Horse Basics:
Build Confidence From the Ground Up
A safe, supportive introduction to horsemanship for beginning riders and anyone ready to learn how to handle, groom, tack, and ride with confidence.
Horse Basics: From the Ground Up
If you’re new to horses, this is the right place to begin.
Horse Basics is a structured introduction to horsemanship designed for beginning riders and anyone looking to build confidence around horses. We start from the ground up, learning how to safely approach, handle, groom, and communicate through body language and clear, consistent cues that horses understand.
From there, you’ll develop a practical understanding of riding tack and how to tack up correctly. Mounted instruction focuses on balance, relaxation, and steady control, with an emphasis on clear, thoughtful communication.
Step by step, you’ll build a strong, humane foundation that prepares you to work with horses safely and confidently in a variety of settings.
What You’ll Learn
Each 60-minute session is hands-on and skill-based, designed to meet you where you are. Our instructors emphasize correct fundamentals, clear communication, and steady, confidence-building progression.
You’ll focus on:
Safely approaching and haltering a horse
Grooming and basic horse care
Understanding riding tack and equipment
Leading and communicating effectively from the ground
Mounting and dismounting correctly
Walking, steering, and stopping with balanced relaxation
Throughout each lesson, we prioritize safety, thoughtful partnership, and humane horsemanship. Skills build progressively, with attention to balance, clarity, and the wellbeing of both rider and horse.
Sessions may be scheduled individually, though we recommend a four-session series to establish a strong foundation. Lessons are offered privately or in small groups, ensuring focused instruction and pacing that supports steady progress.
What to Expect
Your instructor will take time to understand your goals and experience and thoughtfully pair you with a horse that’s a strong match. Each session is hands-on and intentionally paced to support steady progress.
Over the course of a four-session series, you’ll spend time both on the ground and in the saddle, developing the foundation for being around horses safely and confidently a strong foundation for continuing lessons, trail riding, and beyond.
What to Wear
Closed-toed shoes
Comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement
Helmets are required for all mounted work — we're happy to provide one or you're welcome to bring your own
Programming is ground-based, so plan for time outdoors and close interaction with horses. Choose clothes you’re comfortable moving in and that don’t mind a little dust or the occasional horse “kiss.”
Ready to Begin?
We'd love to welcome you to the barn. Private and small-group options are available — reach out to find the fit that's right for you.
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1900 Riverside Dr
Glendale, CA 91201
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