Lesson Programs

The lesson program at WELCA builds friends, fun and community by teaching riders safety, accountability, responsibility, respect and compassion for horses. All of our instructors are skilled horsewomen and are either certified coaches through Equine Canada or in the process of achieving that certification. Teaching Assistants are students in the Horsemanship program, who have contributed many hours volunteering for our summer camps and other programs. Instructors and Teaching Assistants are required to have current first aid including CPR training. If you have any questions regarding the lesson program, please contact us.

Read frequently asked questions about Horse Riding Lessons

Group Horse Riding Lessons

Whitemud has four types of recreational group riding lessons:

• Junior Riders For children ages 6 to 7 years
• Learn To Ride For children ages 8 to 13+ years
• Horsemanship A progressive program for everyone 8 years and up
• City of Edmonton Summer Camps A learn to ride program for children ages 8 to 14 years

Due to the popularity of the programs, there may be a wait list. That is why registrations are only accepted through the office. Please call 780-435-3597.

Junior Rider Program
nine-week program designed to give young riders between the ages of 6 and 8 an introduction to riding. Each lesson is divided into two parts: ½ hour is spent learning about horse care, grooming and tack. ½ hour is spent on the horse learning the basics of riding. The program runs in the fall and spring, Saturdays from 4-5 pm. Use of a riding helmet is included. Contact us for information.

Learn to Ride Program
seven-week program designed to give new riders (ages 8+) an introduction to riding. Riders have one hour of riding or stable management per week. The Learn to Ride program runs on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, from November to March while the Little Bits program is on hiatus. The use of a riding helmet is included.

Horsemanship Program
The Horsemanship Program taught at Whitemud is modeled on the Equine Canada Rider Program. Whitemud students continue through 9 levels as they develop skills and experience. Each rider can seamlessly move from one level to the next based on his or her development as a rider. Every rider progresses at a different rate, and it is not uncommon to stay in a level in order to strengthen a particular skill. The Horsemanship program runs in two 20-week semesters: the fall semester runs from September to January and the spring semester runs from February to June. The majority of students choose to ride for the full term (September – June). Horsemanship classes are held on Monday, Thursday & Friday evenings or all day Saturday. There is a waiting list for this program. Riders coming from other stables are required to have an evaluation from a Whitemud instructor to determine the level.

WELCA Adult Daytime Riding & Fitness Club

Highlights:

• Equicizer
• Horse behaviour / psychology / safety
• Horse health and care
• Riding and riding theory
• Special interest topics from experts such as farriers, veterinarians and other horse industry professionals

Adults who are interested in working with horses again or for the first time are invited to join our Daytime Riding & Fitness Club, Wednesdays 10am.

Our experienced staff will work with the club to develop your knowledge and skill with horses on the ground and in the saddle. Spend time with the horses and make new friends. Enjoy the serenity of our country place in the heart of the city.

$180/month includes community room, horses, tack, instructors and other horse industry professionals, riding arena, and unlimited use of the equicizers (to increase flexibility & fitness). Please note: the first classes will be non-riding with the focus on horse behaviour and safe handling.

For more information or to join, please call the WELCA office at 780-435-3597.

Riding Lessons General Information

Group Lessons

• Between 4 – 6 riders per group
• Whitemud Equine reserves the right to assign lesson horses and design the make-up of the group lessons
• Children under the age of 14 must be escorted to and from the barn/tack area by a parent or guardian
• Family members are encouraged to watch the lesson from the viewing area except for the Tots & Horses program which includes a pony ride with both adult and child for the last fifteen minutes of the session

Apparel Requirements

• Safety approved equine riding helmet with chin strap & attached safety harness (ASTM/SEI)
• Hard soled boots with sufficient heel to restrict the foot from passing through stirrup
• Long, well-fitted pants (stretch if possible)
• No shorts
• Long hair to be tied back
• Rubber boots are not recommended for winter months

Missed Classes, Cancellations & Refunds

• All classes are subject to change due to registration numbers and instructor availability
• Cancellation prior to the session start date will be given a refund of the class cost less a $60 administration fee
• Cancellation before the third class will be given a refund less $200
• NO REFUNDS after the start of the third class
• There are no make-up lessons