Beginning Equitation/Horsemanship is an introduction to riding, including skills such as handling, bridling, saddling, grooming, mounting, and dismounting. Basic maneuvers such as the walk, trot, and canter will be taught including safe horsemanship skills and general overall knowledge of the horse as it relates to both English and Western seats. Emphasis on barn and stable management are included. By the end of the semester, the student should be able to catch, groom, perform groundwork, saddle, mount/dismount, maintain proper riding position, ride at the walk, trot, and canter as well as maneuvering the horse through a variety of patterns. These course topics are intended to give the student a basic foundation for the Advanced Western Horsemanship course.
