In designing our programs, our core objective is to help riders develop a life-long passion for horsemanship and riding.
Within that objective, there are 2 primary paths an athlete can take:
- Make show jumping their primary competitive sport
- Treat horseback riding as a recreational/leisure activity
While youâll note that our programs are designed to encourage growth and progression for each rider as if they were preparing to eventually compete in the sport, we have also structured our pre-competition program specifically to allow for riders to continue learning in our growth-oriented environment even if they donât intend to compete outside of the fun home shows we organize.
As a result, we often have young athletes stay in the pre-competition program for many years, until they finish high school and are ready to move on to horses or take a pause from riding to focus on their studies or begin their careers.
Step 1
Pony Preschool
It starts off with âPony Preschoolâ. This is an introductory lesson program for riders who are 3-6 years old. It is designed to build confidence on and around the pony. The program teaches the basics of riding including steering, go, stop, trotting (posting, sitting, 2 point).
This is exclusively taught through games, songs and repetition.
This program includes one 30-minute lesson each week.
Step 2
Pre-Competition
Pre-Competition offers two 1-hour lessons per week for children aged 6 and over. This level is where the riders will start to excel, as they will be riding more frequently. They will learn to canter and jump. They will work on their position and tackle more technical exercises.
While many students join the pre-competition after spending time in Pony Preschool, we have many young athletes who are also introduced to the sport through this program.
Step 3
Show Team
For the athletes who would like to go on to compete in show jumping, they will join the Neverland Show Team.
With this program, most athletes begin attending three 1-hour lessons per week.
They will begin spending a lot more time at the barn, learning the details of proper care for their pony, preparing both themselves and their pony for competition, and then will compete on the summer circuit in Quebec and Ontario which includes the option to compete at Quebecâs provincial finals and for some, qualifying to compete at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.