The Horsemanship Program at Belle Haven
Horseback riding is more than a sport--it's a holistic experience that develops the body, mind and character. It offers lasting benefits for anyone willing to show up and commit, regardless of age or starting point. If you have been thinking about lessons for yourself or someone you love the best time to start is now.
~ Improves Physical Health & Fitness ~
~ Builds Confidence & Resilience ~
~ Reduces Stress and Anxiety ~
~Strengthens Communication & Social Skills ~
~ Cultivates Focus and Mindfulness ~
~Enhances Balance & Coordination ~
Pony Pals Program
(ages 3-7)
Pony Pals is a special introductory level program designed for very young children who are not yet able to ride and care for a horse independently.
Students under the age of 8 have short attention spans and may have difficulty understanding complex concepts and skills. They may lack body awareness, motor control, and understanding of how their behavior influences horses. They need an attentive instructor and LOTS of assistance.
Pony Pals teaches basic horse knowledge and horse care concepts, emphasizing the importance of unmounted skills and safety with an introduction to riding on the lead line.
While many stables do not offer programs for this age group, we have found these lessons to be invaluable to children’s growth and development. Creating safe & fun equine experiences often turns a child’s curiosity about horses into a lifelong passion while helping them develop socially, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Pony Pals Program
Spending time with horses can nurture a child’s emotional growth and provide a safe space for exploration and learning.
The bond between a child and a horse is often mutually transformative, fostering respect, care, and joy.
Pony Pals lessons are set for ~30 minutes and cover a focused curriculum that is age appropriate, sequential and progressive.
We meet your child where they are developmentally and build from there.
Every experience at the barn is meant to be a safe & fun session that fosters growth and encourages curiosity.
Working Through Learning Levels
at Belle Haven
Equine education should be
SAFE, PROGRESSIVE, and FUN.
While terminology among programs may differ, good horsemanship is universal. We focus on teaching balanced seat riding, and students are exposed to elements of several different disciplines.
Our goal is to produce well-rounded, confident equestrians who can be comfortable in any barn and appreciate all that the horse world has to offer.
Learning how to ride a horse isn’t enough. Our generous four-legged partners are not sports equipment — they are complex living creatures with needs and feelings of their own. That means that equestrians have a responsibility to learn as much as they can about equine behavior, anatomy, daily care, conditioning, etc.
Riding is not the only way to enjoy horses. There are many wonderful, fulfilling activities that can take place on the ground and they are as equally valuable as time in the saddle.
Students can earn ribbons and certificates as they progress through an intentional, leveled curriculum.
Beginner Horsemanship Program
Level 1
(ages 8+)
Beginner lessons are introductory level lessons designed to give students a safe overview of basic mounted and unmounted skills. It introduces safety concepts for handling horses on the ground and in the saddle, including grooming, tacking up, riding at the walk and trot. There is a strong focus on unmounted horse handling and care for beginner riders with an emphasis on safety while teaching important equine terminology and basic horse keeping skills. Students may not progress to mounted group lessons until they have demonstrated competency at this level.
Intermediate Levels 4 & 5
Intermediate Level 4 lessons are designed to encourage students to ride with attention to detail and an awareness of the horse’s balance, while giving them the skills necessary to safely ride out of the arena and over introductory cross rail courses or obstacle courses. Intermediate students are challenged to deepen their understanding of horse care, tack and anatomy, helping them become knowledgeable and responsible horse caretakers. This Level explores more complex topics such as conformation and soundness along with practical skills such as trailer loading & longeing.
Intermediate Level 5 lessons are designed to give students the ability to ride with balance and accuracy on the flat and over fences or intricate obstacles. Level 5 Intermediate students should achieve enough competency to safely participate in mounted activities outside of lessons, while gaining appreciation for flatwork, proper equitation, training for events and an increased consideration for their horse. students begin to look at the big picture of equine management, learning to think like a horse and consider the long-term effects of feeding, training and health care practices. This Level revisits some topics from previous Levels, expanding them to include greater detail, encouraging students to make informed riding and horse care decisions. Students who master skills at this level begin to grasp how all aspects of horsemanship are connected, including equine psychology, anatomy, stable management, and training practices. While they should still ride/care for a horse with experienced mentorship, they will gain confidence in their own abilities through expanded knowledge and experience with a variety of horsemanship skills.
Beginner Levels 2 & 3
(ages 9+)
Lessons for Beginner Level 2 are designed to build on previous knowledge while giving students the skills necessary to help around the barn and give students the ability to ride confidently and securely at the trot. Safety and accuracy is emphasized, as is the balanced seat required to advance to skills such as cantering and jumping. This Level introduces more horsey terminology along with some additional basic horse care skills – and helps students understand just how much there is to learn about keeping horses safe and healthy!
Beginner Level 3 is designed to further develop students’ basic riding skills and independence on the flat. Unmounted topics expand students’ knowledge of equine health and safety while broadening their horsey horizons. Students are introduced to cantering in this level and emphasis is placed on developing a strong balanced position in preparation for cantering through simple patterns and over obstacles. Unmounted skills include developing proficiency in tacking up independently, first aid and stable management, and introduction to equestrian events & activities.
The Benefits of Horseback Riding
Children can learn to understand and interpret non-verbal cues from horses, which can improve their communication skills in general.
Horses can provide a calming presence for children, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Studies show that children who interact with horses often develop increased empathy and compassion, learning to understand and respond to the needs of others, both human and animal.
Interacting with horses can help children develop social skills in a less pressured environment, particularly for those who may be shy or introverted.
Positive interactions with horses can boost a child's self-esteem and confidence.
