Progress with Purpose

Our 8-Level Curriculum

Every Academy student follows our signature leveled progression, built on the trusted HorseSense Learning framework. Each level develops specific skills while building confidence, responsibility, and connection between horse and rider.

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Academy Benefits

Comprehensive Learning Experience for Every Student

Our structured curriculum provides complete equestrian education with personalized tracking, digital resources, and milestone recognition to develop confident, knowledgeable riders.

Digital Workbook
Comprehensive level information and exercises in interactive format
Progress Tracking
Personalized documentation of skills mastered and goals achieved
Rosette Awards
Beautiful ribbon recognition for each successful level advancement
Individual Pace
Students progress at their own speed with no pressure or timelines
Small Groups
Tailored lessons with 2-3 riders of similar skill levels for focused instruction
Horse Ownership
Curriculum prepares students for future independent horse management responsibilities
Competition Ready
Training develops skills necessary for successful show participation
Well-Rounded Skills
Complete horsemanship education covering riding, care, and safety fundamentals
White and brown horse eating hay and looking at the camera
Students learning horse grooming and care in modern barn aisle during riding program
Beautiful chestnut horse at fence line with other horses grazing in paddock background

5 out of 5 stars

The riding lessons are exceptional, tailored to each rider’s skill level and goals. The trainers are patient, knowledgeable, and passionate about teaching. Not only do they focus on refining riding techniques, but they also emphasize the importance of horse care, giving riders a deeper appreciation and understanding of these beautiful animals.

Horse head illustration

Gail S.

Breeze Level

Gentle Introduction to Horses for Young Riders

Our introductory level creates safe, fun experiences for young children. Students ride on leadline with Ground Buddy assistance while learning basic horse safety and care concepts.

  • Basic horse safety practices and essential equine terminology for young learners
  • Pre-ride preparation skills and proper safe riding attire requirements
  • Secure balanced riding position development at walk with instructor assistance
  • Introduction to trot riding with full support and safety supervision
  • Horse care routines including grooming, cooling out, and stall cleaning basics
Young student receiving riding instruction on chestnut horse with instructor guidance
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Zephyr Level

Foundation Riding Skills and Ground Safety

Students learn essential handling and riding skills, building a strong foundation in mounted safety. This level covers ground safety concepts before focusing on mounting, dismounting, and basic gaits.

  • Basic horse safety practices and pre-ride routine including grooming and tacking
  • Balanced position and natural aids usage for effective communication with horses
  • Survival skills including defensive seat, emergency stop, and emergency dismount
  • Introductory ring figures at walk with focus on accuracy and control
  • Posting to trot development with goal of completing one full arena lap
Young rider practicing horse handling and leading skills with chestnut horse outdoors
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Tailwind Level

Building Confidence and Security at the Trot

Students develop ability to ride safely and securely at trot while building balanced seat and confidence. Focus on accuracy, harmony with horse, and foundational skills for advanced work.

  • Efficient ride preparation and proper horse care after riding sessions
  • Safe stirrup and girth adjustment methods for independent equipment management
  • Posting diagonals and rein changes at trot for balanced riding technique
  • No-stirrup riding at walk and trot including longe line work for seat development
  • Balanced two-point position over ground poles with flowing course navigation
Beginning rider on paint horse during riding lesson in safe arena environment
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Soar Level

Introduction to Canter and Jumping Fundamentals

Students advance to canter and basic jumping while developing increased independence. This level teaches consideration of rider influence on horse and responsibility for horse welfare.

  • Efficient ground handling routines and independent tacking up capabilities
  • Speed control techniques at walk and trot for proper horse management
  • Canter riding along rail, through circles, and over single ground poles
  • Posting diagonal and lead awareness including simple lead changes at canter
  • Secure jumping position over ground poles and small crossrails for English riders
Young rider learning horse care and groundwork with gentle white horse during riding lesson
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Gale Level

Advanced Skills and Arena to Open Riding

Students transition from passenger to thinking rider with attention to horse balance and movement. Develops skills necessary for safe riding in open spaces and over obstacles.

  • Mounted exercises for independent seat development and improved balance
  • No-stirrup work at all three gaits for enhanced security and position
  • Bend and balance awareness with correct diagonals and leads at all gaits
  • Accurate dressage arena riding with goal of completing Intro Level tests
  • Open space riding skills including trail obstacles and arena jumping courses
Two students practicing English riding lessons in outdoor arena with proper safety equipment
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Skyrider Level

Intermediate Riding with Hand Gallop and Contact

Students ride with increased confidence, control, and influence over horse balance. English riders develop jumping skills while Western riders master trail challenges and obstacles.

  • Successful warm-up elements and importance of listening to horse feedback
  • Steady light contact riding with correct bend through turns at all gaits
  • Turn on forehand and haunches with precise aid coordination and timing
  • Hand gallop with secure balanced galloping position for speed control
  • Cross-country trail riding skills and jumping courses up to 2 feet height
Advanced student rider competing on a brown horse during a show
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Tempest Level

Advanced Flatwork and Complex Obstacles

Students acquire independent seat and coordinated aid use for advanced riding. Requires commitment to self-directed practice and hours of dedicated riding time for skill mastery.

  • Sophisticated flatwork including direct transitions and harmonious dressage tests
  • Introductory lateral movements such as leg yield and sidepass techniques
  • Secure galloping position with knowledge of striding and pole distances
  • English riders jump varied grids and courses up to 2'6"-2'9" heights
  • Western riders navigate complex trail obstacles and polework without stirrups
Student practicing jumping skills on gray horse in outdoor cross country field lesson
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Mistral Level

Master Level Training and Advanced Horsemanship

Students become empathetic riders and horse trainers with sophisticated dressage techniques. Introduces training philosophy while requiring confidence and secure position from extensive experience.

  • Progressive training and dressage theory for independent schooling session structure
  • Coordinated aid use allowing horse to work over back with straightness
  • Lateral maneuvers including shoulder-in, haunches-in, and challenging transitions
  • Countercanter riding and preparation for flying lead change development
  • English jumping over 3-foot courses and Western one-handed riding proficiency
Advanced rider jumping white horse over obstacle during English jumping lesson at equestrian center

5 out of 5 stars

Our kids are having an amazing time at the riding academy! The instructor is fantastic and the stable team really knows their stuff. The academy's program helps all the kids pick up real horsemanship skills from day one. Thank you for such a great experience that gets our children excited about horses!

Horse head illustration

Caroline H.

Before You Arrive

Get the Details That Matter

Whether you're wondering about our cancellation policy, appropriate attire, or safety requirements, we've got you covered. Our FAQ answers common questions while our Barn Rules ensure everyone enjoys a safe, respectful environment.

Complete Windmill Stables facility overview showing barn windmill and horses in paddocks

Safety and Responsibility

Farm Animal Activity Liability Disclaimer

Under Texas law (Chapter 87, Civic Practice and Remedies Code), a farm animal professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in farm animal activities resulting from the inherent risks of farm animal activities.