Clip Clop Riding Lessons – Frequently Asked Questions

Horseback riding, like any sport, carries risk, but it can be made much safer in a well-run program.

 

Safety matters because horses are large animals and children must learn awareness, control, and proper behavior around them. Horseback riding ranks 7 (OHSU Extension statistics) for injury encounters behind football, basketball, ice hockey, karate, baseball, downhill skiing, and cycling, incurring 3.7 injuries for every 1000 hours of participation. That’s a lot of riding lessons!

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At Clip Clop, safety is taught, supervised, and reinforced through structured horsemanship training and clear safety Standard Operating Procedures.

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Our leaders and horses are safety trained, and our instructors are certified in First Aid for horseback riding.

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In addition to the physical safety of our program, Clip Clop focuses on and has built into its teaching curriculum and SOP’s, social and emotional safety as well. The social and emotional safety of our riders, staff and horses is as equally important to us as it is to parents.

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The entire Executive and Host Stables Teams are successful horse professionals.

Most formal riding programs recommend starting around age 5, when children can safely follow instructions and participate in structured learning. This is important because riders need balance, coordination, and the ability to understand safety rules. 

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At Clip Clop, age 5 is when riders can fully benefit from both riding instruction and our structured horsemanship education program. And, it’s equally important the riders are having fun which we see happen at 5 year's old.

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So, whether your child starts in our Summer Horse Camp Program or Horseback Riding Lessons, 5 is the youngest they should start, but we start new riders at all ages!

This is the most important question a parent can ask. Unlike sports like hockey or soccer, horseback riding programs in North America are not regulated under a single coaching or safety system, so programs can vary greatly in how they train riders and manage safety- or not. 

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This matters because parents often assume all riding schools and horse camps operate under the same standards when in reality each program sets its own safety practices- or not. Clip Clop was created specifically to be the standard, operating as a structured horsemanship education system with a CC1-10 curriculum, youth leadership supervision model, and detailed Standard Operating Procedures designed to provide consistency most riding programs simply do not have.

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Our horses, tack, staff, facilities and curriculum are not only standardized by professionals they are really fun to learn! 

Clip Clop lessons are structured as a monthly program to support consistent learning and progress.

Most riders attend:
• 4 lessons per month – $380 + GST
• 3 lessons per month – $285 + GST (limited availability)

Each session is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, which is longer than most riding programs because our lessons include two important parts:

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Horseback Riding (Riding Lesson) – where riders develop their mounted skills.

HorsePlay (Horsemanship Learning) – where riders learn grooming, horse care, safety, equipment knowledge, and how to confidently handle horses.

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This two-part structure is why Clip Clop riders develop stronger skills, independence, and confidence compared to programs that only offer riding time.

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Our program includes many built-in features such as a structured level system (CC 1–10), professional instruction, leadership opportunities, and a clear pathway for rider development.

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Clip Clop is designed as a complete horsemanship education program — not just riding lessons.

Riders can start at Clip Clop at any time. The sport of riding does not operate on traditional “sessions,” and registration is open year-round. This is because horses must be cared for and exercised year round so the sport fits in perfectly around other youth activities!

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Because we follow the Clip Clop Horsemanship Levels (CC 1–10), riders progress through their own pathway rather than restarting with each new session.

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If a rider needs to take an intermission due to school, sports, travel, or family schedules, they are always welcome back and will continue from where they left off.

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We like to say:

Once a Clip Clopper — Always a Clip Clopper.

Our goal is to support long-term growth, not pressure families into rigid schedules.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable lesson both off and on the horse, riders need a properly fitted certified riding helmet, riding boots with a heel, and riding pants designed for comfort and stability in the saddle. This matters because proper riding clothing improves balance, grip, focus, and prevents common safety issues like slipping in stirrups or clothing getting caught.

 

At Clip Clop, we guide families on exactly what is required and why, and we check rider equipment before lessons to ensure safety standards are met.

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Why proper riding equipment matters:

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• Helmets protect the head and also help riders maintain awareness and confidence both mounted and while handling horses
• Riding breeches provide grip, prevent rubbing, and allow stable leg position
• Riding boots provide ankle stability, proper stirrup positioning, and heel protection to prevent the foot sliding through
• Half chaps or tall boots improve grip and stability which improves rider balance
• Proper shirts and jackets prevent loose clothing from catching on equipment or fences

Horseback riding injuries overall are comparable to other youth sports, with most incidents being minor when programs are well managed. Injury risk also increases in disciplines involving speed or jumping, which is why beginner programs focused on foundational horsemanship tend to have lower incident rates. 

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At Clip Clop, our lesson design focuses on skill development rather than high-speed riding, and across 20 years of lessons we maintain approximately a 99.8% incident-free lesson record, with no concussions, no broken bones, no ambulance calls, and only occasional minor incidents such as small tumbles or horse nips.

