Riding Levels
All classes have a set curriculum. Riders will need to show proficiency at current level in order to advance to the next class. Due to the importance of understanding and practicing the basics, many individuals may need to repeat a level until they are comfortable with the skills they have acquired.. Student coming into the GWS program will need to be evaluated to see what level they will fall under (N/A for pony pal students)





Pony Pals – 1hr private
Riders that have never ridden or have never received formal instruction. These riders will learn the basic handling skills of safely catching horse, leading, grooming, and tacking. As well as safe mounting/dismounting, halting, walking, trotting and steering. Riders that have completed the Pony Pal program should be able to walk/trot independently at the sitting and rising trot.
Rider Requirements: 1x/week lessons
Attire Requirements: Long Pants, boot with heel (GWS can provide ASTM/SEI Helmet)
Beginner I – 30min private or 45min semi private
Riders that have graduated from our Pony Pal program or riders that are independent at the walk/trot. This level will learn how to be more in balance with the horse, switching back and forth between rising, sitting and 2-pt trot. Ground poles at the trot will be introduced, as well as 2-point position (aka jump position).
Rider Requirements: 1x/week lessons (may take more). Students are expected to come 30mins prior to the lesson to groom/tack, so they are ready to ride at their lesson time.
Attire Requirements: Long Pants, boots w/ heels, ASTM/SEI Helmet
Beginner II – 30min private or 45min semi private
Riders at this level are ready to start cantering. These riders are completely independent at the walk/trot on the flat and over ground poles. Students at this level have the balance to be introduced to the canter and to trot small jumps.
Rider Requirements: 1x/week lessons (may take more). Students are expected to come 30mins prior to the lesson to groom/tack, so they are ready to ride at their lesson time.
Attire Requirements: Riding Pants (jodhpurs or breeches), ASTM/SEI Helmet, Paddock Boots, gloves
Beginner III – 30min private, 45min semi private or 1hr group
At this level riders should be fully competent at the walk/trot (able to ride in any of our riding areas – arena or field), have a basic introduction to the canter, and be introduced to small cross rails at the trot.. This level will refine the cantering skills for sitting and 2-pt and introduce the rider to a variety of beginner type jumps (cross rails, vertical, and baby oxers). Riders will have an opportunity to join beginner jumping lessons (18”-2’).
Rider Requirements: 1x/week lessons (may take more). Students are expected to come 30mins prior to the lesson to groom/tack, so they are ready to ride at their lesson time.
Attire Requirements: Riding Pants (jodhpurs or breeches), ASTM/SEI Helmet, Paddock Boots, Half Chaps, Gloves
Intermediate I – 30 min private Jump lessons, 45 min private Dressage Lesson or 1hr Group Jump Lesson Our Intermediate I students are solid at the walk/trot/canter, have a basic understanding of jumping and are ready for more specific discipline level riding (dressage & jumping). Students at this level are encouraged to take 2 times per week lessons, 1 lesson + 1 lease ride, or lease one of our school horses. If students have an interest in showing they are able to try out for our show team. Students will graduate from Intermediate I when they can competently complete a Green As Grass (Intro A/B + 18” course) combined test (either at home or at a show).
Riding Requirements: 2 lessons per week or 1 lesson + 1 lease ride. Students are expected to come 30mins prior to the lesson to groom/tack, so they are ready to ride at their lesson time.
Attire Requirements: Riding Pants (jodhpurs or breeches), ASTM/SEI Helmet, Paddock Boots, Half Chaps, Gloves
Intermediate II – 30 min private Jump lessons, 45 min private Dressage Lesson or 1hr Group Jump Lesson At this level riders move on from GAG Combined Tests (Intro A/B and 2’ courses) to working on dressage test Intro C and Maiden Level Combined Tests. If there is an interest in cross-country jumping, riders at this level are able to attend our schooling days. Riders interested in dressage will continue to work on the skills needed to develop in the training pyramid. Riders interested in eventing, will also continue their dressage education, as well as jumping lessons that focus on moving into maiden level combined tests and possibly Green as Grass Horse Trials.
Riding Requirements: 2 lessons per week or 1 lesson + 1 lease ride. Students are expected to come 30mins prior to the lesson to groom/tack, so they are ready to ride at their lesson time.
Attire Requirements: Breeches, ASTM/SEI Helmet, Paddock or Tall Boots, Half Chaps, Gloves
Intermediate III – 30 min private Jump lessons, 45 min private Dressage Lesson or 1hr Group Jump Lesson
This level is for riders that want to compete at Intro C/Training Test 1, Beginner Novice Level CT, or Maiden Level HT.
Rider Requirements: Must half lease or own and be in at least 1x/week lessons
Attire Requirements: Breeches, ASTM/SEI Helmet, Paddock or Tall Boots, Half Chaps, Gloves, XC Vest
Advanced I – 30 min private Jump lessons, 45 min private Dressage Lesson or 1hr Group Jump Lesson
This level is for serious riders that are competing/riding at Training Level 2/3 or Beginner Novice Eventing.
Rider Requirements: Must half lease or own and be in at least 1x/week lessons
Attire Requirements: Breeches, ASTM/SEI Helmet, Paddock or Tall Boots, Half Chaps, Gloves, XC Vest
Required Attire: Riding breeches, paddock boots w/ half chaps (preferably black, brown is ok), riding glove, ASTM/SEI certified helmet, crop (and dressage whip when instructor says you are ready). No undergarments showing (sports bras included) or skimpy tank tops.