently navigate an entire course of crossrails at the canter. Learn to Jump riders are working on increasing independence, such as brushing and tacking up with checks done by our lesson assistants. At this level, riders should be able to brush and tack up mostly unassisted, although they still may require assistance with catching their horse and mounting procedures (tightening girths, adjusting stirrups, final checks, etc). On the horse, Learn to Jump riders are working up to cantering more technical courses of verticals and oxers. During their hack, riders will develop their skills by learning posting trot without stirrups, cantering in a group, and arena figures such as loops, serpentines, circles of various sizes, etc. More advanced transitions, such as halt-trot, trot-halt, and walk-canter transitions may be introduced in these lessons, as well as extended and collected trot. Riders at this level will also start to learn fundamental jumping concepts, like counting strides and lead changes. Learn to Jump riders are exploring new horses, aiming to gain competence and confidence on multiple different horses. Once riders show confidence on most horses at this level, show competence in the concepts presented to them on the flat, and can safely navigate courses of verticals and oxers, their instructor may chose to progress them into Intermediate lessons. 

Intermediate riders are progressing steadily in both their on and off horse skills. To enter intermediate lessons, riders must be confident cantering courses of verticals and oxers on all different types of horses. At this level, riders should be nearly completely independant off of their horse. Catching, brushing, tacking up, and mounting should be able to be completed independently, with support from our lesson assistants should an issue or question arise. On the horse, riders are learning more technical and difficult aspects of riding. At this level, courses become harder, and riders are expected to be quick to listen and adapt. At this level, we introduce cantering without stirrups, more difficult transitions, extended and collected walk and canter, and the foundations of the most basic lateral work. We truly introduce concepts of the basic dressage pyramid at this level, focusing on rythym, bend, and contact. Riders in intermediate lessons should have a good grasp on basic jumping concepts like leads and counts, and should be starting to make changes during their round to positively impact the course. Riders at this level should be confident on many horses, and able to adapt to new rides quickly. In Intermediate lessons, we are working towards mastery of the most basic concepts, and the use subtle aids to achieve big results. Once riders are confident over larger and more technical courses, on most horses in the lesson program, their instructor may chose to move them into advanced lessons. Summer leases on lesson horses may available to the most advanced riders in our intermediate lessons, on a case by case basis and as recommended by instructors.

Advanced lessons are the final step in our lesson program before riders are ready to transition into our competitive show program. These riders are developing the skills necessary should they chose to own or lease their own horse, namely learning how to problem solve both on and off of the horse without support from a coach or lesson assistant. Riders in our advanced lessons should embody the concept of “the horse you get off of is better than the horse you get on”, or improving the horse through kind, compassionate, and skilled riding. Off of the horse, riders are completely independent and able to help others if they are having issues. They are able to problem solve on their own, and should identify any issues they see with tack or their horse by bringing them up with their coach or lesson assistant. On the horse, riders are able to confidently and competently navigate technical courses up to 2’6″ (0.75cm) in height. Here, we perfect our foundational concepts, but start to introduce more technical dressage concepts, such as impulsion, straightness, and collection. As they progress, riders will be introduced to advanced technical movements like shoulder/haunches in, turn on the forehand/haunches, and counter canter. These riders are able to quickly identify a problem on course, and make the appropriate adjustments to improve the rest of the ride. Riders in advanced lessons should be confident on any horse in the lesson program. The ultimate goal of our advanced lessons is to develop the necessary skills for riders to lease or purchase their own horse, and start competing at rated horse shows if they desire. Summer leases on lesson horses are available to riders in our advanced lessons.

Competitive Lessons are open to riders who own or lease their own horse (not a lesson horse) and are ready to start showing. Riders in our competitive lessons have progressed through our lesson program and have the skills to own or lease their own horse. These riders are completely independent, and are progressing towards high-level equestrian competition. For more information on competitive lessons, please contact Brittney Toner at 587-983-6292

Q: When is my child ready to move up a lesson?

A: Our goals at Blarney Stone Farms are to make sure riders are both having fun and being safe. Horses are unpredictable, dangerous animals (although our lesson horses are very safe), and jumping is inherently a dangerous sport. As coaches, it is our job to keep our riders safe. If your child has is not being moved up a lesson, it is not because we do not think they are a good riders, but rather that we are looking out for their safety. Perhaps they are to young or small to move on to other horses, or perhaps they have a few more things to master before they are ready to move up. Maybe they need to work on listening and applying corrections, or perhaps they just need to gain more confidence in or out of the saddle. Whatever the reason, our coaches have your child’s best interest at heart. You can trust that when staff feels they are ready to move up, they will be offered a spot if it is available. If you are interested in moving up a level, but haven’t been offered the opportunity yet, check in with your coach and see what they would like to see before they are ready to move you up, but remember this progress may take time, from weeks to years. 

Q: How long does it take to progress through the lesson program?

A: Just like learning any other skill, the process of learning to ride is different for every single person. Some riders may pick skills up quickly, others may take longer. Factors like age have a huge impact on speed of progression, typically older riders will progress faster than younger ones (but not always). Another contributing factor is how often you ride. Riders that lesson multiple times a week tend to progress faster than those who only ride once a week, as they have more time to practice their skills. If you are looking to speed up your progression through the program, consider adding another lesson per week. Ultimately, riding is a lifelong learning experience, there is no “normal” amount of time it takes to progress through our program.

Q: I want to lease a lesson horse but I am not in advanced lessons, can I lease anyways?

A: Generally speaking, no. Leases on lesson horses are only available on certain horses to the most advanced riders in the program. Occasionally, we will have some horses not in the lesson program that are available for lease for intermediate or even learn to ride/jump riders. If you are interested in leasing as a learn to ride/jump or intermediate rider, please contact Brittney Toner (587-983-6292) to see if there are any leasing opportunities available on non-lesson horses.

Q: Why can’t I jump higher than 2’6″ in the lesson program?

A: Our lesson horses work hard! We teach lessons five days a week at Blarney Stone Farms, so most of the horses are working five days a week. On top of this, most of our lesson horses are seniors (that is what makes them such great teachers), and we must ensure they stay happy and healthy in their old age. The horse’s welfare is our utmost priority, and that means capping the height of the jumps for our lesson program. Maintaining the health of our lesson string is critical to both our student’s learning and our lesson herd’s longevity. In addition, in most cases, the skills required to jump larger jumps are best developed over smaller jumps. Even Olympic riders don’t jump as high as they can every day! Promoting good horsemanship skills over smaller jumps develops successful riders over larger jumps. If you are interested in jumping higher than 2’6′, please reach out to Brittney Toner (587-983-6292) about leasing a non-lesson horse or purchasing your own horse.