 

Interestingly, the more diligent the riding stable structure is for safety the more fun riders have because fun only happens when riders know they are safe.

Most certainly! Riding lessons are worth the investment when they teach actual horsemanship skills that result in personal child development rather than just time in the saddle.

 

This matters because true riding skill attainment comes from expertise in horses, developing progressive skills, and learning self-control and responsibility both on and off the horse and being taught by trained instructors following a structured teaching system. 

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At Clip Clop, we promise parents real educational value through our structured CC1-10 pathway, combining mounted riding lessons with a full additional hour of horsemanship and horse care education in every session. What’s worth the money is watching riders grow in a unique skill while having a great time.

In a well-structured program, riders should learn not just how to ride, but how to handle, understand, and safely work with horses through progressive skill development in a really fun way. Riders learn how to dress like a safe rider, halter, lead, groom, tack up and rider horses among many other skills.

 

This matters because real confidence comes from measurable progress and knowing what skills are being developed at each stage and the parents getting their value for the money.

 

At Clip Clop, riders progress through three phases of development (CC1-3 Dependent, CC4-6 Semi-Independent, CC7-10 Independent), learning hundreds of horsemanship skills that build real competence, not just riding time.

Yes, horseback riding is one of the few activities that develops both physical, emotional social and self worth skills, sense of humour, and character through responsibility, discipline, and partnership with an animal they need respect and cooperation from, 

 

This matters because true confidence comes from competence and learning how to work through challenges where the decisions made to conquer the challenges were self made!

 

At Clip Clop, child development is intentionally built into our Summer Horse Camps, Riding Lesson and Leadership programs through progressive skill learning, horse care education, and leadership pathways that help riders grow beyond just riding.

Some arguably say that youth riding horses and learning to care for them in a structured program create some of the most self-sufficient contributing members of society. Horseback riding teaches responsibility, work ethic, fitness, wholesome mindset, emotional regulation, confidence, and leadership because horses respond to behavior, not words, and riders must take ownership of their progress and their behavior.

 

This matters because riders learn that improvement comes from consistency, patience, and learning to manage themselves before they can manage a horse. Celebrating in the Winner’s Circle for advancing levels teaches riders self-worth which is one of the most invaluable life skills a youth can develop.

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At Clip Clop, we intentionally develop these life skills through progressive horsemanship training, real responsibility for horse care, and leadership opportunities designed to help riders take ownership of their development.

This is fun and one of Clip Clop’s favorite questions to answer: Horseback riding lessons cost more than most sports because they depend on live animals, specialized facilities, and high supervision ratios rather than simple equipment and multi-purpose facility.

 

This matters because every lesson requires trained horses, professional instructors, and close safety supervision — Clip Clop cares for about 20,000-25,000 pounds of teaching horses (about 660 family dog equivalents) at each of it's locations and a beginner lesson with 8 riders may involve 1 horse prep, 1 barn op, 8 horses, 8 leaders, and 1 instructor in a large arena space. The same riding arena area could host 4 youth soccer teams at the same time doing drills!

 

At Clip Clop, parents are investing in a professional horsemanship education that includes riding instruction, horse care education, leadership development, and safety systems designed to ensure riders actually progress. Plus, we operate out of professional facilities close to the city.

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Most stables simply aren’t able to have this infrastructure in addition to the curriculum development and delivery close to the city.

​To ensure a fun and safe riding lesson riders should wear proper riding attire designed for safety, comfort, and stability while working around horses. This matters because correct clothing improves balance, grip, and confidence while preventing clothing from getting caught on equipment.

 

At Clip Clop, we help families get started and most beginner outfits can be purchased for about $100–250 at stores like Decathlon or Greenhawk.

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Required rider clothing:

• Hair secured in a low ponytail or two braids at the base of the neck
• Riding breeches or riding tights
• Riding boots with a heel
• Half chaps (for grip and leg stability)
• ASTM-approved riding helmet
• Shirt that can be tucked in
• Fitted jacket (depending on weather, no loose hoods)

Optional starter alternatives (for first lesson only):

• Leggings instead of breeches
• Boots with a small heel if riding boots not yet purchased
• Helmet can be borrowed for first lesson

Please note: after the first lesson or trial lessons, riders must be dressed properly. 

No, regardless of age, most riders begin at Clip Clop with no experience at all. This matters because a structured beginner and intermediate program is essential for building safe habits and real confidence while still having loads of fun. 

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At Clip Clop, we specialize in introducing new riders through our CC1–3 beginner development phase designed specifically for first-time horse families.

No, families do not need to own or lease a horse to participate at Clip Clop. This matters because horse ownership is a major financial and time commitment and should only be considered after riders develop strong horsemanship skills.

 

At Clip Clop, we provide professional teaching horses so riders can safely learn and progress without the pressure of ownership.

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Many riders complete multiple levels of the Clip Clop program without ever owning or leasing a horse.

