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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HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS
PARENT INFORMATION
a note from the CEO's desk
Please read before registering.
Dear Parents,
Thank you for considering Clip Clop.
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This page outlines our program expectations, policies, and approach to horsemanship. It exists to protect the welfare of our horses, riders, and families—and to ensure everyone begins with clear understanding.
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Learning to ride through horsemanship is a unique experience. For many families, this is a new world, and most parents are not “horse people.” That’s okay.
Our responsibility is to educate and guide you so your child can learn safely, confidently, and respectfully.
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We encourage all families—especially those new to the sport—to read carefully before registering.
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Thank you,
Clip Clop
HORSEMANSHIP
Riding Is Only Half the Program
Horseback riding is the only youth sport that requires a live, large animal for participation. That fact changes everything.
Because of this, Clip Clop teaches full horsemanship, not just riding.
Horsemanship is made up of two equal parts:
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On-horse learning (riding and communication)
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Off-horse learning (care, handling, responsibility, and stable skills)
Teaching riding without teaching horse care would be a failure of our professional and ethical duty. Horses depend on humans to understand and meet their needs—and we teach riders to respect that responsibility from the start.
When you join Clip Clop, you and your rider become part of the horse club.
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​Parents Are Essential Partners
To teach riding well, a professional horseman must master two expert skill sets:
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Teaching riders
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Training and caring for horses
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing these values. Your attitudes and expectations shape how your child treats horses. We help non-horse parents understand the horse’s perspective so they can support their child’s learning journey.
Caring for horses is not static—it’s an ongoing process. Horses teach us constantly, if we’re willing to listen.
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Age Range
Clip Clop accepts riders ages 5–18.
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Smoking and Alcohol
Clip Clop is a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. This policy is strictly enforced for the safety and well-being of everyone.
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Riding Is Offered Year-Round
Horses require daily care, and Clip Clop offers riding lessons throughout the year. Thanks to our indoor facilities, lessons run in all seasons, and weather-related cancellations are rare. In cases of unsafe road conditions, families are notified and a make-up lesson is provided.
Families may start, pause, and resume lessons at times that work best for them.
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​Roll Over Clip Clop!
Registration, Billing & Intermissions
Ongoing Registration - Monthly lesson registration automatically rolls over unless changed by the parent. Accounts can be managed at any time.
(See Policies Page for details.)
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Intermissions
Riders may pause and resume lessons throughout the year. Riders return at the same level they left off.
Three-Month Recommendation
We strongly recommend committing to at least three months. Consistency is essential for confidence, safety, and skill development.
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How Clip Clop “Months” Work
Clip Clop uses customized monthly periods to ensure:
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Equal lesson distribution
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Fair billing
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Consistency across different riding days
Some months include five lessons due to calendar structure. These are reflected clearly in your statement.
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Cold Weather & Alberta Conditions
Alberta’s climate requires riders to learn proper horse care in cold conditions.
During extreme cold:
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Riding may be adjusted based on horse welfare
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Off-horse learning is emphasized
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Riders learn humane winter horse care practices
This is a critical part of horsemanship education.
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​Parents Staying to Watch
We completely understand that parents want to see their children in action during horsemanship lessons, but unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate spectators due to various logistical reasons.
This includes ensuring that we stay on schedule, minimizing distractions for riders, not having additional non-horse people on site unsupervised, being able to give our full attention to the riders, reducing the risk of injury with livestock, and maintaining dress code standards for visitors. We kindly ask that parents do not remain on site to watch their rider.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping everyone safe and focused during the lessons.
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SWYK- Show What You Know
We understand how important it is for parents to see their rider's progress and show off their skills. That's why we host "Show What You Know" events several times a year where riders can showcase what they have learned to their parents. We can't wait for you to see what your rider has accomplished! These dates will be announced 3 times per year, once during each session.
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​Dressing Like a Rider- Equipment and Rider Dress
After registering, parents will receive the Clip Clop Registration Package with all the necessary information.
We provide the horse, saddle, bridle, instructor, and assistant.
Riders need to bring their own helmet, dark solid riding pants, appropriate footwear, and jacket. Proper hair preparation is essential for the helmet to fit securely; the Riding Lessons Information Package includes a section on this.
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Helmets for Their Heads
Concussion Cure, Brain Buckets, Skid Lids, Brain Bonnet, Head Hardware- whatever you call a safety helmet - they are the MOST important piece of safety equipment your rider requires.
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We take heads and brains seriously.
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Safety is our top priority at Clip Clop and we take head protection very seriously. A properly fitted riding helmet is essential for the comfort and safety of your child while riding. For this reason, we no longer loan or rent helmets for our Riding Lesson Program. We encourage all riders to purchase their own helmets to ensure a proper fit and maximum protection.
