ROOKIE RIDERS

The Rookie Riders program helps young athletes develop essential movement skills through age-appropriate activities tailored to their stage of development.

Rookie Riders works as part of our LTED ‘FUNdamental’ program and is designed for children ages 5-8.

It begins with learning safe horse handling, practicing fundamental movement skills through basic gymnastics, and riding a “barrel horse.”

By joining Rookie Riders, participants will build the physical literacy skills needed to progress into our lesson program. This is a fun and safe way for children to explore the world of horses.

Once they have gained balance, flexibility, coordination, and confidence on the barrel, they can move on to an introduction to horseback riding.

Rookie Rider lessons are group-based and include a variety of activities organized into stations. The lessons follow a progressive structure based on skill level. Students who join the program partway through must start with Lesson 1 and progress in order.

For more information on Rookie Riders contact the Ontario provincial equestrian sport organization Ontario Equestrian.

Rookie Rider Lessons

• Lesson 1 - Introduction to Horses

• Lesson 2 - Basic Seat

• Lesson 3 - Introduction to Saddle

• Lesson 4 - Compulsory Exercises

• Lesson 5 - Basic Control & Steering

• Lesson 6 - Riding off the Lunge Line