Learning to ride well takes time because riders must develop balance, coordination, confidence, and an understanding of horses before advancing to more difficult skills. This matters because advancing riders ahead too quickly can create safety risks and poor horsemanship habits that are considered inhumane for the horse, while correct foundation training creates confident, capable riders.

 

At Clip Clop, we focus on building strong foundation skills first and only advance riders when they demonstrate readiness, ensuring safe progress for both the rider and the horse.

Clip Clop is a structured youth horsemanship education program designed to provide professional instruction rather than casual riding experiences. Our entire program from sign up to saddle up is professionally delivered.

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The facilities that host Clip Clop are professionally registered facilities within the sport of horseback riding. 

 

This matters because safe and progressive horseback riding demands that programs follow clear training systems and safety standards. When child plays with a soccer ball unsupervised without a learning structure the ball is relatively safe. When a child plays with a horse unsupervised things can become dangerous.

 

At Clip Clop, we operate with a defined curriculum, trained instructors, and a development pathway designed to help riders progress with confidence and skill.

At Clip Clop, riders are taught real horsemanship skills rather than simply riding in circles or going out on a nose to tail trail ride with a guide.

 

This matters because confidence and safety come from learning how to ride correctly and understand horses.

 

At Clip Clop, our structured program includes riding instruction, horse care education, and skill tracking so riders develop measurable progress.

Yes, supervision at Clip Clop is intentionally structured based on rider skill level rather than using the same approach for all riders.

 

This matters because beginner riders need close guidance while more experienced riders need opportunities to develop independence safely.

 

At Clip Clop, our CC1–3 Dependent riders receive the highest level of supervision, CC4–6 riders develop semi-independence with moderate supervision, and CC7–10 riders demonstrate independence and often ride alongside our youth leadership team.

Yes. Riding is an individual sport but it works like a team, and horses are the great equalizer because they don’t care about social status or who thinks they’re cool and all those human ego needs. 

 

This matters because horses respond to kids who are calm, kind, and trying their best, and riders quickly learn that being inclusive and respectful actually makes them liked better by the horses!

 

At Clip Clop, we teach that if you want horses to trust you, you have to show up as someone worth trusting — and that naturally builds a very supportive group of riders.

Oh Gosh! Yes! Committing until achieving Clip Clop Level 10 is the goal! Horseback riding is one of those sports where kids really benefit from sticking with it because confidence and real skill come from consistency.

 

This matters because horsemanship is not a quick-win activity; it’s something kids build over time as they gain confidence, responsibility, and independence.

 

At Clip Clop, we’ve built a clear pathway from beginner to leadership opportunities so riders who stay with the program see real growth both in and out of the saddle.

Our goal is to help riders progress through the Clip Clop Horsemanship Pathway (CC Levels 1–10), where they develop strong riding skills, confidence, and a complete foundation in horsemanship. This includes not just riding, but also horse care, safety, leadership, and understanding how horses think and learn.

 

Reaching CC Level 10 means a rider has developed independence, responsibility, and real horsemanship skills—not just time in the saddle. And, is ready to go onto more advanced riding in the horse industry.

Clip Clop is designed to give riders a strong foundation so they have many options when they finish the higher CC levels. Some riders continue developing within our Leadership Program, becoming Leader Assistants, Shift Leads, or Junior Instructors, gaining real work experience while continuing to grow their horsemanship.

Others may move into:
• advanced riding programs
• competitive riding
• horse leasing or ownership
• Equine Canada Rider Levels
• coaching pathways
• equine industry careers

Many riders also stay connected through leadership opportunities while continuing their riding journey.

Our goal is not just to teach kids to ride, but to prepare them so they can confidently step into whatever direction they choose in the horse world.

Jumping is considered an advanced riding skill because it requires strong balance, control, and confidence in the saddle. For safety and good horsemanship, Clip Clop riders must reach CC Level 4 before being considered for our Jump Smart program. And, being at CC Level 4 does not guarantee a rider will be ready in their confidence even if their physical skills are ready. We hold a very strong line on this.

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This ensures riders can control their horse, maintain a jump position, and ride independently before adding the complexity of jumps, faster speeds, sudden stops and turns, take off and landing. Additionally, the horses goodwill only lasts so long if a rider is not ready, and we cannot ask this of our horses. 

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We know many riders are excited to jump, but strong foundations create safer, more confident jumpers- and riders who build the right skills first progress much faster when they do begin.

Yes! Clip Clop offers horse-themed birthday parties at our Carousel Ridge Stables (Sherwood Park / Edmonton area) location.

We offer several party experiences including:
• Groom & Glitter
• Silver Spurs
• Sparkling Saddles
• Royal Court

Parties start at $85 per participant and include hands-on time with the horses, guided activities, and a memorable horse experience for the birthday group.

For full details on packages and availability, please visit our Birthday Parties page or contact us.