Types of Lessons at Tempus Renatus

Riding lessons

Regular riding lessons can take on several different focuses. We use a number of patterns to help horse and rider find how they should use their bodies on their own. Many of these patterns are meant to challenge horse and rider mentally, but the result is that the pair does more than they thought they were capable of. However, within these patterns comes some extra guidance to help the rider be more effective in their seat to get the best results from the horse. Riding lessons may incorporate cones, ground poles, low cross-rails or jumps, and other teaching tools to maximize the learning experience. Note-taking is encouraged after the lesson. Lessons are scheduled for 45 minutes but may take more or less time to accomplish the day’s goals, if the schedule allows.

Longe Lessons

Longe lessons give the rider the chance to focus just on their seat. Usually, we use our own horses for these, as longe horses can be difficult to find. These use a combination of gymnastic exercises, similar to vaulting exercises, and “feel” exercises so that the rider can work on developing their feel and refine their aids while the trainer guides from the ground. In many cases, we use a hybrid approach, starting the lesson on the longe and moving to off-longe so that the rider has a chance to connect the feel from one into the other. We start all beginners, regardless of age, on the longe for their safety and to develop a solid foundation. These lessons are often closer to 30 minutes due to the strenuous nature of the work.

“Maestro” Lessons

These are dedicated seat lessons on our Equicizer, “Maestro.” While Maestro is not an electronic simulator, he still gives valuable feedback in helping riders identify challenges in their seat. These lessons are great opportunities to dive in on seat challenges that may be affecting your riding as well as gain tools for helping overcome these challenges. He is also a fantastic “first” professor for students just beginning their riding journey. Lessons on Maestro are often shorter due to their intensity, as we apply Pilates and other techniques to the lessons on Maestro for a more complete learning experience.

Mounted Martial Arts

We use mounted martial arts, focusing on mounted fencing and garrocha, both for riders interested in these art expressions and for riders who are struggling with independence in the seat. These lessons utilize dressage patterns but incorporate the “weapons” either as tools to improve the use of the seat or simply for the practice. We have foam, plastic, and nylon swords available for use, and we are happy to work with sparring pairs. We occasionally teach mounted archery, though we are still accumulating bows and targets to do so.

Work In-Hand

Work in-hand lessons focus on developing the connection to the horse on the ground, using all the benefits work in-hand has to offer. We use both basic styles of work in-hand: the Viennese using the cavesson and the Iberian using only the bridle. Lessons can also focus on ground-driving as well as artistic long-reining. We have horses and equipment available for use in these lessons, and often we hybridize in-hand lessons with riding lessons for the sake of the horse and rider.

Group/Semi-Private

These are a fun way to develop camaraderie and confidence with other riders sharing the arena and leading or following in a pattern. These lessons take two different forms: working on a common challenge the horses and riders are working on, or working on group riding, such as for quadrille or pas de deux. In cases with mounted martial arts, the lessons tend to focus on sparring.

Children’s Vaulting

These lessons focus on developing the child’s balance and confidence. We start with a vaulting surcingle and pad instead of a saddle and use gymnastic exercises, such as circling arms, swinging legs, and even “around the world” to develop balance, confidence, and coordination. These lessons are fun and upbeat but shorter in order to accommodate the child’s attention span. The lesson horse fee is included in this price. Once a child reaches a certain level of proficiency, they will learn to ride independently in a saddle and learn basic arena figures, basic cavaletti/low jumps, and mounted games for a well-rounded foundation. We can do sibling or even parent/child packages for families with multiple children or with a parent who is new to riding as well.

Liberty/Connected Horsemanship

These sessions focus on developing ground skills for daily handling and then taking that to the next level. These use exercises and concepts to help improve body language communication as well as helping the horse/rider bond to improve ridden work. However, they may also incorporate elements of our Meadow Meditation sessions, helping riders and horses work through blocks within themselves that create miscommunications.

Grooming/Theory

For those looking to bolster their knowledge on grooming and theory, theory and grooming sessions are also available. Theory lessons can focus on biomechanics, stable management, training principles, and more. Grooming education can focus on general grooming or specialized grooming, such as braiding and clipping. Up to four participants welcome at the base fee, additional participants $10 per person.

Fitness off the Horse

Looking for more targeted exercises to practice off the horse? We can help! Incorporating calisthenics, Pilates, and other low-impact approaches, we work on muscle balance, improving reflexes, general balance, and overall fitness tips to maximize health and improve riding. We use minimal equipment so that you can take the exercises home, and we use a whole-body approach to help you maximize your learning and development.

Coming Soon: Cavalry Rides (for monthly subscription lessons only)

These are more intense trail rides for current students! Including riding up and down hills at walk and trot, seat exercises, and obstacles that you might face on public trails. These can also incorporate some games for the kids-at-heart. For safety reasons, these are only available to subscription lessons.

Coming Soon: Working Equitation

As we remake our obstacles, we’ll be able to offer working equitation lessons again! These are a wonderful way to mix things up and have fun with your riding as well as prepare your horse for more advanced trail riding.