Practical Horseman Classes are currently not being offered - next round of classes date/time TBD.
What are "Practical Horseman" classes?
Practical Horseman classes are one-hour long unmounted sessions where students learn everything there is to know about the modern horse and how to care for one, with a focus on mastering the practical/physical aspects of horse care and ownership. Each class consists of up to four students at a time (with parents/guardians welcome to attend, but only permitted to participate if they take one of the four offered spots). Each week the class will focus on learning about a different aspect of horse care, with a goal of eventually mastering the skills that go along with that topic. Each student's progress will be tracked to determine what skills have been mastered, and which ones need work/repeat classes. Practical Horseman classes are 100% optional, and are open for anyone age 7 and older to sign up for (whether a current client or not)!
There are two different levels of Practical Horseman classes to choose from:
Fundamentals of Horsemanship: For those who are interested in understanding the basic horse and mastering some of the day-to-day skills that go along with horse care and ownership. This class will focus on topics such as horse body language, parts and colors of the horse, parts and purpose of tack, and the basics of horse health. Some of the skills students will work to master include cleaning stalls, moving and bagging hay, making feeds, de-constructing and cleaning tack, advanced horse grooming/bathing, and taking basic equine vital signs to monitor health. This class was designed with the intention that students may someday decide to pursue horse leasing or ownership, or may attend some horse shows and clinics. The knowledge and skills covered in this class will help a student to be confidently capable to handle and care for a horse in those situations.
Equine Care & Management: For those who are interested in a more thorough understanding of how the horse is put together, and what is required to keep a horse healthy, physically fit, and confident. This class is both theory-heavy and very hands-on with the horses and tools we will be covering, and each class will move at a fast pace in order to adequately discuss each topic and attempt each skill. Some of the topics we will discuss include equine biomechanics, nutrition, medications and treatment, injury rehab, and training techniques. Examples of skills that students will attempt to master include leg wrapping, injury treatment, body work, lameness identification, arena groundwork, and medication administration. This class was designed with the intention that some students may become long-term horse owners, consistent show riders, and may eventually enter the industry professionally. The knowledge and skills acquired in this class are crucial to the overall health and well-being of the horse on a long-term scale.
There are two different levels of Practical Horseman classes to choose from:
Fundamentals of Horsemanship: For those who are interested in understanding the basic horse and mastering some of the day-to-day skills that go along with horse care and ownership. This class will focus on topics such as horse body language, parts and colors of the horse, parts and purpose of tack, and the basics of horse health. Some of the skills students will work to master include cleaning stalls, moving and bagging hay, making feeds, de-constructing and cleaning tack, advanced horse grooming/bathing, and taking basic equine vital signs to monitor health. This class was designed with the intention that students may someday decide to pursue horse leasing or ownership, or may attend some horse shows and clinics. The knowledge and skills covered in this class will help a student to be confidently capable to handle and care for a horse in those situations.
Equine Care & Management: For those who are interested in a more thorough understanding of how the horse is put together, and what is required to keep a horse healthy, physically fit, and confident. This class is both theory-heavy and very hands-on with the horses and tools we will be covering, and each class will move at a fast pace in order to adequately discuss each topic and attempt each skill. Some of the topics we will discuss include equine biomechanics, nutrition, medications and treatment, injury rehab, and training techniques. Examples of skills that students will attempt to master include leg wrapping, injury treatment, body work, lameness identification, arena groundwork, and medication administration. This class was designed with the intention that some students may become long-term horse owners, consistent show riders, and may eventually enter the industry professionally. The knowledge and skills acquired in this class are crucial to the overall health and well-being of the horse on a long-term scale.
When are classes held?
Practical Horseman class schedule is still undetermined at this time. Each class allows up to four students to attend. Class topics vary from week to week (but will always be announced in advance). Students may sign up for one or both offered classes. Class schedule is as follows:
(Day & Time TBD) Fundamentals of Horsemanship
(Day & Time TBD) Equine Care & Management
(Day & Time TBD) Fundamentals of Horsemanship
(Day & Time TBD) Equine Care & Management
How much do classes cost? What are my options?
Any one Practical Horseman class is for a student to attend and participate in (no auditors aside from a parent/guardian who does not participate or interrupt the class). Class topics will be announced for each week before sign-ups begin so that students have a general idea of what they're signing up for. Classes can be purchased on an individual basis or by the month (with full payment due on the 1st day of the month).
