The Leadership with Horses Program is designed to educate participants on all aspects of horse care, handling and training, while learning and applying essential life skills. This program is designed to be a hands-on, life-changing experience, for both the participants and the animals that they are partnered with.

Horse topics include: horse care, feeding and handling, horse behavior and psychology, animal communication, horse training and riding, farrier work and general ranch work.

Leadership topics include: effective communication, motivation, responsibility, self- confidence, self awareness, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and teambuilding.

The program is a modified work-exchange program, open to adults and children ages 9 and older (younger children may be considered under special circumstances). No previous horse experience is necessary. The program is conducted three Saturdays a month, from 9:30-4:30, May through October - weather permitting. (The program is sometimes offered on weekdays in the summer months, for those who cannot participate in a Saturday program.)

The Leadership program requires a serious commitment on the part of each student. Students are permitted to miss a class day, with special permission, however, if a student misses more that three class periods, he or she will be dismissed from the program. Students are evaluated and graded on their weekly performance, in the areas of work, study, attitude and leadership skills.

Work
Each program day begins with a three-hour work period, and students are evaluated and graded on their efforts. Work activities are based on the class material that each student has completed and passed. Classes and related activities are conducted in the afternoons. There are a total of twelve basic classes. Students are tested on each class, and must demonstrate that they are proficient in that class, before they can progress to the next class. Tests are a combination of written and oral quizzes and a demonstration of skills. Students, who have difficulty taking written tests, will receive special assistance, from the instructors.

Study
Study materials are distributed each week. Written tests are administered the following week. Students, who do not receive good work evaluations and test scores, will not be advanced.

Attitude
An important part of being a good leader is a good attitude. Students are strongly encouraged to have a positive attitude, a consistent display of kindness and patience, with other participants and with the animals, a willingness to learn, and a desire to support others in their efforts.

Leadership Skills
Students need to keep in mind at all times, that this is a course on Leadership. Students will be graded on their mastery of: effective communication, motivation, responsibility, self- confidence, self-awareness, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and teambuilding.

LEADERSHIP CLASS OUTLINE

Class 1:
Orientation
Intro to Animal Communication & the Body Language of Horses
Round pen - training demo

Class 2:
Balanced Walking
Earning the Horse’s Respect
Catching/Haltering/Leading the Horse over and thru obstacles - in the walk

Class 3:
Grooming
Horse Anatomy

Class 4:
Types of Saddles & Bridles
Saddle Fitting
Saddling, Bridling & Detacking

Class 5:
Leading multiple horses over and thru obstacles - in the trot

Class 6:
Training the horse – phase 1

Class 7:
Training the horse – phase 2

Class 8:
Horse Health – Worming/Vaccines/Trimming of the feet
Clipping & Bathing the horse (weather permitting)

Class 9:
Mounting/Dismounting/Emergency dismounts

Class 10:
Balanced Riding - in the walk

Class 11:
Balanced Riding - in the trot

Class 12:
Course Review

If you are interested in applying for The Leadership with Horses Program, please email a letter of interest and include your phone number.

 

The Saddle Club

Students, who successfully complete all 12 classes, may apply for membership in The Saddle Club. Members of The Saddle Club get together weekly for regular club activities, including: trail rides, horse training & riding clinics, starting horses under saddle, and special events and outings. Members of the club also assist with teaching The Leadership with Horses Program and with fundraising activities.

Click on this link for a Saddle Club application - Download Application

Scholarships are available if you qualify due to financial hardship

Click on this link for a Scholarship application - Download Application

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