Assessing Your Horsemanship Skill Level

Blue Sky Sage welcomes riders from advanced skill level horsewomen to the novice / intermediate skill levels.  However in order for each guest to have an opportunity to experience the ride they expect, it is imperative that all individuals on a given ride week have similar horsemanship skills and physical fitness levels.  Over the many years and countless miles on horseback that we have traveled, we have determined that a rider’s ability to correctly post the trot is the best indicator of skill and fitness level.

  • Bobbi and the Blue Sky Sage crew are very capable at the lope . . .

  • The wide open spaces of Wyoming are perfect for good, long lopes . . .

  • Blue Sky Sage has guests who have ridden with us many times, that can correctly post the trot, and thus get to do lots of loping . . .

  • The Blue Sky Sage saddle horses have been carefully selected & trained to give a fun and safe lope . . .

  • The Blue Sky Sage “Double Wade” saddles have been custom built, to contribute to a secure, comfortable lope . . .

  • When we have guests that CAN POST THE TROT CORRECTLY, we do lots of loping . . .

  • When we have guests that CANNOT POST THE TROT CORRECTLY, we all move out at fun walk . . .

ADVANCED SKILL LEVEL

  • You are pretty close to your ideal weight; you are physically fit and active, have good overall body strength and control, and exercise regularly.
  • You understand and can execute the principles of the “independent seat”.
  • You can properly post the trot and transition smoothly into faster gaits.
  • You ride outside of the ring or arena for extended periods of time on a regular basis doing trail riding in open country.
  • You have a strong desire to be a “student of the horse”.
  • You have done enough riding outside of a ring or arena to have become dirty, sweaty, tired and sore and still LOVED IT!
  • Click here for details about health and fitness for successful horseback riding.

It is imperative that you honestly assess your fitness and skill level and that we speak directly to make sure you are booking into a ride that suits you, both from a safety aspect and an intensity level.

NOVICE / INTERMEDIATE SKILL LEVEL

  • It’s okay to be a Novice! It’s okay to be an Intermediate!
  • You understand you may have physical issues that may limit your ability to ride a horse at faster gaits.
  • You you are willing to learn the all-important concepts of the “independent seat”.
  • You find that the trot is uncomfortable and is your least favorite gait.
  • You have never progressed to the canter or lope.
  • You have ridden on single-file trail rides at a walk.
  • Click here for details on health and fitness for successful horseback riding.

You will have every opportunity to learn and practice in a safe, non-judging environment here. We have a round pen on-site where we offer demonstrations to help you learn correct horsemanship skills, and we take the time to work with you on any challenges or confidence issues you may have. There is always time to take the time that it takes!