Reins on Manes’ Youth Horsemanship Program

Our Horsemanship Program offers children quality interactions with horses and a team of equine professionals. Curriculum-based lessons and enrichment activities provide children a sound foundation in horsemanship.  One-on-one instruction is given from the ground up in a safely designed environment. Children not only learn basic care, handling, and riding skills, but also horse anatomy, routine and emergency medical care, and exposure to the field of equine training and competition.

• Students will advance through the program according to a series of courses based on experience level.
• Each individualized 6-Lesson Course will safely progress according to the student’s pace.
• Each lesson includes approx. 1 hour of instruction time at Windfall Ranch.
• Each student will receive recognition as they graduate from one course to the next.
• Students will seek sponsorships for each course they would like to complete.

 

Youth Horsemanship Courses

1) “Bridles & Bridges”

Beginner

This course, consisting of 6 lessons, teaches the basics of horsemanship. Students will learn to groom, handle, and care for their equine partner. Students will become familiar with saddling and bridling procedures. Students will begin horseback riding lessons with aid in the arena, gaining confidence in the saddle and building bridges of communication with their horse.

2) “Saddle Smiles”

Beginner – Intermediate

This course, consisting of 6 lessons, encourages students as they begin to ride without aid. Students gain courage in the saddle as they move to the larger arena and learn basic maneuvering, secure seat, and proper hand and body positioning. Students will continue to refine their balance in the saddle, all the while enjoying every moment spent!

3) “Tales of Trails”

Intermediate

This course, consisting of 6 lessons, is every student’s dream, trail riding! Students will venture out into the Cleveland National Forest with their trusted equine partner. Designated trails are matched according to student’s riding levels to provide the upmost safety. Students communicate with their horse and overcome any obstacle in their path. They can enjoy trail side lunches and on hot summer days, even the chance to stop for a dip in the swimming hole!

4) “Cowboy Connections”

Intermediate – Advanced

This course, consisting of 6 lessons, is intended for students who have progressed through the Reins on Manes Horsemanship Program. Students who would like to participate in equine studies can refine their skills and enhance their understanding in this course. Work alongside trainer Bethany Pappani and gain further knowledge into the fields of equine training, medical and holistic care, multi-disciplined competition, and equine history and philosophy. Students will also assist in the routine care, feeding, and handling of equine team members including ground work, exercising, and bathing procedures. Safety Restrictions Apply.

5) “Helping Hooves”

Advanced Only

This course is designed for Reins on Manes students who have graduated from our program. We actively encourage our graduates to share their experiences with current students by becoming a Reins on Manes mentor! Graduates can become “Jr. Trainers” and give back to the Reins on Manes family. Many of these graduates hold an exceptional understanding and complex set of skills that enables them to safely and effectively share their equine knowledge with students.

 

Reins on Manes' Horse Playin' Buckaroos:

This curriculum-based program is designed with the preschooler in mind, with a consideration for developmentally-appropriate practices.

The program, consisting of 2 courses, is for students ages 3 - 5 or those in which this program is more suitable than the Youth Horsemanship Program.

Upon graduation of the Horse Playin' Buckaroos Courses, students will be evaluated and considered for placement in the Youth Horsemanship Program. *Restrictions Apply

 

1) “Learning the Ropes”

Beginner

This course, consisting of 6 lessons, teaches the basics of horsemanship from a preschooler's prospective. Our young students will begin to learn how to groom their horses and how to have fun safely around horses. Students will become familiar with saddling and bridling procedures through fun demonstrations and practice techniques. Students will engage with our miniature horses for special opportunities. Students will begin riding lessons, using fun games in the saddle to learn balance and find security.

 

2) “Saddle Up & Smile”

Beginner

This course, consisting of 6 lessons, encourages students as they begin to ride in our arena with the aid of instructor Bethany Pappani. Students gain courage in the saddle as they learn balance, coordination, and basic stop, start, steer maneuvering. Students will work off a lead, developing their muscle strength and becoming more confident and comfortable with their equine partner while in the saddle. Students will work towards achieving independence in the saddle and potentially progressing into the Horsemanship Program.

 

Additional Reins on Manes Experiences:

Therapeutic Experiences: One-on-one interactions with Ricochet & Bobbie Socks including “Meet & Greets” and Grooming Opportunities may be arranged both on-site and through our mobile services. Restrictions Apply.

Enrichment Activities: Curriculum-based activities, equine presentations and clinics, birthday celebrations, and summer camps allow Reins on Manes students to interact at Windfall Ranch in addition to their individualized courses.

Wish Days: These family events are a big deal here at Reins on Manes. Group lessons, fun games, and great food bring all our families together at Windfall Ranch. Visit our Calendar for the next event!