Horsemanship Program

Level 1 – Basic Horsemanship
Level 2 – Independent Riding
Level 3 – Becoming a Horseman
Level 4 – Specialty Interests

Maytag Mountain Ranch features a unique four step horsemanship program designed to teach riders more about their horses.

So many times we've heard, "I have gone on lots of trail rides, but I really don't know much about my horse, or how to care for him." Through our Horsemanship Program we offer the opportunity to really learn about your horse while becoming a better rider.

The four step program is taught by an equestrian specialist with years of horse training, handling and teaching experience. The program starts out with the basics then progresses through intermediate horse care and riding, developing participants into advanced riders with superior skills and knowledge of horses, riding and horsemanship.

Level One – Basic Horsemanship

The goal of Level One is to learn the basics of horsemanship with an emphasis on safety, both on and around horses. Level One also focuses on horse behavior, proper handling, balance and rhythm with horses.

The student learns general care of horses and tack including grooming techniques that will actually help in riding. Students learn how to tack up a horse properly, how to tie a quick release knot and how to catch, halter, and lead a horse.

Students learn natural aids and how to effectively use them while riding. The proper riding position is taught along with mounting/dismounting, how to make a horse go forward, how to stop a horse, and how to turn the animal left or right at a walk and sitting trot. Different gaits will be explained and students use basic exercises to build experience and confidence.

Students learn fundamental parts of the horse and western tack. There are discussions on colors, markings, and different breeds of horses.

Level One is completed with a simple riding test given by the Horse Manager. Once passed the student is awarded the official Maytag Mountain Ranch "Greenhorn" status and patch. In addition, they earn the right to advance to Level Two.

Level Two – Independent Riding

The goal of Level Two is to advance the student's horsemanship skills to the point that they can trail ride independently and assist in the barn. Passage of Level Two requires mastering a range of horse skills like learning how to navigate the trail course. This builds critical experience to ensure horse and rider will be safe alone on the Ranch. In the words of a Maytag Mountain Ranch friend and colleague, Julie Goodnight, "Level Two is the easiest level to get into and the hardest level to get out of."

The riding student begins by learning to catch, groom, and tack their horse independently. In this level they also learn another gait, the lope or canter in the arena. At this point in the learning process the student will go out on the real trail course and learn how to cue the horse over obstacles such as a log or bridge. They learn the proper riding position to go up and down hill. The rider will be able to practice on the Ranch�s authentic trail course before actually going out on the trail system.

Once students have mastered the course and are comfortable, they and the Horse Manager will venture out onto the Ranch's trail system. On the trail the student can practice all three gaits and skills learned in the safety of the arena. With over ten miles of famous Colorado trails on the Ranch through a variety of terrains students gain experience and confidence in their abilities. Next students learn the posting trot and two point or half seat position. These two skills are important for the horse and rider when covering long distances. On working ranches like Maytag Mountain Ranch, it is sometimes necessary to cover long distances in a single day while working horses/cattle, checking fences or performing other ranch related tasks.

In Level Two, colors, markings, and breeds are also studied in greater depth.

After all of this work the 'Greenhorn' student skills are tested by the Horse Manager. When the Horse Manager is satisfied that the student has mastered this skill level they are awarded the Maytag Mountain Ranch 'Buckaroo' status and official patch. With this status the student has earned the right to ride on the trail system without the Horse Manager and they are trusted to assist in the barn and with the care of individual horses.

This is the goal of many owners and guests, and they have no desire to go onto the next levels. This is entirely up to each individual. However, some people desire to know more; they want to know what the Ranch Managers have spent a lifetime learning. Level Three and Four are for these individuals.

Level Three – Becoming a Horseman

In Level Three the rider begins to shape into a true horseman/woman. Every horseman/woman is a rider but not all riders are horsemen/women.

In this level the rider learns leads; not only what a lead is but how to feel leads. In fact, most of Level Three is about 'feel.' To develop true horsemanship skills it is imperative that the student learns how to feel what the horse is doing under them.

Students are asked to ride in all gaits with and without stirrups. Students learn how to extend the walk, trot, and lope. They are taught how to use natural aids more effectively and how to use artificial aids. The rider learns the difference of riding with or without contact; how to soften the horse, how to leg yield, open gates horseback, how to turn on the forehand and on the haunches. They will be doing turnbacks on the rail. Learn the difference between direct and indirect rein and also the pulley rein stop.

At this level the student begins doing a lot of transitions with their horse. For example; transition from the walk to the lope. It�s been said that all of training occurs in the asking for a transition. In Level Three the rider is taught how to train horses to do what you want them to do.

Level Three builds on the previous two levels, teaching students more about horse behavior and senses. In addition, they learn about nutrition and advanced care of horses.

Many owners have an interest in learning to rope and work cattle. That all begins in Level Three. The student works with both the Horse Manager and Cattle Manager to learn and master these skills.

After all of your hard work in this level the student obtains 'Wrangler' status and is able to assist the Ranch Managers on the Ranch.

At this point in a persons riding career they sometimes venture out to small horse shows, special skills clinics, or pack trips. Whatever an owners interests or goals, their horsemanship skills can be advanced at Maytag Mountain Ranch. You'll be working the ranch or attending one of the many specialty horse clinics or rides held here.

Level Four – Specialty Interests

Level Four is for the serious horseman/woman. Each rider's goal is different, and their special interests will determine exactly what is worked on at this level and there are many specialty events. It's like an independent study in school. The rider has earned the right and skills to work on whatever interests them. The Maytag Mountain Ranch team is ready and able to support and direct the rider.

At this level the student works on timing, balance and rhythm of their horse and how to keep them balanced for maximum performance. The student learns two more rein holds, lead changes, pivots, rollbacks and has the opportunity to ride patterns. As an advanced ranch hand the student learns about conformation and how it affects the horse�s performance. In addition, they will learn about soundness, suitability, and movement.

Upon completion of this level the student has earned 'Top Hand' status.