Lesson 1Session 5: Course-building basics, rhythm through lines, canter balance, 60–75 mins, jump inspection proceduresThis session introduces course-building basics and riding rhythm through lines. Riders practise canter balance, track choice, and jump inspection procedures to prepare for more complex course work in local settings.
Reading arena space and safe course flowSetting simple lines and single fencesEstablishing and keeping canter rhythmBalancing in corners before and after jumpsJump inspection and safety standardsWalking lines and planning track optionsLesson 2Session 2: Forward impulsion, adjustability, trot-canter transitions, 60–75 mins, tack and girth checksThis session builds forward impulsion and adjustability, using trot–canter transitions and simple lines. Riders refine leg and seat aids while reinforcing tack and girth safety checks before and during work in Botswana conditions.
Forward vs rushing: key differencesTrot–canter and canter–trot transitionsLengthening and shortening canter strideUsing half-halts to rebalance the horseTack and girth checks during warm-upCool-down to assess relaxation and responseLesson 3Session 8: Combination fences and bending lines, rollback turns, 60–75 mins, horse fatigue monitoringThis session develops accuracy over combinations and bending lines, adding rollback turns while monitoring horse fatigue. Riders refine track planning, balance, and recovery between related jumping efforts for safe practice.
Warm-up for suppleness before combinationsRiding one- and two-stride combinationsPlanning and riding bending lines to fencesRollback turns while maintaining balanceRecognizing and managing horse fatigueAdjusting effort and rest within the sessionLesson 4Session 9: Simulated show rounds, warm-up routine, arena etiquette, 75–90 mins, tack check and stewarding rulesThis session evaluates rider and horse, focusing on basic flatwork, rhythm, and straightness. It introduces safety expectations, warm-up structure, and simple exercises to benchmark current jumping readiness in group settings.
Pre-session briefing and course walk reviewReplicating show warm-up ring trafficSimulated in-gate and start proceduresRiding full courses under show conditionsArena etiquette and passing rulesPost-round feedback and self-evaluationLesson 5Session 7: Speed control, approach management, turning at jumps, 60–75 mins, emergency stop and fall protocolThis session refines speed control, approaches, and turns at jumps. Riders practise accurate lines, safe turning, and emergency stop and fall protocols to manage risk while maintaining effective riding in varied terrains.
Finding and keeping a show-appropriate paceApproach lines and takeoff point planningTurning before and after fences safelyUsing half-halts without losing impulsionEmergency stop and one-rein stop drillsFall protocol and incident reporting stepsLesson 6Session 4: Related distances and lines, one-stride/two-stride practice, 60–75 mins, rider release and rein length safetyThis session focuses on related distances and lines, practising one- and two-stride efforts. Riders refine release, rein length, and control, learning to maintain rhythm and safety through connected jumping lines.
Measuring and walking related distancesMaintaining rhythm through simple linesOne-stride and two-stride line exercisesChoosing crest vs automatic releaseSafe rein length over and between fencesCorrecting chips, long spots, and driftLesson 7Session 1: Assessment, flatwork warm-up, straightness and rhythm checks, 60–75 mins, safety briefingsThis opening session benchmarks rider position, aids, and horse way of going. It emphasises safe arena conduct, flatwork warm-up structure, and simple straightness and rhythm checks to guide later progression in Botswana.
Rider history and goal-setting interviewSafety briefing and arena traffic rulesTack fit, girth, and stirrup length checkWalk–trot rhythm and straightness linesIntro canter circles and basic transitionsBaseline notes for progression trackingLesson 8Session 3: Jump position fundamentals, grid introduction, small fences, 60–75 mins, groundcrew and footing checksThis session establishes secure jump position and introduces grids with small fences. Emphasis is on balance, release timing, and safe arena setup, including groundcrew roles and footing inspection for local grounds.
Review of two-point and light seatApproach, takeoff, and landing positionsIntro crossrail and small vertical gridsUsing placing poles for consistencyGroundcrew communication and signalsFooting checks and safe landing zonesLesson 9Session 10: Assessment and individualised progression plans, fitness and conditioning review, 75–90 mins, post-session cooling and vet checksThis final session reassesses rider and horse, reviewing fitness, conditioning, and progress. Riders receive individualised development plans and practise effective cool-down, post-ride checks, and vet referral cues.
Comparing initial and final performanceReviewing horse fitness and conditioningDesigning individualised training plansGoal-setting for next training cycleCool-down, stretching, and hydrationRecognizing issues needing veterinary inputLesson 10Session 6: Gymnastic exercises for scope and technique, bounce and bounce-to-vertical, 60–75 mins, progressive fence heightsThis session uses gymnastic lines, including bounces and bounce-to-verticals, to improve scope and technique. Riders learn to build progressive heights while preserving rhythm, straightness, and horse confidence in practice.
Purpose and design of gymnastic linesRiding bounce grids for quick footworkBounce-to-vertical for bascule and powerMaintaining straightness without over-ridingProgressive fence height planningMonitoring horse confidence in grids
