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
semi- independent phase
LEVELS 4-6
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 4-6
a safe, supportive start to horsemanship
Who This Phase/Level Is For
Join this level if you have completed CC Level 3, or who are transferring from another program with similar experience.
Riders at this level are advanced beginners, but not yet fully independent — able to halter, groom, lead, tack and untack, mount, dismount, adjust stirrups, and ride at the walk and trot, while continuing to build confidence and responsibility with instructor support.
Ready for More? Leadership Starts Here
Eligibility for the Clip Clop Youth Leadership Program begins at this level for riders who are 11 years old. Through our Earn While You Learn program, youth leaders build leadership and horsemanship skills while assisting with riding lessons and summer camps — and earn discount credits toward their riding lesson fees.
Curious to learn more? Head to the Leadership Program page in the main menu — we’d love to show you what’s possible.
General Information
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.
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-color 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:
-
Budget-friendly new options:
Decathlon, Greenhawk, The Horse Store, Horse & Rider, G&E -
Pre-loved favorites:
The Tack Collector (Calgary), The Forward Horse (Edmonton), Facebook Marketplace
what most families spend
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New items: about $150–$200
-
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. 🐎💙
Leaders stay close and attentive, giving riders the space to try on their own while providing support whenever it’s needed.
LEVELS 4-6
semi-
independent phase
What “Semi-Independent” Means at Clip Clop
In the Semi-Independent Phase, riders are learning how to take responsibility—with support close by.
At this stage, riders are beginning to do more for themselves, while instructors and leaders remain nearby to supervise, guide, and step in when needed.
Riders are now developing:
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Decision-making
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Responsibility
-
Independence in horse care and riding
-
Deeper communication with their horse
Support is still present—but it is intentionally reduced.
Leaders expect riders to try first, problem-solve, and apply what they’ve learned before receiving help. This is a critical step in building confidence and competence.
Safety remains the priority.
Leaders supervise all tasks and are always close, ensuring riders feel supported while learning to act more independently.
What Riders Learn in CC Levels 4–6
Riders continue to develop skills across all areas of horsemanship—both on and off the horse—with increasing independence.
On-Horse Learning
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Riding with improved balance, control, and coordination
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Riding at the walk and trot with growing independence
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Learning arena patterns, figures, and group riding skills
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Developing clearer communication through aids
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Preparing for future canter work as readiness develops
Off-Horse Learning (Horsemanship & Horseplay)
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Catching, haltering, grooming, and tacking with fewer reminders
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Performing safety checks with supervision
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Leading and handling horses confidently on the ground
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Understanding horse behavior, body language, and communication
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Practicing responsible barn habits and routines
Riders are encouraged to think, assess, and act—knowing help is available if needed.
A full list of the approximately 350 skills taught at this level are included in the CC4-6 Pathway Booklet,
Continuing the
Path from CC Level 1 to CC Level 10+
(Progression + growing independence)
CC Levels 4–6 build on the foundations established in Levels 1–3 and represent a key phase in the journey toward CC10+.
At this stage, riders are developing greater independence, strengthening their riding and horsemanship skills, and taking on more responsibility in their work with horses.
These levels are part of Clip Clop’s clearly mapped CC Levels 1–10 pathway, designed to guide every rider forward with consistency, safety, and purpose.
All riders progress through CC Levels 4–6 as part of the pathway to CC10+, with the pace adjusted to support confidence, learning, and long-term success.
As riders continue on, CC10+ opens opportunities for leadership and employment roles, advanced horsemanship, and pathways such as Equine Canada and NCCP coaching licensing. The skills developed in CC Levels 4–6 play an essential role in preparing riders for what comes next.
How Progress Works in This Phase
Progress in the Semi-Dependent Phase is steady and intentional.
At the beginning of each month, riders continue to set achievable goals during Horseplay (off-horse learning time).
During weekly lessons, riders demonstrate skills consistently and safely, earning stamps on their Pathway as they go.
Skills may be practiced many times.
Repetition is expected and encouraged.
Progress is based on:
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Consistency
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Confidence
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Safety awareness
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Responsibility
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Readiness
Not speed.
Levels Within the Semi-Independent Phase
The Semi-Independent Phase includes three Levels:
CC Level 4
Riders begin taking more responsibility for preparing their horse, with support available as needed.
Riders aged 11 and up may apply to the Clip Clop Youth Leadership Program and join the Earn While You Learn stream. In this program, riders begin developing leadership skills while earning discount credits toward riding fees by helping with the live delivery of the horse program.
Visit the Leadership tab in the menu to learn more!
CC Level 5
Riders show growing consistency and confidence, handling many tasks with minimal assistance.
CC Level 6
Riders demonstrate reliable independence in most tasks, working under supervision without step-by-step prompting.
Each level builds gradually in:
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Skill
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Responsibility
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Independence
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Communication with the horse
Leaders remain close and attentive throughout this phase, deliberately staffing to support safe growth.
What This Phase Sets Up Next
Completion of CC Levels 4–6 prepares riders for the Independent Phase (CC Levels 7–10) and the Leadership CC 1-6 Pathway! See the Leadership tab in the menu to learn more!
In the next phase, riders take full responsibility for horse preparation, decision-making, and riding skills—while continuing to be coached, guided, and supported.
Progress continues to happen when riders continue to complete the skill sets.
Recognition & the Winner’s Circle
When a rider successfully completes CC Levels 4-6, 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.