The Horse Immersion groups will attend Horsemanship classes for both periods of their camp day, except when they go to Creek Stomp on Wednesday.

A skills test will be given on Monday morning to determine placement based on skill level. Spots will be filled on a first come first served basis.

 

Defined: The walk or Lateral Gait is natural, and it is the slowest of the gaits.  The walk is a four-beat 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4 gait where each beat is distinct and can be easily heard.
Rider: A nice slow pace for the rider.                                                               Dance with the horse:  Loose hips, to the side, rock-n-roll, rock-n-roll….         Note: The walk is 1 -2 mph

 

Defined: The right hind and left front move together, while the left hind and right front move together establishing a two-beat diagonal gait. 1,2,1,2,1,2
Rider: Bouncy ride for the horse rider  When slow is referred to as a sitting jog.                                     Dance with the horse: Sitting-Bounce, bounce, bounce or “Posting” -Bounce up, sit down, up, down, up, down….
Note: The trot is 5-6 mph

 

Defined: The canter is a 3-beat gait 1,2,3,1,2,3 and when very slow is referred to as lope. The lope usually refers to the slow, western-pleasure style of cantering.
Rider: Rhythmic ride for the horse rider.                                                       Dance with the horse:  Slide, slide, we call it the Michael Jackson slide. Shoulders and Knees don’t move, only the pelvis rocks forward toward the front of the saddle.  You rub your bottom on the saddle.
Note: The canter is 10-15 mph and is the steadiest paced gait for a horse.

Defined: When the horse is fully extending itself in a run, there is a moment when all four feet are off the ground. This is the gallop or run.
Rider: Fast ride for the horse rider.
Note: The Gallop is 20-25 mph, with occasional burst of 30 mph