Riding Program

Sans Souci Riding Centre Inc. specializes in teaching the art of English horseback riding and therefore prioritizes the importance of high standards in their riding program. The centre specializes in 3-day eventing and has superb equestrian facilities oriented towards teaching the disciplines of dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping. Sans Souci's extensive facilities provide the scope for many types and levels of riding instruction and experience. The Centre sports several schooling rings, a 20 x 60 dressage ring, permanent huntcourse and beautiful cross-country course made up of solid natural obstacles and water complex. A large indoor arena, with adjoining stable and tackroom, is available for use during inclement weather. Sans Souci has a stable of about forty, safe, well-trained horses and ponies.

The riding program is dually effective in teaching children both how to care for horses through a practical horsemanship program, which gives each child the opportunity to take care of their own horse on a daily basis and by teaching the children the mounted skills and techniques of English horseback riding through daily two hour riding lessons.

The Horsemanship Program:

The objective of the horsemanship program is to complete the campers riding experience by teaching them the skills necessary to care for a stable of horses. The children are assigned a horse of their own, which they must take care of daily for up to 2 hours a day. Under the supervision of a qualified instructor, they will learn how to groom, feed, administer basic first-aid and ensure a comfortable environment for their horse. As well, the instructors give the children theory courses on a wide range of horsemanship topics from health, identification and behaviour to stable construction, show preparation and equipment care.

The Riding Lessons:

The Riding Lessons are given in either the morning or afternoon for a period of two hours. Each camper is placed in a small class of about five riders who share his/her experience and ability.

The beginner rider will be introduced to basic techniques of control and position in the walk and trot through exercises that improve balance, strength, co-ordination and confidence. This is done in a 20m round ring in which the instructor has control of the horse's direction and pace by means of a lunge line connected from horse to rider. Within a few days, campers quickly and safely progress with confidence to controlling their own horse with their newly learned skills. At least one lesson is spent on a very enjoyable trail ride through the many kilometres of beautiful trails.

The intermediate riders are challenged with new skills while refining their basics. They are introduced to the canter and begin working over poles and low jumps.

The advanced riders work at improving their flat work and jumping. They are introduced to basic dressage movements and basic level dressage tests. They perfect their jumping style and techniques through gymnastics and courses. For their final show, advanced groups with the necessary skills and strength, compete in starter or pre-training level events and jumper competitions.

To maximize the campers enjoyment and progress, the riding program is a healthy blend of serious instruction and lively recreation. Much enjoyed by the more experienced riders are our team drills to music and vaulting. All levels take part in a final day show during which they either take part in competitions or demonstrations giving parents the opportunity to see what their children have learned.