This checklist is designed to ensure that riders that train with Ledyard Equestrian are proficient in key areas of horsemanship,
with emphasis on the hunter and jumper disciplines.

The list is meant to inspire the individual to seek training in the areas that they find that they may fall short. If you note any areas of uncertainty on this
list, simply request assistance and the training will be incorporated into your
current program at no additional cost.

Grooming

Basic system: Pick feet, comb mane, curry body, hard brush,soft brush legs, dandy brush, towel*, soft brush, tail (Towel optional)

Clipping (touch-up)

Mane pulling/management

Tail management

After-ride care  

Curry, dandy brush, towel, soft brush

Bath vs no bath with fan, curry, soft brush, towel, softbrush

Seasonal adjustments to grooming such as bathing and cooleruse

Standing Wraps

Ice Boots

Poultice or Liniment Use

Cooler use 

No cooler

Irish knit

Medium weight

Heavy wool

Turn-out/Bringing in; proper procedure 

Bringing a horse in from a field

Turn-out

Understanding the turn and face method

The halt before stall entry

Riding and Training 

Position (Hunt Seat, Jumper Seat and adjustable training seat)

Line, Pace, Impulsion, Collection

Pace must be adjustable at all three gaits

The two parts to line: The horse’s body and the line that he is riding

Five rein aids (basic)

Three leg aids

Half turn

Reverse Turn

Control of the outside aids

Turn on the haunch

Turn on the forehand

Shoulder-in

Haunches-in

Tack 

Conditioning and cleaning

Leather selection

Parts of the tack

Bits for each horse (Exploring different types)

Saddle fit essentials

Over Fences Training 

(Fundamentals of flat work for both horse and rider must bein place before over fence training begins)

Line, pace, impulsion, collection understanding

Warm-up

Height choice and preparation

Setting of jumps: Hunter/Equitation/Jumper

Gymnastics

Wrapping, bandaging and booting 

Polo wrap

Standing bandage

Shipping wrap

Poultice wrap

Injury wrap (laceration)

Sweat wrap

Bell boots

Jumping boots (open and closed)

Trail Riding 

Preparing the horse-the things the horse needs to know before he goes out.

Courtesy to other riders.

Courtesy to property owners.

Using the trail to prepare a show horse.

First Aid 

Basic first aid for wounds

When to call the vet

Wrapping a wound (Covered in Standing Wrap for lacerations)

Wrapping a hoof that is injured or that has a missing shoe

Pulling a shoe that is partially off (Advanced/AgeAppropriate)

Poulticing legs

Poulticing feet

Recognizing signs of colic

Recognizing signs of laminitis

Trailering 

Hooking up a truck and trailer

Loading properly and safely

Shipping of the horse

Handling a trouble loader

Ground Training & Longing 

Understanding that horse training is nothing more thanpressure and release Everything is achieved through these two principals

Reading body language

Intelligent Longing*, including use of rope halter, sidereins and rigs

Horse Show Preparation 

One-day show checklist

Away-show checklist

Training set-up the month prior

Training the week of

The approach in the warm-up ring

Treatment of staff at the competition

Mental approach to competition

Horse and Horse Selection 

Parts of the horse

Conformation for particular use

Personality

Facial structure and how it pertains to personality/performance (Advanced)

Professional Section 

Interacting with clients and vendors

Treatment of clients

Cultural awareness in the business

Social Media conduct

Web presence

Professional Section-Finance 

Business plan, strategy, values and mission

Comprehension of finances for the business including bookkeeping,vendor relationships, credit, and taxes

Personal finance vehicles comprehension. Strategies for savings,retirement accounts, investments, and health care

Conclusion 

This is an ongoing list that has been established to make amore complete horseman that is as safe and proficient as possible. At Ledyard Equestrian, we embrace an old-school style combined with a modern, intellectual approach.

As a client of Ledyard Equestrian, these horsemanship lessons come at no additional cost to your training fees. Please make sure you
take advantage of them. Remember, it is up to you to ask for help, as any good horseman would indeed do.