Horsemanship

Teacher: Nicole Hicks

Target Age Group: 9-14 years old | Class Duration: 45 minutes weekly

Course Description:

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of horsemanship through hands-on learning, observation, and instructor-led riding. Students build a strong foundation in horse behavior, anatomy, grooming, tack, hoof care, nutrition, and safe handling before progressing to instructor-led riding experiences. 

Course Goals 

• Learn how horses communicate and behave. 

• Understand horse anatomy and basic health. 

• Develop safe handling habits around horses. 

• Learn proper grooming techniques. 

• Identify and correctly use tack and equipment. 

• Learn basic hoof care. 

• Build confidence leading and working around horses. 

• Participate in instructor-led riding experiences. 

Safety Expectations 

• Wear closed-toe boots. 

• Wear an ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet during riding activities. 

•Listen carefully to instructor directions. 

• Never approach or feed a horse without permission. 

• Treat horses and classmates with kindness and respect. 

Typical Class Format 

• 10-15 min: Safety review and horse check-in 

• 15-20 min: Lesson 

• 20-30 min: Hands-on practice 

• 15-20 min: Horse activity or instructor-led riding 

• 5-10 min: Reflection and horse care 

Evaluation 

Students are evaluated on safe behavior, participation, respect, grooming skills, tack identification, leading skills, horse knowledge, confidence, and effort. Riding ability is not the primary focus of this 

course. 

End-of-Course Goal 

Students will leave with the knowledge and confidence to safely care for, handle, groom, tack up, and communicate with a horse while understanding that great riders first become great horsemen and horsewomen.