At Dixon Stables, horsemanship is a top priority. Almost anyone can learn to ride, but if you lack horsemanship skills, you will inevitably come across a situation you are not prepared for. With good horsemanship, there are no shortcuts. Skipping steps leads to problems down the line.

My aim during our one-on-one lesson sessions is to help you find a balance in your horsemanship. Through this balance, you will succeed in riding.

Often, “horse riding” lessons will primarily focus on what to do while you are in the saddle. While that is all good, there are fundamental, foundation level steps that are being neglected. Without a proper foundation, even the biggest strongest building will fall. Many of the early skills you will learn in my lessons will involve ground work. The skills learned on the ground will absolutely transfer to the saddle when you are ready to mount and ride. This is the beginning of building a proper foundation.

Private Horsemanship Lessons are $40 per hr. Lessons consist of the topics listed below as well as topics the student wants or needs to learn. We will not only work with the student, but also the student’s horse during these lessons. Our total attention is focused on the student and his or her horse, so private lessons are always productive and enjoyable

Private Horsemanship Lessons –Topics Covered:

Level 1: Ground Work / Preparing to Mount

• Disengagement of Hips
• Freezing in a Crisis
• Go Forward and Whoa
• Controlling Shoulders from the Ground
• Directional Control
• Proper Leading
• Picking Up Feet
• Introduction to Fly Spray
• Proper Tying
• Preparing Horse for Saddle
• Giving to the Bit

Trailering

Level 2: Under Saddle Basics

• Figure 8s
• Controlling Hips and Shoulders
• Side-passing
• Head Down, Backing
• Squeeze to Go
• Sit Back to Stop
• Crossing Minor Obstacles

Calm Down Cue

Level 3: Gaining More Control

• Directional Control
• Connect Rein to Shoulder
• Connect Rein to Hip
• Collected Stops and Back-Ups
• Lead Preparation
• Speed Control
• Seat and Leg Cues
• One Rein Stop
• Problem Solving
• 360 degree turns front & rear
• Faster Stops / Sliding Stops
• Dragging Objects
• Crossing Major Obstacles

Tricks (lying down, and more – as time allows)

Level 4: Riding Out.

Much of this time will be spent outside of our arena. Whether it be on planned trail riding day trips or riding trails around the farm, you will expose yourself and your horse to different stimulus and provide an opportunity to challenge yourself and your horse in an enjoyable atmosphere.