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ENGLISH RIDING

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The Fundementals

English riding classes focus on building a strong partnership between horse and rider, highlighting precision, style, and effective communication throughout the riding experience.

Key elements 🐴

  • Equitation - Focuses on the rider's position, balance, and effectiveness, ensuring a polished appearance and fluid communication with the horse.

  • Leg Position - Proper leg placement is essential for stability and clear cues, helping riders provide precise signals while staying secure in the saddle.

  • Rein Management - Riders refine their use of reins to maintain light contact, promoting responsive communication without being heavy-handed.

Evaluation Requirements for Participation

To ensure the safety and proper skill placement of all participants, the following youth must have their horsemaster levels evaluated BEFORE registering for the clinic:

  • First-Time Participants: All riders joining for the first time, regardless of their horsemaster level.

  • Level Advancement: Any past participant wishing to progress to a higher horsemaster level.

  • New Horse Entries: Returning participants who will be riding a different horse.

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Class Info 

Class fees are $60.00 per class

*Participants must be 8 years old by January 1st(current year) or older*

Patterns, gaits, and all activities will be at discretion of the instructor and may vary in order to maintain safety. Please be sure that your horse and you fit the criteria for the class.

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English 1/2

Level 1: For riders with minimal experience

Level 2: For riders with intermediate skills​​

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Class Overview

This class enhances fundamental English riding skills by focusing on control, balance, and smooth transitions between gaits.

Fundamental Skills:

  • Leading, tying, mounting, and dismounting

  • Correct hand and body positions

  • Balancing and steering

Gait Techniques:

  • Walking, trotting, and controlled cantering (instructor's discretion)

  • Smooth transitions between gaits

Advanced Skills:

  • Learning diagonals and leads (as appropriate)

  • Introduction to two-point position (as appropriate)

Exercises and Drills:

  • Rail work

  • Trotting/cantering over poles

  • Potentially cross rails, 20-meter circles, figure eights

Required Horsemaster Level
Level 1 or 2 - Mounted Skills

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English 3/4/5

Level 3: For riders with intermediate skills

Level 4/5: For riders with advanced skills

Class Overview

This class builds on prior knowledge to refine English riding skills, focusing on advanced techniques and preparation for competition.

Fundamental Skills:

  • Refined hand and body positions

  • Improved balance and steering

Gait Techniques:

  • Controlled walking, trotting, and cantering

  • Smooth transitions between gaits

Advanced Skills:

  • Independent seat and hands

  • Perfecting advanced equitation patterns, including complex serpentines and figure eights that challenge your abilities

Exercises and Drills:

  • Engaging in on- and off-rail work to strengthen your understanding and execution of techniques

  • Fine tuning details in order to show in upper-level English Equitation classes. 

Required Horsemaster Level
Level 3 or 4 or 5 - Mounted Skills

Clinic Location

Allegan County Fairgrounds

150 Douglas St,
Allegan, MI 49010

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2025 Website by Carolyn Steffes | Photography by Winding Country Roads Photography 

Michigan State University (MSU) is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. MSU Extension programs and materials are available to all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.

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