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From the Essentials to Mastery

The Relationship-Based Horsemanship pathway is your step-by-step roadmap
to safety, fun, and excellence.

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Relationship-Based Horsemanship

Have you ever wondered how to teach your horse to come when you call? To trailer load at Liberty? Or to do fancy movements like bridleless riding, lead changes, or piaffe?

The Grades of Horsemanship is an intuitive, sequential pathway designed to help you advance your horsemanship and assess your skills regardless of the discipline you pursue. Think of it as a roadmap with checkpoints along the way. Whether you simply want to go as far as being safe and having fun with your horses, or if your goals extend to artistic horsemanship or competition, the GOH will mark a path for you to follow.

The GOH is a collaborative, living document. It is a work in progress. We are open to suggestions and recommendations from members so that we can make it the best tool possible to help anyone interested in Relationship-Based Horsemanship achieve their goals.

The Six Skill Sets

Ground Skills

Playing on the ground using a
rope 10 to 50 feet in length.

Bridle Riding

Riding with equipment
on the horse's head.

Liberty

Playing on the ground without attachments or boundaries.

Free Riding

Riding without equipment
on the horse's head.

In-Hand

Playing with high-level maneuvers on the ground at close range.

Long Lining

Playing on the ground with
two long reins.

 Your New Favorite Tool

The Grades of Horsemanship pathway has many applications. Whether you're a horsemanship student or Recommended Professional, you may use this educational resource in a few different ways.

As a Student

  • Improve your personal horsemanship skills.
  • Obtain official recognition for your achievements by submitting assessment videos.
  • Keep track of your horse's skills.

Additionally, as a Professional

  • Create teaching curricula and lesson plans for your students.
  • Map out the progress of your client horses.
  • Evaluate the horsemanship skills of your employees.
  • Apply your new skills to your interactions with client horses.

Jump-Start Your Learning

Access the Grades of Horsemanship pathway with a Digital membership or higher.