Group Summary

Introductory Group: Foals For 3 Year Old Beginners

This is an introduction to riding with the main focus being having FUN and confidence building. Ready when they are 4 years old to join the Shetlands, this group will enjoy many fun lessons and walks within the safety of the farm.

Group 1: Shetland First Ridden

• First group lesson after initial assessment.
• Children, from the age of 4, have an initial assessment or induction session of half an hour then it is strongly recommended that they enter a Lead Rein group session like this one. 
• This group is half an hour.
• Some ponies to have leaders others have assistance, as we do not recommend the children are always lead.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to help lead their children thus gaining more confidence and enables the leader to become more involved in the child’s activity.  (Leading training will be given!)
• Riders will be taught all the basics of horse riding, working through learning to walk and trot, and steering in walk.
• Progression at this stage is strongly dependent on age and concentration.
• Lessons will also include rides out of the school around the safe vicinity of the farm.

Group 2: Dartmoors Walk, Trot and Learning to Canter

• Riders move into this group when they are feeling confident enough to walk and trot with no leader.
• Leaders will not accompany all ponies but there will be helpers if required.
• This group is half an hour.
• Riders will learn the basics of canter and develop their position in walk and trot establishing better balance.
  

Group 3: New Forest Developing Canter

• Riders progress into this group when they feel confident that they can walk, trot and do a simple canter without a leader.  The canter will be developed in this group.
• An introduction to pole work will also be incorporated into this lesson.
• This group lesson is 45 minutes improving rider’s stamina in preparation for an hour group.
• Developing the canter and an introduction to poles and jumping is the aim of this group.

Group 4: Connemara Walk Trot Canter Jump

• An hour group lesson. 
• Riders have an established walk, trot and canter, and have done some pole work and small jumps
• Also an introduction to Show Jumping.  Therefore rider’s position and balance are of importance to accomplish these harder skills.
• There are two categories of Connemara – Junior (under 16 years) and Senior (Over 16 years).

Group 5: Dales Junior Walk Trot Canter Jump

• This group includes the best of the best riders at this age group (under 14s).
• Walk, trot and canter are established and also simple jumping exercises.  More complex jumping exercises are incorporated into this group making the lesson challenging and rewarding. 
• Cross Country riding is established.
• Majority of ponies and horses are used for this lesson.

Group 6: Thoroughbred Senior Walk Trot Canter Jump

• The Thoroughbred Groups include our most accomplished riders.  Split into two groups; Thoroughbred Junior – ages 14-16 (approx), and Thoroughbred Senior – adults.
• Thoroughbred riders can walk, trot, canter, and jump with a developed seat, and feel confident to take our horses out hacking and across country.
• Majority of horses used in this lesson.

Senior Hacking Groups: Shires

Due to popular demand we have created spaces for our over 14's to take our horses out for an hour hack.
Hacks will alternate with lessons that prepare for hacks and teach riding and road-craft, but lesson format can be suggested by the riders.  Lessons can be split into half a lesson in the school and half hack, dependent on turnout for lessons each week. 
If popular, hacks may extend to 2 hours.

The Pony Club

East Lodge Farm Riding School is an Official Pony Club Centre and we like to recommend that children learning to ride at ELF join the Pony Club.  The Pony Club offers the opportunity to learn all aspects of horse care, management and riding through a structured programme achieving recognised Pony Club Awards.  You do not need your own pony.  Pony Club rallies are held once a month on Friday afternoons.  Please click on the Pony Club Centre section for more details or see the Pony Club official website. http://www.pcuk.org

Helpers

There is also the opportunity to help out through the day on a Saturday or Sunday.  Please ask for more details.
Youngsters must be 11 years old or over and be East Lodge Farm Pony Club Members to ensure they are learning the necessary stable management and pony handling skills.  A safety induction will be given by a member of staff on joining the Helpers Club.