MCDONALD HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Adult Horsemanship 101: Six Weeks of Grounded Confidence at Hidden Hills Farm
A six-week beginner course in McDonald, Tennessee that teaches ground skills and riding basics so adult riders can build balance and clearer communication with horses.
Adult Horsemanship 101: Six Weeks of Grounded Confidence at Hidden Hills Farm.
At Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club in McDonald, Tennessee, Adult Horsemanship 101 is a methodical six-week introduction to horses for adult riders. The course pairs 2–3 weeks of focused groundwork with 3–4 weeks in the saddle, a progression designed to build practical skills, balance and a clearer line of communication with the horse.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Groundwork First, Then the Saddle
The course is structured to begin on the ground—establishing handling, safety and basic horsemanship—before moving riders into the saddle to practice a balanced position and basic riding aids.
Six-Week, Progressive Learning Curve
Across six weeks participants move from introductory ground skills into several weeks of mounted practice, a steady progression intended to build confidence and competence.
Designed for Adult Beginners
This offering is explicitly aimed at adult riders who want a careful, beginner-focused course that prioritizes balance, communication and practical technique.
What the day feels like
What the six weeks feel like
The rhythm is deliberate: early sessions concentrate on basic ground skills and horse handling, then the work moves to the saddle where instructors emphasize a balanced riding position and correct use of riding aids. By the close of the course riders should feel more secure in their seat and more fluent in the cues they give a horse.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who it’s built for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Course fee is $300 per person.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The program runs six weeks.
When are classes scheduled?
Classes run either on Tuesdays from 5:00–6:30 p.m. (June 16, 23, 30, and July 7, 14, 21) or on Thursdays from 4:30–6:00 p.m. (June 18 and 25 and July 2, 9, and 16).
Where is the course held?
Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club in McDonald, Tennessee.
What will I learn over the six weeks?
Participants spend 2–3 weeks on basic ground skills, then 3–4 weeks in the saddle practicing a balanced riding position and the correct use of riding aids to communicate with the horse.
How much does the course cost?
The fee is $300 per person.