Event Phone: 587.394.7674

Ranch Riders – Level 1

Affectionately called the ‘Slow Poke’ class is for any age!

Are you one of the following?

• You have a young 6 yr old who has taken our Ranch Adventure program once or twice already, is riding on their own, possible dare-devil quality and is mentally and physically ready to take direction on a bigger horse or fast pony.
• You haven’t ridden in many years, miss the smell of horses and leather and really want to get back at it without embarrassing yourself (or dying, haha!)
• You have never ridden before, are over the age of 9 and want to learn how because one day darn it, you will own your own horse!!

If you answered yes to any of the above questions or live somewhere in between them, love horses and want to become a more confident rider in a relaxed and low pressure setting, this would be the group!

How we ride out:

During the first few weeks we will teach/help you to catch and halter your own horse, tack up, and get yourself to the arena. After all, its important to understand the importance of proper tack fit for both you and your horse, how to adjust the stirrups and swing up properly.   We don’t just jump on horses and go!

Handling your horse through the stages from the paddock to the arena, allows a rider to bond with their horse, pick up on important nuances, moods and equine communications so that when you do swing a leg over him or her, you have a deeper connection and can ride with confidence (this is why our classes are longer than others).  If you don’t pick up on these cues, we will stop you and show you how your horse is trying to communicate with you.  If you and your horse just don’t seem to ‘gel’ we will partner you up with another.

Level one is mostly at a walk and trot. We will continuously teach and coach students during each ride, how to balance properly at a walk and a trot as we layer on the technical skills.  We ride in various sized pens, alleyways and arenas (grass and dirt) with random obstacle challenges and gymkhana events that riders will enjoy at various paces that suite each student.  There will always be 2 options to choose from: an easier way and a more challenging way (usually for the fearless 6 yr old on the fast pony).

The last few weeks of class, when students are confident at a trott we can quickly ride out on various short ranch trails or choose to do speeder gymkhana activities such as a barrel race or pole bending patterns.  Maybe even get in a lope or two when we know we have strong foundations!

Again, riding tips and instruction is constantly given in a relaxed, low pressure setting so those with sensory or insecurities have the opportunity to have the time to connect with their horse.  Level 1 is an important foundational level and can be repeated many times.

Note: For the adults students who notice that the rust gets knocked off faster and you’re chopping at the bit, we can always shuffle you into a level 2 class, ooorrrrrr give you a spicier/younger horse that will keep your hands full.  We’re flexible and like to have fun like that! 

Cost: $540 for 8 weeks
Total time :  1.25 hrs

Must have your own helmet, wear long pants, riding/cowboy boots and appropriate layers for the weather.

NOTE: In addition to sending us a registration please email HorsePlayRanchAdventures@gmail.com to book an evaluation if you have never been in a class with us before.  We like to meet with each NEW student, for safety reasons, before confirming a registration.  We also try to build groups with complimentary age groups when possible.  (wink, wink…. #MomGroups)

HorsePlay is based out of Big Rock Ranch est. 1885, a family run ranch just SW of Okotoks.

For more information on location go to the Venue page.