Horsemanship Course

Ironstone Farm's Horsemanship Course offers an overview of the basics of equine understanding, care and management. The course is a prerequisite for apprentice instructors at Ironstone Farm preparing for a Massachusetts Instructors license, and an elective for others interested in expanding their knowledge of horses beyond riding. It is taught by a team of Ironstone Farm staff members who bring varied expertise and perspective for a dynamic program. It will also teach students about the practices of Ironstone Farm - a successful equine facility since 1960.

Classes will be split between lecture and outdoor

hands-on activities and will meet on Thursdays.

Horsemanship Course schedule

SPRING 2022 SESSION

TBA

Those who are interested in taking our horsemanship course can fill out the following form below to stay up to date with announcements regarding our 2022 schedule.

Horsemanship Insterest form

Apprentice Program

The state of Massachusetts requires anyone teaching mounted horseback riding lessons be certified through an apprenticeship with a licensed instructor. The Apprentice Instructor Program offered by Challenge Unlimited, Inc. at Ironstone Farm includes classroom and clinic sessions that will prepare participants for the state Safety and Basic Knowledge Exam. These classes also provide future instructors with a working foundation on how to provide the best lessons possible for varied clientele. In addition to the classroom sessions, Challenge Unlimited, Inc. at Ironstone Farm will assist in scheduling the 60 required hours of supervised teaching with one of our licensed instructors.

Pre-Requisites:

Must complete Ironstone Farm Horsemanship course OR pass Ironstone Farm's assessment given by the Director of Equine Operations prior to registration.

Classes and Clinics Offered:

Introduction Class / Policies & Procedures
Riding Skills & Progression
Lunging Skills & Vaulting Lessons
Lesson Planning
Lift & Ramp Mount Training/Adaptive Tack & Equipment Training

Apprentice Instructor Program Fee:

Part 1: Classroom and clinics: $200 (due at registration)
Part 2: 60 hours of apprentice instruction and riding skill evaluation: $100
Part 3: Riding lessons as recommended

Apprentice Course schedule

WINTER SESSION

January 13 - February 10, 2022 (Thursdays at 5:30 pm)

Thursday, January 13
Thursday, January 20
Thursday, January 27
Thursday, February 03
Thursday, February 10