Through our unique Horse Masters Program, students of all ages will acquire complete knowledge of the horse, from the ground up, through lectures and the practice of learned skills in horse care and stable management.
Staying true to Deborah Dows’ original mission statement, we are sure to bring up the soundest of horsemen, ones that can not only ride well, but also understand the true value of ground knowledge. It has been said that for every hour spent in the saddle, two should be spent on the ground.
Students of all ages will advance through six levels, starting at the most basic. Participants will receive framed certificates of achievement that will hang in the aisles of our barn for all to see as well as a special token of their respective level!
There will be monthly hands-on and lecture classes for all to attend that are required in order to advance to a higher level.
Below are the levels and a general understanding of what needs to be understood and applied before advancing, however, these are just guidelines and more specific knowledge is needed and will be covered in theory classes! Each level builds on one another, so what is expected in the lower levels must be completed by each upper level in order to advance.
Grooming Tools- ability to name them and demonstrate correct use
Basic Tack- ability to name and describe the use of basic tack
Demonstration of proper tacking and untacking
Knowledge of 3 basic gaits a horse travels in when riding
Ability to name and show instructor 5 body parts of a horse
Ability to name basic horse colors as well as markings
Level 1
Ability to put halter on an appropriately sized horse/pony and safely remove from stall and place on cross ties properly
Complete understanding of basic grooming routine, including ability to pick all 4 feet without assistance
Ability to name and show instructor 10 parts of a horse
Ability to name horse colors and varying markings on face/legs
Demonstration of proper tack cleaning including correct figure-8 of bridle
Knowledge of why saddle pad systems are used on our school horses and explanation of 3 options
Level 2
Ability to properly locate horse, groom, tack and untack without assistance
Demonstrate how to safely put on and remove blankets
Demonstrate how to properly take care of horse and tack after ride
Understand basic saddle fit
Recognize how a horse’s attitude on ground may be related to its behavior under saddle
Know reasons for warming up and cooling down a horse before and after work
Understand reasons for basic alignment of the horse on circles and straight lines
Understand reasons for posting on the correct diagonal
Level 3
Ability to recognize and discuss different types of saddles, bits, bridles, crops, etc and their proper intended uses
Ability to name and recognize 3 different types of clips for winter and reasons for them
Demonstrate proper use of dressage whip
Knowledge of basic vital signs and how to recognize signs of discomfort and stress
Recognition of different conformational flaws and how they may affect the horses way of going
Demonstrate how to properly clean and bed a stall
Level 4
Demonstrate basic knowledge of horse anatomy
Know the sequence of the foot falls in the walk, trot and canter
Understand correct leads, how to correct leads, and why one should canter on the correct lead
Understand basic lateral movements and reasons for their use
Know all of the parts of a snaffle bridle and saddle, along with location of “high wear” areas
Perform a tack inspection with safety recommendations
Demonstrate safe and correct lunging and understand reasons for doing so
Level 5
Demonstrate taking apart of bridle and putting it back together, as well as recognizing and naming individual pieces
Demonstrate how to take a horse’s temperature with a non-digital thermometer
Recognize normal vital signs and know abnormal signs and what they mean
Recognize basic blemishes on lower limbs and have an understanding of what they may be
Demonstrate safe use of polo wraps or exercise bandages
Demonstrate safe use of standing bandages and reasons for using them
Demonstrate proper mane pulling and basic trimming (ears, legs, muzzles)
Demonstrate proper loading and unloading of a horse on a trailer with assistance
Understand and explain basic feeding regimens and reasons for them