Clip Clop | Horseback Riding Lessons & Camps
for Youth in Calgary & Edmonton
587-892-6100
Text or Call Us
Anytime!
clipclop@clipclop.ca
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horsemanship
CLIP CLOP
dependent phase
LEVELS 1-3
CC LEVEL 10
is the
program
GOAL
At Clip Clop, achieving Clip Clop Level 10 is the ultimate goal of the rider, the Clip Clop team, and the parent. Each phase develops three essential skill sets of levels that collectively lead riders to this milestone.
Horseback Riding
CC Levels 1–3
a safe, supportive start to horsemanship
Who This Phase/Level Is For
Join this level if you have not haltered, caught, groomed, mounted/dismounted, and tacked up your own horse (even if you have ridden before) as these skills are vital in building a solid foundation in horsemanship.
This program enables new riders to explore the fun experience of horses while learning with a peer group. The riders in this level are pretty much dependent on help for just about everything.
Most riders enter the program here, regardless of age.
Ages
5-18
Program Rates
4-week months: $380.00/month + GST
*Monday 3-week months:: $285.00/month + GST
*Please note
To align with provincial and federal holidays, Monday riders are scheduled for three lessons per month, including months without a holiday. A detailed schedule will be provided upon registration.
Duration
Each session is nearly two hours of horse time - combining a riding lesson with Horseplay, our hands-on, behind-the-scenes time where riders care for their horse, learn a new horse topic, groom, feed, tack up, untack, and learn what it truly means to be a horse person.
Cold Weather
On extreme cold days, riding lessons shift to cozy, pre-planned horsemanship sessions in our heated facility. Bringing horses in from the cold only to send them back out again isn’t safe, so we put horse welfare first. These days become a favorite for riders—filled with hands-on learning, behind-the-scenes horse care, and skills that matter just as much as time in the saddle.
General Information
Horse Requirements
Clip Clop provides safe, sound and reliable, child-friendly horses for this level.
Attire (Riding Equipment)
If you’re new to horses—welcome! Please know that you don’t need to have this figured out already. We guide you every step of the way.
After registering, you’ll receive the Clip Clop Registration Package, which walks you through everything simply and clearly.
what we take care of
You can exhale—we provide all of the horse-specific equipment and support:
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The horse
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Saddle & bridle
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Instructor
-
Assistant support
what your rider needs
Just a few personal items to keep your child safe and comfortable:
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An ASTM-approved equestrian helmet
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Solid-colour riding pants (breeches) — black, blue, or beige
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Riding boots: paddock boots with half chaps or tall riding boots
(These are riding-specific and designed for safety) -
A “barn jacket” — something warm that can get a little dusty
(Many families find great options at thrift stores)
hair & helmets
Hair needs to be prepared correctly so the helmet fits safely. We’ll help with this—no experience required.
where to shop
Your Riding Lessons Information Package includes clear recommendations, but many parents start here:
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Budget-friendly new options:
Decathlon, Greenhawk, The Horse Store, Horse & Rider, G&E -
Pre-loved favourites:
The Tack Collector (Calgary), The Forward Horse (Edmonton), Facebook Marketplace
what most families spend
-
New items: about $150–$200
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Pre-loved items: often under $100
If you’re unsure what to buy, what size to choose, or whether something is “right,” please ask us first. We’re happy to help and would much rather guide you than have you guess.
You’re not expected to know horses—that’s what we’re here for. 🐎💙
LEVELS 1-3
dependent phase
Every rider is fully supported in every class, with hands-on guidance from our leaders at each step and for every skill.
What “Dependent” Means at Clip Clop
In the Dependent Phase, riders are learning how to learn with horses.
At this stage, riders rely heavily on the instructor and leadership team for:
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Direction (haltering, leading, grooming, tacking up, mounting, riding, etc.
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Confidence
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Safety
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Support
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Interpreting what the horse is communicating
This is intentional.
Horses are large, sensitive animals, and early success depends on feeling secure and guided.
Our focus in CC Levels 1–3 is to help riders build trust—with their horse, their instructor, and themselves.
What Riders Learn in CC Levels 1–3
Riders develop skills across all areas of horsemanship, both on and off the horse.
On-Horse Learning
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Mounting, dismounting, balanced position at the walk and trot
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Steering and stopping with guidance
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Beginning body awareness and coordination
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Learning how horses respond to aids
Off-Horse Learning (Horsemanship & Horseplay)
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Safe behavior around horses and the facility
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Haltering, grooming, tacking, and untacking with assistance
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Leading horses correctly
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Understanding basic horse needs and care
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Learning the language of horses
Each rider receives a Pathway Booklet, a stamper, and guided goal-setting support.
A full list of the approximately 250 skills taught at this level are included in the CC1-3 Pathway Booklet.
The Beginning of the
CC Level 1–10 Pathway
CC Levels 1–3 are where riders begin their journey at Clip Clop. This stage introduces the foundations of riding, safety, and horsemanship within a clearly mapped CC Levels 1–10 pathway.
At this level, riders learn how to work safely and confidently around horses while developing basic riding skills and an understanding of horse care. Progress through CC Levels 1–3 is designed to build comfort, confidence, and trust — for both rider and horse.
These early levels lay the groundwork for everything that follows. As riders continue through the pathway toward CC10+, they build increasing independence, skill, and responsibility, supported by experienced instructors every step of the way.
Whether a rider stays with Clip Clop for a short time or continues on through all ten levels, CC Levels 1–3 provide a strong, positive foundation — one that supports safe riding, confident learning, and a lifelong connection to horses.
How Progress Works in This Phase
At the first lesson of each month, riders set simple, achievable goals during Horseplay (off-horse learning time).
During weekly lessons, riders stamp off skills on their Pathway as they demonstrate them consistently and safely.
Skills may be practiced many times. Repetition is part of learning—not a sign of being “behind.”
Progress is based on:
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Consistency
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Confidence
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Safety awareness
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Readiness
Not speed.
Levels Within the Dependent Phase
The Dependent Phase includes three Levels:
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CC Level 1
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CC Level 2
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CC Level 3
Each level builds gradually in:
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Skill
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Responsibility
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Decision-making
Riders are supported every step of the way by leaders and instructors and we deliberately staff for this level of support.
What This Phase Sets Up Next
Completion of CC Levels 1–3 prepares riders for the Semi-Dependent Phase (CC Levels 4–6), where riders begin taking more responsibility and making more independent decisions in the saddle and on the ground.
Progress happens when riders are ready—not on a timeline.
Recognition & the Winner’s Circle
When a rider successfully completes CC Levels 1–3, they have completed the Dependent Phase.
This milestone is recognized through an invitation to the Winner’s Circle, celebrating the rider’s growth, commitment, and readiness to move into the next phase of independence.
Winner’s Circle is not competitive.
The Winner’s Circle
As riders complete phases of the CC Horsemanship Levels, they celebrate earned PHASE-ups in the Winner’s Circle alongside their parents and riding mates.
These moments recognize progress, effort, and achievement — without pressure or rushing.
Before You Register
The following:
Registration Information - Riding Lessons Page
outlines important details about lesson structure, scheduling, expectations, and participation.
By reviewing this information and completing registration, you acknowledge and agree to the structure, policies, and expectations of the Clip Clop program.
Thank you.
Scheduling & Registration
Lesson times, availability, payment options, and account setup are all managed through our secure registration system.
Click the button below to view the current schedule for your rider’s level, create an account, and register for lessons.
If you’re unsure which level is right for your rider, we’re always happy to help.
All scheduling, registration, and payments are completed through our secure registration system, GoMotion.