FHE Horse Sense Academy

We feel that it is important to not only have good riders, but to provide an opportunity to learn how to be well rounded equestrians both in and out of the saddle.
 
It can be hard to learn everything there is to know about caring for horses in regular riding lessons, so we are offering a way to learn more!
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Our goal is to create happy, safe riders on happy, healthy horses!

We utilize two sets of progressive Learning Levels to achieve this goal: one for Horsemanship (riding) achievement, and one for Horsekeeping competency. 

​How it works:
Horsemanship Levels-
The horsemanship program is designed to provide a solid base of knowledge and ability with obtainable goals to help students track their progress from level to level.
 
Horsekeeping Levels-
The horsekeeping program helps all horse lovers (riders and non-riders) learn how to keep their horses the safest and healthiest possible. 
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Who can enroll?

The FHE Academy is open to anyone! You do not need to be a regular student at FHE or have your own horse to participate! 
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We encourage all of our students to participate, especially those who are leasing,   parents who have kids who “caught the horse bug”, and those who aspire to have their own horse.
 
We acknowledge the fact that our regular students are not the only people wishing to become better horsemen (or horsewomen!) so we happily invite those who call another barn “home” to get involved too! 

Enrollment is open at the beginning of 
each Semester:

$150 per semester

  • Class is held once a week
  • Study guides are available to each student 
  • Fun activities teach the topics in a variety of learning styles
  • Learning with friends creates a great barn atmosphere
  • Level Up Exams are held at the end of each Semester for those who are ready
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Tell me about these levels!

(samples of requirements)
Level One- Red
  • Groom and tack horse safely
  • Mount and dismount independently
  • Perform an emergency dismount
Level Three- Green
  • Fit a saddle, bridle, girth and halter to a horse
  • Administer a paste dewormer safely
  • Know signs of a hoof needing trimming or shoeing
Level Five- Orange
  • Set walk, trot and canter poles
  • Evaluate a horse’s conformation, listing both good and bad points
  • Identify different types of grains, hays and supplements
Level Seven- Teal
  • Discuss basic dressage theory showing knowledge of the training pyramid
  • Demonstrate: turn on the haunches, leg yield, haunches-in, counter canter
  • Jump a course at 2’6” without stirrups
Parents Only- Silver
  • Handle, groom and tack horse safely
  • Check length and adjust stirrups and girth
  • See correct posting diagonal and canter lead from ground
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Something special for the youngest riders!


Pony Pals (age 4-6) is an introductory level for riders who still need a little help in caring for their horse. The Pony Pals will work toward their Rainbow Level ribbon.
 
Pony Pals are required to take 1 private lesson per month at FHE in order to be able to practice their skills. We feel that it is important to start our young riders off on the best foot. This includes one on one instruction in order for them to be able to learn at their own rate and in their own way.
 
Some things that a Pony Pal can tell you are:
  • How to dress safely for riding
  • How to approach and move around a horse appropriately
  • How to mount and dismount safely
  • 10 parts of a horse
  • How to do a tack safety check before riding
 
The Rainbow Level has a coloring book “study guide” to help Pony Pals earn their ribbon!