Rookie Riders

Rookie Riders is specifically designed to teach the fundamental skills necessary to safely get on a horse BEFORE being introduced to a horse for the first time!

Leading edge curriculum designed collaboratively with experts in both physical literacy and equestrian development includes

• Horse-inspired activities and games
• Ground-based skills
• A “barrel horse”
• A series of sample lesson plans, supported with video and written instructions hosted in an interactive platform to help students progress

Using a progression from ground-based, to mounted on the barrel, to mounted on a horse, kids gain a combination of skills and experience through activities and games as an introduction to riding.

Rookie Riders prepares riders for their first mounted lessons before ever stepping foot in a barn. It is designed to start riders on their way to completing Equestrian Canada’s Learn to Ride – English or Western Level 1.

Horsemanship

• Learn about horses and how to safely interact with them

Fundamental Movement Skills

• Develop Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) necessary for riding by engaging students physically, mentally, and emotionally in individual and group activities

Fundamental Sport Skills

• Learn to safely mount and dismount
• Develop ability to maintain a balanced and relaxed position with proper posture while mounted
• Become comfortable changing into a variety of positions and holds while mounted

A foundation towards Equestrian Canada’s Learn To Ride programs.

Rookie Riders can be customized to meet the needs of specific groups. Instructors and facilities may tailor the program to meet needs of the students or facility but are encouraged to follow the general skill progression presented in sample lesson plans.

Find out how Rookie Riders fits into your program:

Equestrian Facilities
Rookie Riders was created to increase participation in Equestrian sport and build a strong foundation for long-term athlete development. Activities are designed to be flexible to suit your space and your program, with ready-to-deliver progressive lesson plans to take students from ground-based activities to learning skills on the barrel, and finally on a horse! Rookie Riders is an excellent addition to your ongoing lesson programs or can be delivered as a camp.

Schools and Recreation Centers
Developed in consultation with physical education experts, Rookie Riders supports the development of physical literacy and fundamental movement skills in kids. Enjoy pre-built lesson plans with safe, inclusive activities for kids ages 6-12. Enjoy pre-built lesson plans or build your own using the library of activities and games. Rookie Riders promotes inclusion and accessibility and offers a welcoming start for kids who are interested in equestrian sport.

Community Events
Rookie Riders can be delivered as a fun drop-in activity for fairs, horse shows, festivals, markets, and other community events. Offer participants a Ticket to Ride* and support Equestrian sport in your community.

GET INVOLVED

Become an Instructor

• Lead instructors must complete the Rookie Riders Training and have an active NCCP Certification or be an accredited physical education teacher to deliver the program.
• Training is divided in two single-day workshops: Rookie Riders 1 (Unmounted) and Rookie Riders 2 (Mounted).
• Instructors can deliver in non-equestrian environment having only completed Rookie Riders 1.
• Assistant coaches are not required to be certified but must be 16 years or older and have completed Rookie Riders 1 to support. If assisting in a program with horses, assistants should have their EC Rider Level 6 – English/Rider Level 4 Western OR have participated in Rookie Riders 2.

Find a Program
Reach out to your Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations to find a Rookie Riders program near you!

FIND OUT MORE

To learn more about taking the training, hosting the Rookie Riders in your facility or to find a program near you, please contact your Provincial/Territorial Equestrian Organization or submit an information request using the following form:

Rookie Riders Information Request

background

Rookie Riders is an evolution of the First Gait program, first developed as an introductory program for Vaulting. It has been developed by Ontario Equestrian in partnership with Equestrian Canada and member provincial/territorial sport organizations as part of the Canadian Equestrian Development Project to delivered by riding facilities across Canada.