Clip Clop | Horseback Riding Lessons & Camps
for Youth in Calgary & Edmonton
587-892-6100
Text or Call Us
Anytime!
clipclop@clipclop.ca
Email Us!
CLIP CLOP
horsemanship
independent phase
LEVELS 7-10+
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 7-10+
Building independence, confidence, and partnership
Who This Phase/Level Is For
Join this level if you can catch, halter, lead, groom, tack up, mount and dismount independently, and ride confidently at the walk and trot without assistance (canter with guidance from a Leader).
Riders entering Levels 7–10+ have completed the foundational skills of earlier levels and are ready to take on greater responsibility, independence, and decision-making with their horse.
Level Description
The goal of CC Levels 7–10+ is to solidify the skills learned through Level 6 while developing a deeper bond and trust between rider and horse. Riders learn to think ahead, make safe choices, and communicate more clearly—both on the ground and in the saddle.
Lessons focus on refining riding skills, increasing independence, and advancing horsemanship knowledge. Riders begin to understand why they do things, not just how, and are encouraged to take pride in their progress and accomplishments.
At this stage, riders build confidence, enjoy learning alongside peers, form meaningful partnerships with horses, and develop a strong sense of belonging within the Clip Clop community.
Ages
5-18
Program Rates
MONTHLY PROGRAM
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, Intermediate youth horses for this level.
Attire (Riding Equipment)
At CC Levels 7–10+, riders are expected to arrive prepared, turned out, and ready to ride. Professional turnout is part of becoming an independent, capable rider and shows respect for the horse, your peers, and your instructor.
By this level, riders are expected to take ownership of their riding gear and presentation.
After registering, you’ll receive the Clip Clop Registration Package, which clearly outlines what’s required and helps you fine-tune your setup.
What Clip Clop Provides
We take care of all horse-related equipment and instruction:
-
The horse
-
Saddle & bridle
-
Instructor and assistant support
What You Are Responsible For
Riders must arrive with the following personal equipment:
-
ASTM-approved equestrian helmet (properly fitted)
-
Solid-colour breeches (black, navy, or beige) - no exceptions
-
Riding boots - no exceptions
-
Paddock boots with half chaps or tall riding boots
-
Riding-specific footwear only
-
-
Barn jacket or layer suitable for weather and barn conditions
Turnout will be clean, neat, and appropriate for riding.
Hair & Helmets
Hair must be secured properly so the helmet fits safely and correctly. Riders at this level are expected to manage this independently, with support as needed.
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 favourites:
The Tack Collector (Calgary), The Forward Horse (Edmonton), Facebook Marketplace
What most families spend
-
New items: about $250–$500
-
Pre-loved items: often under $300
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 remain attentive and nearby, allowing riders to work independently while stepping in whenever support is needed.
LEVELS 7-10+
independent phase
What "Independent" Means at Clip Clop
Develop full independence in horse handling, riding, and barn leadership. Build advanced horsemanship, decision-making skills, and the ability to mentor others.
Total Skill Load: CC7–CC10+ develops 500 skills, including complex horse care, tack management, arena care, riding patterns, transitions, and leadership tasks.
Riders are expected to think, assess, and act - and self govern themselves and take accountability for the outcomes.
Progress in the Independent Phase is steady and intentional and riders who choose may enter the Equine Canada rider levels.
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:
-
Consistency
-
Confidence
-
Safety awareness
-
Responsibility
-
Readiness
Not speed.
What Riders Learn and Finalize in CC Levels 7–10
By the completion of CC10+, riders have developed the skills, judgment, and responsibility required to work with horses confidently and independently.
Riders are able to:
-
Perform all horse care, grooming, tack, and safety procedures independently and consistently
-
Ride confidently at the walk, trot, canter, and through more advanced patterns with control, awareness, and purpose
-
Read and interpret horse behaviour accurately and respond proactively
-
Demonstrate leadership in both barn and arena routines
-
Mentor and support younger riders in a safe, respectful, and age-appropriate way
-
Problem-solve independently, seeking guidance when appropriate
-
Model consistent safety, responsibility, respect, and empathy toward horses and peers
-
Take personal ownership of their learning, skill refinement, and ongoing development
By this stage, riders are not simply participants — they are leaders, mentors, and ambassadors of horsemanship, representing the values and standards of Clip Clop.
Levels Within the Independent Phase
The Independent Phase includes CC Levels 7–10+.
CC Level 7
Riders manage their horse independently and begin making informed decisions with light supervision.
CC Level 8
Riders demonstrate consistency, confidence, and responsibility in both horse care and riding, requiring minimal guidance.
CC Levels 9–10+
Riders show reliable independence across all tasks, applying judgment, problem-solving, and horsemanship skills while working under professional oversight.
A comprehensive breakdown of the approximately 500 skills refined and mastered in CC Levels 7–10+ is detailed in the CC 7–10+ Pathway Booklet.
What This Phase Sets Up Next
What This Phase Sets Up Next
Completion of CC Levels 7–10+ represents a strong, complete foundation in horsemanship and riding.
Congratulations! At this point, riders have graduated from the Clip Clop program... unless they choose to continue through advanced pathways such as the Clip Clop Academy, horse ownership/lease, where focus is on the high school of horse training and competition.
Riders who complete this phase are well prepared to pursue Equine Canada Rider Levels, independent riding opportunities, and responsible horse ownership with confidence and good judgment.
You may be finished—or you may be just getting started. Either way, you’ve built something solid.
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.
587-892-6100
All scheduling, registration, and payments are completed through our secure registration system, GoMotion.