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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CLIP CLOP
leadership
program
CC LEADERSHIP LEVELS 1-6
CC LEVEL 6
is the
program
GOAL
At Clip Clop, achieving Clip Clop Leadership Level 6 is the ultimate goal of the leader, the Clip Clop team, and the parent.
Each phase develops three essential skill sets of levels that collectively lead leaders to this milestone.
LEADERSHIP
through
HORSEMANSHIP
Our Leadership Program—known as the Clip Clop Crew—is made up of 90+ youth horsemen across six leadership levels. Together, they form a supportive community where riders build strong foundations in both horsemanship and leadership, while helping others do the same.
Crew members develop their skills by supporting the live delivery of the CC Horsemanship 10+ Pathway, including Riding Lessons and Summer Horsemanship Camps.
Along the way, they actively contribute to a culture of safety, mentorship, teamwork, and belonging—values that define the Clip Clop experience.
HOW OUR
leadership
PROGRAM WORKS
The Clip Clop Leadership Pathway is a structured progression designed to support you as you grow in responsibility, independence, and trust within the barn.
Leaders hold one leadership level at a time while training for the next. Advancement is earned through consistent performance, maturity, and demonstrated readiness—not by age or time alone
Most leaders start at the Jr. Leader Assistant (Jr. LA) level.
All leaders will be supported and guided through the Booklet for each level.
THE CLIP CLOP LEADERSHIP PATHWAY
The Clip Clop Leadership Pathway Levels 1-6 follows this progression:
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Junior Leader Assistant (Jr. LA) - Fair Exchange Program
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Senior Leader Assistant (Sr. LA) - Fair Exchange Program
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Shift Assistant (SA) - Fair Exchange Program
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Shift Lead (SL) - Employment Program (separate process within Clip Clop)
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Barn Operations (Barn Ops) - Employment Program
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Junior Instructor (Jr. Instructor) - Employment Program
Each level builds on the one before it. You are expected to fully meet the expectations of your current role before advancing to the next.
Mentorship Program
This is a mentorship program and not an employment or volunteer program.
The Program Manager/Head Instructor is the Captain of this Program.
The entire Leadership teams works together for the overall highest good of the horses, riders, parents, and horse industry while simultaneously earning the priceless attribute of self-worth and a self-can-do attitude through hands-on horsemanship.
Progress Tracking
pathway booklets
Clip Clop follows a clear learning pathway from CC Levels 1–6, with each leaders progress tracked in their
CC Levels 1–6 Booklet.
At each level, leaders set goals and actively check off or stamp each skill as it is mastered, allowing them to clearly see their progress over time.
During every session, instructors and managers monitor and assess leader development, provide feedback, and outline clear next steps.
Leaders regularly share their progress with their parents, and families are notified when leaders reach the Winner’s Circle, where parents are invited to attend and celebrate this earned milestone alongside their leader.
PRE-REQUISITES TO BECOME A LEADER
1. Meet the Minimum Requirements:
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Be at least 11 years old
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Have been riding at Clip Clop under the Horsemanship 10+ Pathway for at least one month
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Be at or above the CC4 level in the Horsemanship 10+ Pathway
2. Declare Your Interest:
Let your instructor know or respond to an LA recruitment campaign posting or email. You may also be invited by an instructor or Shift Lead.
3. Register for Leadership Program: Adding the Leadership Program to cart on your existing Go Motion account created as a rider. You will also be added to ConnecTeam for training.
4. Read the Leadership Information Package: Automatically sent to you once you have registered on Go Motion.
In-person and online to learn basic expectations, barn rules, safety, and what assisting means.
IMPORTANT INFORMATON FOR YOU TO KNOW
Earn While You Learn
Through the LA leadership role at Clip Clop, LA/Riders "earn while they learn" by entering into a fair exchange for their efforts. The Riders earn discounts towards their riding lesson fees based on the number of shifts they complete in the Horseback Riding Lessons and Summer Horse Camps.
This system deepens the value of becoming a leader by teaching them the importance of investing in themselves. By being remunerated for their efforts, Riders gain an understanding of their innate value and worth, which boosts their self-esteem and confidence. They also learn about the two-way street of service and remuneration, and the importance and accountability of showing up and giving their best effort.
The pride and self-empowerment that comes from a fair exchange of giving and receiving is remarkable. As Riders take on responsibility and invest in their own education, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in their accomplishments.