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Seasonal Registration Boosts
Although we ride all year Clip Clop, Inc. boosts the program seasonally to make sure everyone is updated on our program offerings, contests, achievements, seasonal changes, and to give friendly reminders to parents with riders on intermissions to get back to the saddle!
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It does not mean a “season” or “session” has come to an end or a start.
Each season focuses on a different aspect of Horsemanship and we don't want anyone to miss out!
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​The Seasons of Clip Clop
Fall: September to December
Winter: January to March
Spring: April to June
Summer: June to July
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HOW RIDER PROGRESSION WORKS AT CLIP CLOP
THE GOAL: To Achieve Clip Clop CC 10+
The following is a general overview of how rider progression works at Clip Clop. Specific assessment methods, instructional decisions, and training standards are part of our proprietary curriculum and internal instructor training.
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The Clip Clop Pathways
How Riders Progress to the Winner’s Circle
Clip Clop uses a structured Levels 1–10+ Horsemanship Pathway that mirrors how children naturally develop physical skills, confidence, and responsibility around horses.
Progression is based on skill, decision-making, and consistency—not age, size, or personality.
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The Three Phases of Rider Development
Riders move through three phases, each made up of multiple Levels. Each phase represents a meaningful shift in independence and horsemanship responsibility.
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Pathway Booklet
Each rider receives a Pathway Booklet, stamper, and guided goal-setting support.
Phase 1: Dependent Rider
CC Levels 1–3
CC Level 1
CC Level 2
CC Level 3
(Approx. 80% Dependent / 20% Independent)
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In the Dependent Phase, riders are learning to feel safe, confident, and oriented in the horse environment.
Riders at this phase:
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Rely heavily on the instructor for direction and reassurance
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Need help interpreting what the horse is communicating
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Build basic balance, coordination, and awareness
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Learn foundational safety and care routines
The focus is on security, success, and positive experiences.
👉 Upon successful completion of Levels 1–3, riders attend the Winner’s Circle to celebrate the completion of the
Phase 2: Semi-Dependent Rider
Jump Smart Program starts here.
CC Levels 4–6
CC Level 4
CC Level 5
CC Level 6
(Approx. 50% Dependent / 50% Independent)
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In the Semi-Dependent Phase, riders begin taking more ownership of their riding and decisions.
Riders at this phase:
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Apply corrections with less prompting
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Make simple decisions independently
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Demonstrate more stable balance and coordination
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Manage speed, space, and riding patterns with growing confidence
The instructor transitions from being a physical “anchor” to a guide and coach.
👉 Upon successful completion of Levels 4–6, riders attend the Winner’s Circle to recognize their growth in independence.
Phase 3: Independent Rider
CC Levels 7–10+
CC Level 7
CC Level 8
CC Level 9
CC Level 10+
(Approx. 20% Dependent / 80% Independent)
In the Independent Phase, riders demonstrate confident, responsible horsemanship.
Riders at this phase:
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Take responsibility for their effectiveness and safety
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Make adjustments based on the horse’s feedback
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Problem-solve independently
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Ride with quiet confidence and body awareness
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Demonstrate consistent judgment around horses
The instructor’s role is primarily to refine technique and support advancement, not manage the entire ride.
👉 Upon successful completion of this Phase, riders attend the Winner’s Circle, recognizing a major milestone in their horsemanship journey.
Recap of the CC Horsemanship Pathway 1-10+
3 Phases:
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Dependent Phase Pathways = CC Level 1, CC Level 2, CC Level3 (Winner's Circle)
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Semi-Dependent Phase Pathways = CC Level 4, CC Level 5, CC Level 6 (Winner's Circle)
At CC Level 4- Riders can join the Jump Smart Program -
Independent Phase Pathways = CC Level 7, CC Level 8, CC Level 9, CC Level 10+ (Winner's Circle)
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Upon successful completion of CC Horsemanship Level 10+, riders who wish to may choose to begin the Equine Canada Rider Level accreditation.
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What Defines a “Level”?
A Level is earned by demonstrating consistent skills across multiple areas of horsemanship—not by completing a checklist once.
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Riders develop skills in the following areas:
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Safety
Acting calmly, responsibly, and with awareness around horses and the facility. -
My Horse
Learning about their horse—name, personality, communication, care needs, and preferences—to build trust and partnership. -
Mounted Horsemanship
Balance, control, and communication while riding. -
Arena Skills
Understanding arena rules, patterns, spacing, and etiquette. -
Horse Husbandry
Daily care tasks that keep horses healthy and comfortable. -
Ground Handling
Leading and communicating with horses safely and confidently from the ground. -
Humanship Skills
Leadership, responsibility, and emotional regulation in horsemanship settings.
