Youth Horsemanship Program

A summer horsemanship experience designed to strengthen riding skills, build confidence in the barn, and support future competitive goals.

Our Youth Horsemanship Program is a supervised, hands-on day experience for riders ages 11–18 who are currently enrolled in our riding program. Designed to build confidence, responsibility, and real-world horsemanship, this program gives participants extra time at the barn to deepen their skills both on the ground and in the saddle.

Participants will take part in structured barn responsibilities, horse care education, and a daily supervised ride, helping them become stronger, more knowledgeable riders. This program is especially beneficial for riders interested in improving their skills for showing or competitive riding, though it is open to all motivated students.

This program runs during the summer beginning in June and is designed as a learning and skill-building opportunity, not employment.

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Open to riders ages 11–18 currently riding in our program

• Participants may attend every other week

• Hands-on barn skills education, including:

  • Cleaning paddocks and stalls

  • Tack cleaning and equipment care

  • Watering and maintaining riding arenas

  • Barn organization and cobwebbing

  • Packing and unpacking the horse trailer

  • Cleaning the horse trailer

  • Assisting with lesson preparation tasks

• Age-appropriate barn responsibilities performed under supervision

• Daily supervised ride, which may include:

  • Bareback riding

  • Riding with Shelby

  • Group ride sessions
    (ride format varies by day)

• Designed to help riders develop stronger horsemanship skills and prepare for future competition goals, if desired

• Program begins in June - typically 9am-3pm

• Hours may be adjusted during extreme heat for horse and rider safety

• Participants must pack a lunch and water daily

• Includes a 1-hour lunch/rest break each day

• Participants receive a daily ride credit valued at $25, daily credits may be applied toward:

  • Riding lessons

  • Boot camps

Why does this matter??

This program helps riders build horsemanship fundamentals, improve riding confidence, and develop skills that support success in lessons and competitions.

This program is an educational experience designed to build horsemanship and life skills. Participation does not constitute employment, and no wages are provided.