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Riding Program Levels
Our lesson program is designed to guide riders step-by-step as they build confidence, skills, and independence in the saddle. Each level introduces new techniques while reinforcing strong horsemanship and safety habits.
Level One Riders
Introduction to Riding
Level 1 is designed for beginners who are new to horses or just starting their riding journey. Riders are introduced to the basics of horse safety, handling, and mounted work in a supportive environment.
Responsibilities Before Lessons:
Riders arrive early, check in with their instructor or assistant, and learn how to begin preparing for their lesson with guidance.
What Riders Are Learning:
• Steering at the walk
• Maintaining proper position in the saddle
• Basic control of the horse
• Introduction to stopping and guiding
• Building confidence around horses
What Riders Can Do:
• Walk confidently on a horse
• Practice stopping and steering
• Begin learning posting at the walk
Responsibilities After Lessons:
Riders begin to understand basic after-lesson routines and assist, with help, in horse care and untacking.
Level Two Riders
Building Skills & Confidence
Level 2 riders are gaining independence and beginning to refine their riding skills.
This level focuses on consistency, control,
and introducing more advanced movement.
Responsibilities Before Lessons:
Riders check in, begin grooming and tacking with assistance, and learn proper preparation routines.
What Riders Are Learning:
• Posting trot and rhythm
• Improved steering and control
• Introduction to diagonals
• Transitions between gaits
• Increased confidence and balance
What Riders Can Do:
• Walk, sit the trot, and begin posting
• Steer with more precision
• Perform simple transitions
• Ride with more independence
Responsibilities After Lessons:
Riders assist more actively with untacking, grooming, and basic horse
care, building responsibility and
horsemanship skills.
Level Three Riders
Skills & Independence
Level 3 riders are becoming more confident and capable, with a focus on refining technique and building more independence in and out of the saddle.
Responsibilities Before Lessons:
Riders prepare their horses with
minimal assistance and demonstrate responsibility in grooming and tacking.
What Riders Are Learning:
• Posting trot with correct diagonals
• Introduction to cantering
• Improved control and balance
• Riding patterns and exercises
• Greater independence in handling horses
What Riders Can Do:
• Walk and trot with control and consistency
• Begin cantering
• Ride simple patterns and exercises
• Demonstrate improved riding position
Responsibilities After Lessons:
Riders are expected to untack, groom, and care for their horses with limited assistance and follow barn routines independently.
Level Four Riders
Advanced Riding & Horsemanship
Level 4 riders are confident, capable, and independent equestrians. This level focuses on refining advanced skills and preparing riders for more complex riding and potential competition.
Responsibilities Before Lessons:
Riders independently groom, tack,
and prepare their horses while demonstrating strong safety awareness and barn etiquette.
What Riders Are Learning:
• Advanced control at all gaits
• Refinement of equitation and position
• More advanced patterns and exercises
• Increased precision and responsiveness
• Strong horsemanship and knowledge
What Riders Can Do:
• Walk, trot, and canter confidently
• Ride independently with accuracy
• Execute patterns and transitions smoothly
• Demonstrate strong control and
communication with their horse
Responsibilities After Lessons:
Riders fully manage untacking, grooming, and horse care, and may assist others as they continue developing leadership within the barn.
Academy Competition
Academy offers a unique opportunity for riding students to compete against other riders from stables across the country. You are not required to own a horse to compete - the Academy division was designed for riders to compete on lesson program horses.
Chestnut Lane takes lesson horses & riders to a full schedule of Academy competitions each year, culminating in the National Academy Championship Finals held in Tennessee.
The Chestnut Lane riding lesson & academy program is the perfect opportunity for aspiring riders to learn, develop skills, compete, and enjoy equestrian sport.
2026 Academy Show Schedule
JANUARY 24
MARCH 14
APRIL 11
MAY 9
JUNE 8
JUNE 25-26
AUGUST 1
SEPTEMBER 19
SEPTEMBER 26
OCTOBER 31
NOVEMBER 5-8
CHESNUT LANE FUN SHOW
ASAC
JD MASSEY
BONNIE BLUE
BLOWING ROCK
SYRACUSE INTERNATIONAL
TRYON MASTERPIECE
UPHA CHAPTER 12
ASHAV
OCALA INTERNATIONAL
ACADEMY NATIONALS
begin your riding journey today.
we can't wait to meet you!
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