The Levels Program at North Gait
A clear path for growth, confidence, and horsemanship.
Levels Program Overview
The North Gait Levels Program provides a clear, thoughtful pathway for developing horsemanship skills—both on the ground and in the saddle. It is designed to support riders of all ages and stages by focusing on safety, understanding, responsibility, and correct riding fundamentals.
All students at North Gait—whether participating through membership or independently scheduled lessons—work within the same Levels framework. This ensures consistency in instruction and allows students to pick up where they left off, even when schedules change.
The program is divided into two parallel tracks:
HorseSense (Unmounted):
Focuses on safety, horse care, handling, grooming, tacking, and understanding horse behavior and management.Horsemanship (Mounted):
Focuses on balanced riding in both English and Western tack, patterns, pole work, biomechanics, and effective communication with the horse.
Students progress through clearly defined levels as skills are mastered. Advancement is based on demonstrated readiness and consistency, not age, speed, or attendance. Progress is tracked, certificates are awarded as levels are completed, and achievements may be recognized as students move forward.
As riders advance through the Levels Program, they may become eligible for additional opportunities and privileges, such as increased independence, leasing options, or participation in off-farm activities. These opportunities are earned through skill, responsibility, and instructor approval.
The Levels Program supports confident, capable horsemanship by giving students clear expectations, meaningful goals, and room to grow at a pace that is right for them.