The Academy

This is where we learn the deeper things of horsemanship. The things that it takes to keep a horse happy and healthy. This is where it matters the most.

Sterling Oaks Academy

1 Riding Lesson a Week

All students begin their dressage journey at our school on our school horses. We use a level-up system, starting with lead-line lessons. As students develop their athleticism and confidence, they will move up to more advanced school ponies and horses. Once students can walk, trot, and canter in dressage lessons, they can move on to jumping lessons if they wish.

1 Academic Lesson a Week

Equestrianship is more than just riding. Many equestrians don't even ride. The foundation of equestrianship is groundwork, where we learn to care for these delicate animals. Horses are complex and require a deep understanding of their needs. In our academic days of the week, we focus on horse husbandry.

1 Free Ride a Week

The Free Ride time is there for a student to develop the skills they have been learning as a self study. Practice for upcoming shows if they are at a stage of competing with the school horses. It's important to have this time to develop trust and partnerships with their equine friends.

Make ups

Life happens. Sometimes, due to illness or weather, you may need to miss a lesson or practice session. You can make up these days on the other four days of the week, or occasionally, in a full-day team lesson on the weekend.

Sportsmanship

Showing and Competing, The Students develop skills they will carry with them in every aspect of life as they learn the value of Good Sportsmanship.

Balanced Seat and Posture

We teach a balanced seat and equitation on the lunge line.

Horse Care

Horses are animals that need extensive care. Knowledge is everything.

The Deep Dives

"No Hoof No Horse". That is the first thing in Horsemanship that we teach.

The School Ponies and Horses

While we strive to provide the best environment for growth for our students this is also true of our beloved horses and ponies. They are family members for us and most of them we have had their whole lives. It's important that they are thriving and enjoy their jobs with their student partners. This is why there is only 2 main riders per horse even though they learn to ride them all through the leveling up. There are 5 School Horses and Ponies. at this time. A 6th one is in training and will be available in 2024 for an intermediate rider.