The weekly topics will be announced for a month at a time (ex: Week 1 - Hoof Conditions and Care, Week 2 - Hunter Braids and Tail Prep, Week 3 - Tack Cleaning and Conditioning, Week 4 - Show Prep and Attire). Exact days/times of classes are scheduled during sign-up/purchase, and can only be selected from the current and/or following month. Practical Horseman classes are not eligible for any re-scheduling or refunds (with the exception of an Instructor Cancellation).
Practical Horseman classes can be purchased as:
One-Time, Any Class ($30): Signing up for one class at a time.
One Class Monthly Package ($100): Signing up for a once-a-week class (at the same day/time each week) for one month.
(Price of Monthly Package is based upon a 4-week month and must be Paid-In-Full by the 1st of the month)
While many of my students come to the barn to learn how to ride, I will always whole-heartedly encourage for them to get involved in all parts of the horse's life and learn as much as they can! Having a better understanding of the horse creates empathy and compassion in a rider, which is crucial as we advance and ask the horse to do more for us when we ride without breaking a horse's trust or leading them to harm. The greatest kindness you can show a horse is to be a better horseman/horsewoman than you were yesterday.
The weekly topics will be announced for a month at a time (ex: Week 1 - Hoof Conditions and Care, Week 2 - Hunter Braids and Tail Prep, Week 3 - Tack Cleaning and Conditioning, Week 4 - Show Prep and Attire). Exact days/times of classes are scheduled during sign-up/purchase, and can only be selected from the current and/or following month. Practical Horseman classes are not eligible for any re-scheduling or refunds (with the exception of an Instructor Cancellation).
Practical Horseman classes can be purchased as:
One-Time, Any Class ($30): Signing up for one class at a time.
One Class Monthly Package ($100): Signing up for a once-a-week class (at the same day/time each week) for one month.
(Price of Monthly Package is based upon a 4-week month and must be Paid-In-Full by the 1st of the month)
While many of my students come to the barn to learn how to ride, I will always whole-heartedly encourage for them to get involved in all parts of the horse's life and learn as much as they can! Having a better understanding of the horse creates empathy and compassion in a rider, which is crucial as we advance and ask the horse to do more for us when we ride without breaking a horse's trust or leading them to harm. The greatest kindness you can show a horse is to be a better horseman/horsewoman than you were yesterday.
How do I sign up?
All sign-ups for Practical Horseman classes are done through Coach Maddie and must be submitted in writing (text or e-mail preferred). Any classes you sign-up for will be confirmed in writing (usually email or text) after payment. Those wishing to sign up must sign a Practical Horseman Class Enrollment Form and turn it in to Coach Maddie (there are always extra copies at the barn), and all class scheduling is done at the time of purchase. Packages of classes are purchased in full at the initial scheduling for the month.
Classes can be purchased through one of our approved purchase methods, listed here in order of preference:
Quickbooks Invoice: An invoice can be instantly emailed to you from Coach Maddie, allowing you to quickly pay online.
Quickbooks GoPayment: An app for the Quickbooks system, this method allows you to pay on the spot with a credit/debit card. For ease of use, you also have the option to save a card on your client file to be charged whenever you purchase a class/session!
Have questions? Want to learn more or sign up for classes? Be sure to Get In Touch with Coach Maddie!
Classes can be purchased through one of our approved purchase methods, listed here in order of preference:
Quickbooks Invoice: An invoice can be instantly emailed to you from Coach Maddie, allowing you to quickly pay online.
Quickbooks GoPayment: An app for the Quickbooks system, this method allows you to pay on the spot with a credit/debit card. For ease of use, you also have the option to save a card on your client file to be charged whenever you purchase a class/session!
Have questions? Want to learn more or sign up for classes? Be sure to Get In Touch with Coach Maddie!
What are next month's class topics?
|
Fundamentals of Horsemanship
Week One: Blanketing Techniques - Winter is coming! Learn about different types of "horsewear" and safe blanketing techniques.
Week Two: Signs of Good Horse Health - Recognizing a horse that is healthy and happy, and how to get there if the horse is not. Week Three: Halters & Ties, Oh My! - Learning about different halters, tying methods, and more advanced horse catching/leading. Week Four: No Class Held - Holiday Week Five: Improving Rider Strength & Balance - Un-mounted techniques and games to advance body control as a rider. |
Equine Care & Management
Week One: Field Turnout Considerations - The Do's and Dont's of turnout, including herd compatibility, paddock design, and safety.
Week Two: Basic Leg Protection - Introduction to leg wraps and boots, their use and placement, and application of polo wraps. Week Three: Taking Equine Vital Signs - Learning to recognize when a horse is healthy on the inside, or when they're not! Week Four: Equipment Fit & Adjustments - Utilizing standard riding tack/equipment and how to fit it properly to the horse. Week Five: N/A |