Why teaching horsemanship skills is important

4C students are taught the 4C's of Horsemanship - Care, Compassion, Communication, and Consistency. We believe that teaching horsemanship skills helps riders become well-rounded, compassionate, responsible horseback riders. Horsemanship skills are integrated into lessons each week through activities both on the horse and off. 

We teach students horse instincts, communication and senses, horse health, first aid and disease prevention. We teach parts of the horse and tack (as well as other equipment uses). Other topics may include grooming tools, riding styles, gaits, horse colors, markings and types. Many of these skills can be taught as part of your regular lesson or also taught when the weather prevents time in the saddle. 

Students will be taught safety around horses, including how to catch and halter a horse, how to tie a horse, how to lead a horse in both directions, over objects, backing up and at different speeds. Students are taught how to groom, saddle, bridle and lunge a horse. Students will be taught how to mount and dismount their horse from step and from the ground.

Horsemanship and beginner horseback riding lessons (age 8 and above) are taught weekly. All students will be required to wear long pants, close-toed shoes with 1" heel but no greater than 2" heel, and weather appropriate clothing (gloves, ear warmers, etc).  Students must wear an ATSM approved riding helmet at all times whenever around the horses even on the ground.

All students will be required to have a signed release on file. 

Cancellation Policy: We understand that sometimes riders cannot make scheduled lessons. Cancellations must be received prior to  24 hours of schedule lesson time. 

Please contact 4C if you are interested in taking horsemanship lessons.