Skills follow a purposeful sequence
New concepts are introduced when a rider has the foundation to understand and perform them safely. Each achievement prepares the rider for what comes next.
The Leg Up Lesson Program
A riding school built around progress.
Our curriculum-based program develops confident, capable riders through progressive English riding instruction, practical horsemanship, and a genuine partnership between horse and rider.
Why Leg Up is different
A program—not a collection of individual lessons
Each class builds on prior instruction. Riders develop physical skills, equine knowledge, judgment, confidence, and responsibility through an integrated curriculum rather than isolated riding experiences.
The horse is part of the education
Riders learn balance, control, communication, care, and respect—developing the awareness required to work with a horse rather than simply ride one.
Classes match readiness and skill
Small, level-appropriate groups allow instructors to teach shared objectives while responding to each rider’s learning style and current needs.
Consistency supports real progress
A regular weekly class gives riders time to practice, retain, and connect skills while instructors monitor development over time.
Leg Up Levels of Achievement
A visible pathway from fundamentals to independence
The Levels of Achievement are the cornerstone of the Leg Up curriculum. They organize required riding and Horse Mastership skills into a progressive learning path from beginner through advanced work.
Riders advance by developing the knowledge and practical ability required at each stage. Progress is individualized: completing a Quarter does not automatically mean completing a Level.
How progress happens
Instruction follows a repeatable learning cycle that helps riders turn new information into confident, usable skill.
Learn
Practice
Demonstrate
Advance
Mastery before advancement: Riders move forward when they can demonstrate the appropriate mounted skills, horsemanship knowledge, safety awareness, and readiness for the next challenge.
English Riding
- Position, balance, and coordination
- Control, communication, and partnership
- Progressive flatwork and equitation
- Dressage, jumping, and cross-country concepts as appropriate
- Confidence and independent decision-making
Horse Mastership
- Safe handling and barn awareness
- Grooming, equipment, and preparation
- Horse care and practical equine knowledge
- Observation, responsibility, and good judgment
- Respect for the horse and the learning environment
The weekly learning experience
Every class contributes to the larger curriculum
The emphasis of a particular class may vary with rider readiness, horse needs, weather, safety, and current learning objectives. Mounted and unmounted instruction are both meaningful parts of the program.
Preparation & safetyBuilding the habits required to work responsibly around horses.
Horse MastershipDeveloping practical care, handling, equipment, and equine knowledge.
Mounted instructionLearning and practicing progressive English riding skills.
Reflection & next stepsConnecting the day’s work to each rider’s current goals and Level.
Why commitment matters
Progress depends on continuity
Riding is a cumulative physical and cognitive skill. Consistent enrollment gives riders, horses, and instructors the stable learning environment needed for safe and meaningful development.
Compare Year-Round & School Year1
Skills remain connected
Regular practice reduces long gaps between instruction and supports retention.
2
Instructors can plan ahead
Ongoing observation allows teaching objectives to build around the rider’s development.
3
Class groups stay well matched
Consistent placement supports shared skill goals and a productive group environment.
4
Partnership has time to grow
Confidence, judgment, and communication develop through repeated experience.
The instructional calendar
Learning is organized by Quarter
Leg Up’s Program Year is divided into Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters. Riders attend the same scheduled class each week, creating a predictable rhythm for instruction and progress.
View 2026–2027 Class DatesOne Leg Up Quarter
Ten scheduled classes followed by a designated makeup period.
The designated makeup period replaces an eligible missed class; it does not create an automatic eleventh lesson.
Is the Lesson Program a good fit?
For families seeking an education—not occasional rides
The program is designed for riders and families who value steady learning, safety, responsibility, and the time required to develop genuine skill.
- Ready to attend a consistent weekly class
- Interested in horsemanship as well as riding
- Comfortable progressing at an appropriate individual pace
- Willing to follow instructor and safety guidance
- Looking for structured long-term development
- Open to placement based on readiness and class fit
Not every rider begins in the ongoing Lesson Program. Pony Pals and students who need individualized foundational instruction may begin through a fixed-term introductory Quarter before future placement is considered.
Ready to begin the conversation?
Tell us about your rider’s age, experience, goals, and scheduling needs. We’ll help determine the appropriate starting pathway and discuss available trial-lesson options.