EE Stables

The Four Shoes

Why take lessons at EE Stables.

We offer one or two hour lessons.  Our focus and goal is to train students horsemanship by giving them first hand real life experiences.  We do not ride in small rinks or circles, we feel that the best experience is learned on the trail.  All of our lessons are private, meaning one student per instructor.  Rates are $35.00 per hour.  Students can take every week or every other week, whatever fits into your busy schedule.  We do not limit the amount of hours students would like to be in the saddle, therefore students can take more than one lesson per week depending on the schedule.  We schedule lessons one week and advance and adhere to a cancellation policy due to the tight schedule we keep at the barn.  Please feel free to come and visit our barn.  Email us for a time that would be best for everyone.

Why "The Four Shoes" ?

We chose that title because at each stage of a students progress they are awarded another "shoe."  The award is symbolic of the students accomplishment and progress in their horsemanship.  Students can display their Shoes on barn shirts they purchase, on their helmets using stickers, on their halters and other tack, as well as any other tasteful place.  Displaying their Shoes is fun and helps motivate them to work hard towards achieving the next level.

How does the program work?

Each student starts out with no shoes.  As they progress and their horsemanship improves they will be given the opportunity to take the test to earn their next shoe.  To keep things fair and objective, each level is defined by a set of proficiencies and skills.  Tests will be administered to one or two students at a time and judged by multiple instructors.  The instructors will each grant a score for the different parts of the test for each student.  Each test for each level has a minimum score that must be achieved in order to pass.

As of Winter, 2007, the instructors are finishing up the details on the criteria for levels three and four.  We plan to have those levels finalized by mid-summer 2008.

One Shoe

Requirements:

1. Student must have a minimum of 15 hours of professional lessons and instructing.
2. Student will be able to perform the walk and trot without assistance.
3. Student has a basic knowledge of grooming and tacking.
4. Student knows the basic parts of the horse.
5. Student must be able to control the horse on ground by leading and tying.
6. Student must be able to control the horse in the saddle by steering them around small obstacles on the ground.
7. Student must have a good knowledge of balance and awareness of his/her body when mounting and riding a horse.

Testing Requirements:

Fee: $20.00

What to expect and prepare for:
Student will be given a verbal test on parts of the saddle, basic anatomy, and grooming objects. Student must groom and tack horse with assistance if needed. (Lifting saddle and grooming those hard to reach spots) Student must perform a basic Level I trail skills test with no assistance. Student must attend at least 1 show per year at EE Stables.

Two Shoes

Requirements:

1. Student must have a minimum of 30 hours of professional lessons and instructing.
2. Student will be able to perform the walk, trot and canter (lope) without any assistance.
3. Student will have extensive knowledge of grooming, tacking and caring for a horse.
4. Student can perform a Level II trail course.
5. Student has a good knowledge of balance and seat position.
6. Student has a more extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the horse.
7. Student knows basic first aid.
8. Student is comfortable on the trail and can handle most any obstacles they come across without the help of the instructor.
9. Student is able to mount/dismount a bareback horse and can perform the walk and trot on a bareback horse.
10. Student is a confident rider on and off the ground.
11. Student must have one specialty skill.

Testing Requirements:

Fee: $20.00

What to expect and prepare for:
Student will be given a more extensive verbal test. Student will also be given a paper test packet that must be completed and must score an 85 or above. Student will be observed while catching, grooming, tacking and riding their horse. Student must perform a Level II trail skills test with no assistance or guidance from instructor. Student will be required to demonstrate 1 specialty skill that they have developed and will be graded on their performance. Skill level test on specialty skill must be a 90 or above. Student must perform in at least two horse shows a year at EE Stables.

Three Shoes

Specifics of this level are still under development.

Four Shoes

Specifics of this level are still under development.