HORSE BACK RIDING LESSONS by Linda DeVoe

About

Linda DeVoe, operator of step by step has been training and showing horses for fifteen years, both Western and English dressage, and has been working with them for an additional ten. Her philosophy is to break down the training process into smaller steps that can be mastered individually, eventually being brought together so that the horse and rider team are working at their best. She believes in individualized instruction so that students can grow at their own pace. Beginner students will immediately feel comfortable with Linda, and advanced students will be impressed with her technique and ability to teach horse and rider to work as a team.

A beginner's lesson may start out with lunging, a method where the horse is controlled by the trainer on the ground, so the student can work on their balance and posture. As the student progresses, they will learn to control the horse on their own, giving subtle signals for speed, cadence, and direction, using their seat, legs, and reins. Students will also be instructed on anatomy and care of the horse, and function, proper fit, and care of the equiptment. Intermediate students will continue to improve their balance and seat at the walk, trot, and canter while encouraging the horse to use his muscles most efficiently. Advanced students will learn the cues for more complicated movements such as the leg yield, side pass, turn on the quarters, and turn on the forehand.

The student will be matched with one of the lesson horses to ensure a good fit in terms of size, experience, and personality. Please contact Linda for pricing.