Supervision
All LAs perform their roles under the supervision of a Head Instructor and/or a Shift Lead.
Hands-On Assistance
The role of a LA is to assist the instructor(s) and riders by:
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Catching and leading horses/assist riders to the grooming area.
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Assist riders grooming.
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Assist rider saddling, bridling, and haltering.
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Assist the Instructor and Rider during the lesson time, when applicable.
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Assist the Riders in post ride grooming and untacking and putting horses away.
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Assisting Camp Riders in the various stations.
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Helping set up and take down camp games/activities.
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Prepare the horses for camp stations.
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Feeding, watering, and caring for the horses.
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Buddy to nervous, apprehensive, or shy riders.
More Information
The information provided on this page is only intended to assist you in deciding whether to register for our Leadership Team program.
Once you complete the registration process outlined below, you will receive the full information package about how the program runs technically.
This will enable you to review all of the details and make an informed decision about formalizing the LA Registration process.
A TRULY UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
The Clip Clop Leadership Program is rare in the equestrian world. In fact, programs that combine real horse experience, structured training, and an Earn While You Learn model are virtually unheard of—especially at this scale and level of organization.
Rather than hiring additional staff to fill these roles, Clip Clop intentionally creates opportunities for horse-loving youth to gain meaningful, hands-on experience while continuing to build their horsemanship foundation—without additional cost to families. This allows young riders to spend more time with horses, deepen their learning, and grow into capable leaders within a safe, supervised system. To date Clip Clop has Fair Exchanged approximately $350,000.00 in riding lesson fees to more than 750 youth leaders.
Facilities, horses, and qualified coaching are expensive, and designing a leadership pathway like this requires uncommon expertise. Clip Clop has built that expertise intentionally and remains committed to developing youth who want a deeper connection to the horse world and the equestrian industry.
Because of this, it’s important that both the Leader Assistant (LA) and their parent(s) understand the responsibility and significance of the role. Leadership at Clip Clop is not casual—it’s a meaningful step forward in a rider’s development.
START TODAY WITH THIS STEP BY STEP PROCESS
Step 1: NBC GoMotion Registration Platform
We keep track of our team through GoMotion, a sports registration platform.
Note: If you have participated in any of our programs before, you most likely already have an existing account.
Leadership Registration Process — Every Step is Essential
All Leaders must register online through GoMotion. This ensures we maintain a consistent and accurate database for all members, and it allows us to keep personal, emergency contact, and medical information current.
It’s also where required waivers are signed and information packages are stored.
Here’s how to complete your registration:
-
Go to the GoMotion platform by clicking one of the blue buttons below selecting your city/region (Calgary or Edmonton/Sherwood Park).
(Please read through the rest of these steps first before clicking!) -
Scroll down until you see the blue header titled “Youth Leadership Program.”
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Under that header, you’ll find only one option: “Leadership Registrations.” Click "Add to Cart".
Note: Ignore the one shift showing — it’s just a placeholder. No fee will be charged.
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Click “Check Out” when the pop-up appears.
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Follow the registration prompts, which will guide you through steps such as waivers, parental information, and emergency contacts.
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IMPORTANT: During checkout, you’ll be prompted to sign agreements and waivers. One of these is the Leadership Information Package. By signing, you are agreeing to this document. Please be sure to download and read it carefully.
Step 2: Well done!
You are now in the system and on your way to becoming a Youth Leader!
Our office will reach out to connect with you to help you the the next phase which is to get you set up on Connect Team and book your training shifts and complete you online course modules.
Step 3: Assessment
When you and your mentor agree you’re ready, you’ll be scheduled for your Leadership Assessment. This is your chance to show what you’ve learned and put your skills into practice. Passing moves you on to the next stage — and if you don’t pass the first time, no problem! You’ll gain more experience and can try again.
Step 4: Earn While You Learn!
🎉 Congratulations!
You are now an official Youth Leader! You’ve received your Connect Team kiosk number, been outfitted with your hat and shirt, and are ready to select your LA shifts to Earn While You Learn!
Questions: Should you have any questions or require ANYTHING,
call or text anytime: 587-892-6100
Clip Clop is a Trademarked Alberta youth, horse program offering horseback riding and jumping lessons, camps, and leadership programs for kids and teens in
Calgary and Edmonton.
