What makes the ELS Adult Riding Program different?

Robyn’s passion for Natural Horsemanship and training as a Registered Nurse with biomechanic studies, led her to develop a unique lesson program called Centered Seamless Riding™. This program is based on teaching students to work with a horse’s natural motion and instincts. This begins with teaching a balanced seat. No matter what type of saddle the horse wears or the style of riding you choose, a balanced seat creates safety and comfort for both horse and rider. We also teach communication through subtle body language that the horse understands and correctly interprets.

 

How does a new student get started?

Step 1: Orientation Riding Evaluation ($70)
Before entering our Riding Program, we want to make sure our program is right for you. Our one-hour Evaluation Lesson is a valuable tool that provides new students with an opportunity to evaluate our program and facilities, discuss fear or answer questions about our programs. It is also time for the instructor to evaluate the student’s goals and current confidence and skill level. This will enable the Instructors to recommend the plan they believe to be best suited for the rider.

This evaluation is required for all new and returning students.
**For the health and safety of our horses, we have a weight / proportion restriction of 200lbs.  Riders must be physically able to mount and dismount a horse without assistance.

  If we are unable to match you with a school horse, there will be no charge for the evaluation. Please Contact Us for an appointment.

 

 

Step 2: Groundwork (GW) classes for students
Groundwork refers to how humans safely interact and direct their equine partners from ground level. Whether the student is a novice or expert, ELS wants all the horses as comfortable as possible with new students. Consistency is the key.
Groundwork includes everything from moving horses through gates, grooming, and handling tack and equipment, to working with horses on a lead rope at a walk, trot, and stop. We use groundwork to teach students focus, awareness, communication skills, and respect. Awareness of other riders and horses in the arena is an important development process that students begin to learn in these classes.

GW Classes are between 4-6 lessons:

• Students learn the Three T’s: Tools (tack & equipment), Techniques (safety and efficiency) Timing (safely & fairly correcting and not punishing the horse).

• All students learn these skills and are checked off by the instructors within the first several lessons.

  
  

 

Step 3: Riding lessons

Riding lessons begin with safe mounting, emergency dismounts, and other important skills designed with the horse in mind. Communication is the key to reduce confusion and misbehavior in the horse. They just want to know what you want them to do in a positive, fair approach that uses the least amount of pressure. Yes! It is that easy!

So enjoy the “ride” and see for yourself why our students call ELS Stables Home!