How Riders Track Progress
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At the first lesson of each month, riders set goals during Horseplay (off-horse learning time).
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During weekly lessons, riders stamp off skills on their Pathway as they demonstrate them consistently.
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Skills may be revisited as riders mature—this is intentional and part of mastery.
Progress is earned, not rushed.
A Final Note for Parents
This pathway is the backbone of the Clip Clop curriculum.
Every instructional decision is grounded in a rider’s phase, not their age or personality.
Repetition, patience, and steady growth are how confident, capable horse people are developed.
WHERE THIS INFORMATION SHOULD LIVE (THIS IS K
Winner’s Circle: Recognizing Growth
At key points throughout the year, riders are invited into the Winner’s Circle—a moment of recognition that celebrates progress, commitment, and growth along the Levels 1–10+ pathway.
Winner’s Circle is not about competition.
It’s about acknowledging:
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Skills earned
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Confidence built
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Responsibility demonstrated
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Personal growth achieved
Every rider moves forward at their own pace, and progress is recognized when it’s earned.
A Note for Parents
Riders may revisit and practice skills they’ve learned before as they grow physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Repetition is an intentional part of mastery, and returning to skills at higher levels of understanding is how confident, capable horse people are developed.
Jump Smart Program
A safe, structured introduction to jumping
What Is the Jump Smart Program?
Jump Smart is Clip Clop’s introduction to the fundamentals of jumping, designed for riders who have developed the balance, control, and confidence required to safely leave the ground with their horse.
Jumping—defined as all four of the horse’s feet leaving the ground in flight over an obstacle—is considered an intermediate-level riding skill. Even at the most basic level, jumping introduces increased physical and decision-making demands for both rider and horse.
For this reason, Jump Smart is taught as a separate, optional program with clear prerequisites and safety standards.
Who Is Jump Smart For?
Jump Smart is open to riders who have successfully achieved Clip Clop Level 4 (CC4) and can consistently demonstrate:
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Independent control of the horse
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Balanced position at walk, trot, and canter
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Confidence and focus while riding
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Understanding of basic mounted horsemanship
Admission into Jump Smart is based on readiness, not age.
Important:
Riders entering CC Level 4 are not required to join Jump Smart.
However, riders must have successfully completed CC Level 4 to be considered.
Why Jumping Requires Additional Structure
Jumping adds an increased level of risk due to:
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Speed and momentum
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Changes in balance and position
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Timing and decision-making
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Horse and rider coordination in motion
Because of this, Jump Smart focuses first on education, preparation, and consistency, not height or progression speed.
What Riders Learn in Jump Smart
The Jump Smart Program teaches the fundamentals of jumping, including:
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Pace & Rhythm – maintaining a consistent, balanced canter
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Track & Line – riding accurate lines to and away from jumps
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Speed Control – adjusting stride length without losing balance
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Jump Identification – understanding different types of jumps
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Grid Work – riding gymnastics and grid lines safely
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Counting Strides – learning to count and feel distances
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Position & Balance – maintaining correct jumping position
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Approach & Departure – riding cleanly to and away from obstacles
Instruction emphasizes correct basics and repeatable skills, not rushing advancement.
Jump Smart Within the CC Levels Pathway
Jump Smart begins at CC Level 4
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At CC Levels 4–6, Jump Smart focuses on:
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Introductory grids
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Basic jumping mechanics
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Confidence and consistency
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At CC Levels 7–10+, riders in Jump Smart are required to ride:
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Two lessons per week
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One flat (non-jumping) lesson
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One jumping lesson
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This structure ensures riders continue to develop balance, control, and horsemanship alongside jumping skills.
Safety & Equipment Requirements
Due to the added risk of jumping, the following are mandatory for all Jump Smart riders:
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Rider-owned ASTM-approved helmet
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Rider-owned safety vest
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Proper riding boots
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Half chaps or tall boots
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Gloves
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Hair secured appropriately for helmet fit
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Shirt tucked in
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Belt
All equipment and turnout standards must be met for every riding session, including flat lessons.
A Final Note for Parents
Jump Smart is not about jumping higher or faster.
It is about:
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Building correct habits
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Protecting rider and horse welfare
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Ensuring readiness before advancement
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Supporting long-term confidence and safety
Riders progress into—and within—Jump Smart when they are demonstrably ready, not on a timeline.
Communication & Website Agreement
The Clip Clop website serves as the official agreement between families and Wyld Horses, Inc.
By registering and paying, you agree to:
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The policies and terms outlined on this website
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Ongoing updates and changes as posted
Parents are responsible for staying informed by reviewing the website. Important updates are also shared by email.
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Final Note
We are deeply committed to:
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Horse welfare
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Rider safety
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Clear expectations
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Professional integrity
If our approach aligns with your values, we look forward to welcoming your family.