Cornerstone Farms offers beginner through advanced instruction throughout the entire year. Our emphasis is in Hunters & Jumpers.
45 Min. Private Instruction for Beginners
The first beginner lessons will be in a private format and last 45 minutes each to allow the student time for learning to groom and tack up themselves. The package includes an eight-week curriculum for home study with video segments to reinforce ground and mounted lessons. With each new lesson our students gain confidence and independence in preparing their horses for the mounted portion of their lesson while also learning the basic riding skills they will need for a group setting. This format allows for lunging, which allows the instructor to control the horse so the student can focus on learning proper position, balance and rhythm. As students move through the sessions, they will not only become more independent in grooming and tacking up, but will also be rewarded with more and more time in the saddle as their horsemanship skills grow.
.
Half-hour Private Instruction (Beginner thru Advanced)
Beginners who are not yet ready for group lessons will remain in a 45-minute session, allowing for 15-20 minutes of teaching time on the ground, covering grooming, tacking up and cooling out. Upper level students, in 30-minute time slots, should be able to meet their instructor at the mounting block, tacked and ready to go at lesson start.
.
1-hour Group Instruction (3-5 riders)
1-hour Semi-Private Group Instruction (2 riders)
Our group lessons consist of 3-7 riders, or Semi-Private groups of 2, arranged by skill level, chosen discipline and age whenever possible. Students wishing to join a group lesson must complete the New Rider Curriculum (or demonstrate equivalent ability), have begun cantering, be able to keep their horse to the rail, be able to tack up independently, and be in full control of steering and stopping their horse at all three gaits.
.
Pony Lessons (for 5 years old and under)
We offer leadline lessons for our youngest students. Riders are taught proper equitation and position, some ground handling and grooming, as well as work on a lunge line as lessons progress. Lessons are 30 minutes in duration and taught in a private format with an Junior Instructor. When students can demonstrate control of their pony, they are encouraged to move up to the regular lesson format, regardless of age.
.
Private Clinic Lessons with Cortland
Weekly or occasional private instruction on a school horse or your own can be booked at any time. Students often use this to supplement their group and/or private instruction, deal with specific training issues, or for show preparation. She also offers video-taped training/clinic session by appointment.
