PONY PALS SQUAD (5-8 YRS)
Pony Pals Squad is a hands on learning, ground-based journey into the wonderful world of horses. Kids are often fascinated with horses after watching them in movies or reading about them in books. Horses such as Spirit or Black Beauty capture the hearts of children and ignite their imagination and fascination about these amazing animals. Horses are often part of their pretend play, sparking creativity and adventure at home with toy horses, to turning bicycles and broomsticks into their trusty steads.
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Let their imagination become real-life experiences by taking part in the Pony Pals Squad. The goal of this 10 week program is to give all kids the opportunity to learn about horses in a safe and supportive environment. This is achieved through horse-centered games and activities that are interactive and engaging and will foster an appreciation and deeper understanding, all while having a lot of fun.
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No previous experience is required to take part, and helmets and boots can be provided if required. Kids enrolled in our Pony Pals Squad will received their own Pony Pals Squad take home binder with fun learning activities, games and so much more. This program is the perfect place to start in your child's journey with horses.
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This program is offered from April to June annually.
Youth Riding Lessons
(8 Years & Up)
Our riding program for youth is designed to provide a safe, supportive and fun environment for kids to learn about horses and develop essential life skills. Through our hands-on approach, kids will learn horse care, riding skills, and responsibility, while building confidence, self-esteem and a lifelong love for horses. Our program is from the ground up to the saddle creating a solid foundation.
We aim to be a new riders starting point into their journey with horses, and offer both a recreational and adaptive riding program. Our lesson program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual rider, whether they are looking to develop new skills, build confidence or harness the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding, promoting physical, emotional and cognitive growth.
Students do not need to have any previous experience with horses. We provide an amazing horse to learn with, the equipment you need to take part and helmets and boots if required. Lessons take place in three semesters throughout the year starting in January, April and September, in our indoor and heated facility.
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Stable your child's future with riding lessons, and send us an email to receive a Rider Suitability Assessment.​
WHY RIDING LESSONS MATTER
Horseback riding lessons offer unique benefits to participants that are different from other traditional sports and activities. Unlike individual sports where the emphasis is on the individual or team sports where success depends on physical skills and competition with teammates, horse-based activities emphasize building a relationship with a living being that responds to emotional states, body language and communication skills. Horses respond to non-verbal cues and recognize human emotions and behaviors. These differences create opportunities that are taken far beyond the arena and barn walls, and allow a distinctive dynamic for self-awareness, empathy and emotional intelligence in a way traditional activities may not.
HOOFBEATS AND HEARTBEATS
At Empower U Equine, we believe that learning to ride is about so much more than just sitting on a horse. Our holistic approach combines unmounted lessons, under-saddle skills, and horse-centered learning to help youth develop a deeper understanding of horses and appreciation for the partnership.
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Our lesson programs incorporate a strong foundation in horse care, behavior and communication. With an emphasis on learning to connect with horses on their terms, build trust and understanding. We utilize fun and engaging games and activities to teach proper riding techniques and terminology, and developing balance and communication skills in the saddle for the partnership with the horse.
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By integrating these three components, we aim to build more confident, compassionate riders as they begin their journey with horses.
ABOUT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION.
Equestrian Canada's coaching program is developed in partnership with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and Sport Canada. Equestrian Canada is one of 67 sports participating in the NCCP, which represents coaching excellence in Canada. The EC coaching program is the only Canadian equestrian coaching and instructor certification program also recognized internationally (FEI, IGEQ), and by Coaches of Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
The Equestrian Canada National Coaching Certification Program has the following objectives:
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To offer an acceptable standard of developing coaching/instructing expertise.
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To provide a structure whereby coaches/instructors can enter and progress as they improve their coaching/instructing expertise.
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To ensure the integration of the Coaching Certification Program into an overall strategy of coaching education.
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To improve the level of performance and competence of Canadian equestrian coaches/instructors and their students.
WHY CHOOSE A CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR?
If you are a student looking for lessons ensuring that your Instructor has obtained their certification will verify that:
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Has been evaluated at a high level and meets NCCP standards for professionalism and competence as an equestrian coach or instructor.
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Maintains their certification, and is therefore dedicated to lifelong learning and advancement through regular professional development.
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Has obtained relevant insurance to protect themselves and their students.
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Has taken training regarding concussion awareness and prevention.
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Has taken training in making ethical decisions.
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Has obtained their Respect in Sport certificate.
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Has an approved Emergency Action Plan.
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To Maintain Certification your Instructor must have:
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Have a current SHF Membership
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Annual Equine Canada Sports License at the required level.
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Provide proof of current Standard First Aid with Level C CPR Certificate on file.
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Proof of an acceptable criminal record and vulnerable sector check once every five years.
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Proof of the required professional development credits for their specific certification.
