Horsemanship Lesson Program
Available Horsemanship Spots
Walk/ Trot Lessons
Beginner (Novice)
Intermediate (Level 1)
Canter Lessons
Beginner (Level 2)
Intermediate (Level 3)
Jumping Lessons
Beginner (Level 3)
Intermediate (Level 3)
Riders in this program continue to develop skills learned in our Learn To Ride program and work towards the Equestrian Canada Rider Levels 1-4 (dressage and jump). Our focus is primarily equitation and education- we are a non-competitive barn. Lessons are 2 hours long: 1 hour in the arena riding 30 minutes before and after with the horse on the ground including catching, grooming, tacking, and untacking, grooming and turning out.
This program runs from September-June with classes on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The price for Horsemanship is $3570 annually, broken into the monthly price of $357.00, and includes one lesson per week.
For the 2024/2025 Horsemanship year we are starting Saturday, August 31 2024 to Friday, June 20, 2025 with breaks from December 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025 for Winter, and March 24-April 6th for Spring. Our annual Fun Show will be June 21 and 22, 2025.
Check out a basic outline of where you might fall in the levels as well as current openings in our program!
***Note that we require an evaluation ride ($80+processing fees) to see where your skills are at. To coordinate this, please email info@welca.ca***
WELCA Make-Up Lesson Policy
Make-up lessons are not guaranteed for missed classes and are subject to a $15 administration fee. Make-up lessons need to be requested in advance via email, need to occur during the week of class that is missed, and may take place in a lower level class (depending on availability).
All communication for absences and make-up lessons needs to go through our email: info@welca.ca.
There will be no makeup lessons provided for absences notified after a missed class or communicated solely to a coach or TA.
WELCA Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of WELCA's Horsemanship Program can be obtained by emailing our info@welca.ca account with 30 days notice. The 30 days will commence on the day the cancellation email is sent, with the final class taking place as close to the 30 days as possible (rounded down when necessary). Payment for any unpaid days within that period will be required at cancellation.
Novice
This is the first step into the program after completing a Learn to Ride. There is a very steep learning curve and we continue teaching topics that were introduced in the LTR. In order to proceed to level 1 we are looking for increased independence and skill developement
Level 3
At this point, you should have very good proficiency at the canter and are able to canter a course of poles with good rhythm, position, and control. The level 3 introduces riders to jumping. We would consider this level having 2 categories: Beginner for when you are just starting and Intermediate if you have some experience
Level 1
Once you have become more comfortable with horse handling and riding skills/knowledge we are able to increase the degree of challenge at the walk/trot. The goal of this class is to prepare you for the canter in level 2. Trot poles will be introduced and there is a higher expectation of proficiency. You will likely be riding a slightly more challenging horse.
Level 4
The level 4 is our highest level. In this class you should have excellent proficiency at all gaits with strong understanding and application of advanced aids. Riders at this level are expected to be heavily involved with horses and are pursuing additional knowledge on their own. Level 4 riders should be riding twice a week in lessons or leasing if possible. We would consider this the advanced canter or jump.
Level 2
The level 2 is where the canter is first introduced. We would consider this our beginner canter class where you are still learning control, position, and getting comfortable at the canter gait along with learning additional skills and theory. You will begin to learn skills to prepare to start jumping in the level 3