• Woman helping a child ride a pony on a farm with a blue bucket nearby.
  • Person teaching a child how to ride a horse in an outdoor setting with trees and a fence.
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Discovery & Skill Evaluation

Discovery & Skill Evaluation

The Foundation of Your Journey: A 3-Session Introductory Series.

At Fox Field Farm, we believe horsemanship is a partnership that extends beyond the saddle. Every new rider begins with our comprehensive 3-session evaluation process. This series allows us to fully assess the rider’s physical biomechanics, mental readiness, and long-term goals while integrating the family into our farm philosophy.

  • Format: Three (3), Hour Long Private Sessions
  • Attendance: Parent/Guardian presence required for young riders
  • Gear: All safety gear provided by the farm

Booking Note: After purchasing this series, we will reach out to schedule your three dates. These are scheduled within a two to three week period. 

$200.00
$200.00
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Woman helping a child ride a pony on a farm with a blue bucket nearby.

The 3-to-1 Positivity Ratio

At Fox Afield, we believe in building the rider's mental well-being alongside their physical skill. For every one technical correction, we provide three points of positive reinforcement. This "Positivity Training" creates a confident, low-stress environment for both human and horse.

The Discovery Roadmap

  • The Groundwork & Mindset

    An introduction to the farm’s "Positivity Training." We focus on safety, reading equine body language, and the 3-to-1 praise ratio. This is where we establish the "common sense" and respect required on a working homestead.

  • Biomechanics & Balance

    Using bareback saddle pads, we evaluate the rider's natural seat and core strength. Taylor assesses how the rider’s body communicates with the horse, focusing on rhythmic movement and relaxation.

  • Integration & Planning

    The final evaluation of steering and aids. We conclude this session with a joint discussion between Taylor, the rider, and the parent to review the "Field of Knowledge" assessment and determine the best placement for future lessons.

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A Family-Centered Approach

We believe the most successful riders have a strong support system. For our young equestrians, we require a parent or guardian to be present for all three evaluation sessions. This ensures that the family understands the "why" behind our methods, our safety protocols, and the level of commitment required to progress through our four-season curriculum.

Everything You Need to Start

We believe the barrier to entry for horsemanship should be low, but the safety standards should be high.

  • All Gear Provided: We provide all necessary safety equipment for your first three sessions, including saddles, pads, and safety gear.
  • Safety First: If you choose to bring your own equipment, please ensure your helmet is ASTM/SEI approved for horseback riding.
  • What to Wear: Please arrive in long pants and closed-toe shoes with a small heel. We take care of the rest.

The Fox Field Farm Standards

  • Professionalism & Pride

    We teach riders to take ownership of their gear, their horse, and their learning environment. At Fox Field Farm, "good enough" isn't the goal—thoroughness and complete understanding is.

  • Mental Well-being & Positivity

    Our lessons are designed to be a "low-stress" environment where the mental health of both the student and the horse comes first. We utilize a 3-to-1 positivity ratio, ensuring that for every technical correction, there are three moments of celebrated success.

  • Respect for the Animal

    We view our horses as partners, not equipment. Riders learn the "why" behind animal maintenance, from muscle conditioning to the "TLC" (Tender Love & Care) required to keep a horse happy in their work.

The Guardian’s Role

For our younger riders, the 3-session evaluation is a family experience. We require a parent or guardian to be present for the duration of these initial sessions. This allows you to:

  1. Understand the Safety Protocol: See firsthand how we manage the horses and the arena.
  2. Learn the Language: Understand the cues and "fields of knowledge" Taylor is teaching so you can support your child's journey.
  3. Witness the Growth: See the bio-mechanical changes and confidence building as it happens in real-time.

(The Logistics)

FAQs

What should I wear?

Please wear long pants (leggings, breeches, of comfortable jeans) and closed-toe boots with a small heel. Please avoid baggy clothing that might snag on equipment.

Gear & Equipment

We believe horsemanship should be accessible. All necessary gear is provided by the farm. You are welcome to bring your own ASTM/SEI approved horseback riding helmet if you already own one.

What is the "Field of Knowledge"?

We assess not just riding, but your understanding of animal maintenance, muscle conditioning, and the "why" behind every movement.