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Sterling Elite Sporthorses Lesson Program
At Sterling Elite Sporthorses, we believe every rider deserves a clear path forward — whether they’re sitting on a horse for the first time, returning to the barn after years away, or polishing skills for the show ring. Our lesson program is built on patience, respect, and a commitment to developing confident, capable equestrians in the hunter, jumper, and eventing disciplines.
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To ensure every student progresses with purpose, we teach through a comprehensive 10‑Level Training Program (“The Sterling Levels Program”) that blends mounted and unmounted horsemanship. This structured curriculum gives riders a clear roadmap, measurable milestones, and the skills needed to become well‑rounded horsemen and horsewomen — not just riders.​​
The Sterling Levels Program: A Program for Every Rider
Our new comprehensive riding program designed to support every stage of a rider’s journey — from first-time horse owners to competitive athletes. Beginners build confidence through foundational horsemanship and safe, supportive instruction. Intermediate riders develop independence, accuracy, and stronger communication with their horses while expanding their mounted skills. Advanced and competitive riders refine high-level dressage, jumping, and performance techniques in a structured, professional environment with individualized coaching and show opportunities.
Beginners &
First‑Time Horse Owners
​New riders and families are welcomed into a friendly, encouraging environment where safety and confidence come first. Early levels focus on foundational horsemanship such as identifying horse behavior, grooming, haltering, and leading — skills clearly outlined in Level 1 of your program (“Name various areas of the horse… Identify basic horse behavior… Demonstrate being able to halter your horse…”).
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Mounted lessons introduce correct position, rein handling, balance, and basic control on and off the lunge line. Riders learn at a comfortable pace, supported by instructors who prioritize clarity, patience, and positive experiences.
​Intermediate Riders
As riders grow, they advance into levels that develop independence, accuracy, and deeper communication with the horse. Intermediate levels include skills such as lunging a horse at all gaits, identifying diagonals, completing obstacle courses, and performing turns on the forehand and haunches (“Be able to lunge your horse walk, trot, and canter both directions… Be able to demonstrate a 360‑degree turn on the forehand…”) .
Mounted work expands to include cantering, pole courses, basic lateral movements, and warm‑up routines. Riders begin to understand rhythm, relaxation, and contact — essential elements for future flatwork and jumping success.
Advanced &
Competitive Riders
For riders with show ring goals, Sterling Elite Sporthorses offers a professional, structured environment supported by experienced trainers and quality facilities, consistent with the competitive focus highlighted on your website.
Upper levels of the program include:
• First through Third Level dressage tests
• Jumping courses from 2’0 to 3’0 and beyond
• Counter canter, lead changes, and collection
• Schooling cross country
• Riding green or unfamiliar horses
• Bridleless riding and advanced horsemanship
These advanced skills are reflected throughout Levels 5–10 (“Be able to complete a First Level Dressage test… Be able to course at 1.10m… Be able to teach a horse proper collection… Ride bridle less over a course of jumps…”).
Riders receive individualized coaching, show preparation, and opportunities to compete locally and nationally.
The Sterling Elite
Training Levels Program
Your 10 Level Training Program is the backbone of the lesson curriculum. Each level includes:
• Unmounted skills such as grooming, tack care, groundwork, horse health, trailer loading, and natural horsemanship
• Mounted skills that progress from basic balance and control to advanced dressage, jumping, and green horse development
This structure ensures riders don’t just learn what to do — they learn why it matters. It also gives parents, new owners, and competitive riders a clear understanding of where they are and what comes next.
Students advance through levels at their own pace, earning recognition as they master each set of skills. This creates motivation, accountability, and a sense of accomplishment at every stage.
A Community Where Everyone Can Grow
Whether you’re discovering horses for the first time, returning to a beloved passion, or aiming for top level competition, Sterling Elite Sporthorses offers a lesson program designed to meet you where you are and help you grow with confidence.
Our instructors, horses, and structured curriculum work together to create a learning experience that is safe, supportive, and deeply rewarding — a place where dedication meets horsemanship, and potential becomes performance.
PRICING & FEES
Services | Fees | Description |
|---|---|---|
Lesson Single | $65.00 | Single Lesson |
Lesson Package (4) | $240.00 | 4 private lessons. No expiration date. |