Beginning on August 20th, 2023, we are excited to be transitioning into an academy style program.
According to Oxford Learner's Dictionary, synergy [sin·er·jee] is defined as, 'the extra energy, power, success, etc. that is achieved by two or more people, companies or elements working together, instead of on their own.' This aligns with our mission statement where horsemanship skills are built off a foundation of respect, partnership, and an understanding of the animal both in and out of the saddle. The structured curriculum seeks to build well rounded equestrians with a keen interest in growing the sport using a series of ten (10) progressive and achievable levels. Upon passing all three (3) components in each level with a minimum score of 70%, the equestrian's achievement is recognized with a checked box on their Academy t-shirt, certificate, and numbered lapel pin.
For mounted students, an invitation to the Synergy Riding Academy is extended once the student is able to effectively steer at the walk and trot in addition to possessing an understanding of posting diagonals. For unmounted students, an invitation to the Academy is extended from day one!
All mounted Academy students are required to attend a minimum of (2) unmounted horsemanship lesson per month. This allows us to cover the material in the Theoretical Knowledge and Stable Management Skills components described below.
Each level must be completed in consecutive order beginning with Level 1. Testing dates occur at the end of each semester shown in the 'Annual Calendar' on the 'LESSONS' page in the 'PROGRAMS' drop down above. The remaining Level Testing dates for 2023 are on Saturday November 4th and Saturday December 16th.
For mounted students, an invitation to the Synergy Riding Academy is extended once the student is able to effectively steer at the walk and trot in addition to possessing an understanding of posting diagonals. For unmounted students, an invitation to the Academy is extended from day one!
All mounted Academy students are required to attend a minimum of (2) unmounted horsemanship lesson per month. This allows us to cover the material in the Theoretical Knowledge and Stable Management Skills components described below.
Each level must be completed in consecutive order beginning with Level 1. Testing dates occur at the end of each semester shown in the 'Annual Calendar' on the 'LESSONS' page in the 'PROGRAMS' drop down above. The remaining Level Testing dates for 2023 are on Saturday November 4th and Saturday December 16th.
Each Level (1-10) in the Synergy Riding Academy is sectioned into the following components:
- Theoretical Knowledge- Written Test
This includes topics such as parts of the saddle, grooming tools and their uses, stable vices, hoof care, rein aids, arena safety, etc. - Stable Management Skills- Practical Test
This component focuses on hands on skills such as tying a quick release knot, blanketing, bit identification, boot fitting, etc. - Mounted Skills- Riding Test
This undersaddle component focuses on flat work with an optional over fences phase.
Synergy Riding Academy Learning Paths
- Horsemanship
Unmounted students complete each level using components one and two consisting of Theoretical Knowledge and Stable Management Skills. - Dressage
Students pursuing flat work only complete each level using all three components excluding the over fences phase of the Mounted Skills. - Over Fences
Beginning in Level 3, students schooling over fences complete each level using all three components. Each over fences test includes a gymnastic line and course.