Horsemanship

Horsemanship I and II

Horsemanship I and II are the first of four levels of horsemanship offered by Sheridan Performance Horses.  Unlike other systems, you may sign up for any level that you as a rider feel ready for.  The "SPH" levels system is designed to give you a guideline for what kind of training may be offered at a clinic in your area.    

All horsemanship clinics now have Matt's Four Steps to Better Body Control program built in.  Each clinic level advances body control within the program.  This systematic approach teaches the rider how to gain increased accuracy and yielding with minimal effort!

Horsemanship I

Horsemanship I is groundwork intensive with some riding.  This clinic is offered at a maximum of two days plus and one evening seminar.  At this level instruction is provided as to how to get a horse to yield head, neck, shoulders, and hind quarters from the ground.  Emphasis is placed on proper hand and body position to prepare the horse for being ridden or driven.  In this clinic the student will gain a working knowledge of all 8 components that make up the major working parts of a horse.  All groundwork compliments the horsemanship under saddle.  In this clinic Matt introduces participants to his Four Steps to Better Body Control.  Student will spend some time riding their horses putting the ground work exercises into practice.

Obstacles, "flagging" and preparation for showing in hand may be covered in this clinic.

Horsemanship II

Horsemanship II is an extension of level I in that it advances the rider in use of the techniques taught at level I.  In this clinic participants work on advancing Matt's Four Steps to Better Body Control.  Riders will focus on learning to control all parts of the horse while above instead of next to the horse.  Emphasis will be placed on gaining proper control of the hind quarters and shoulders in a balanced manner.  Additional importance is placed on building correct stop, back and turn in a horse for performance purposes.  This clinic is good for riders of all disciplines as it lays the foundation for good horsemanship.  This level can be thought of as preparing for performance.  Riders are given a list of exercises to prepare a horse to do more advanced maneuvers.   Horses at this level are traditionally ridden in a snaffle bit or the bosal hackamore.