Adult Horsemanship 102

Adult Horsemanship 102 is a focused, six-week summer riding course held in McDonald, Tennessee, that helps returning adult riders regain confidence and refine basic riding skills. The program runs Fridays from 4–5:30 p.m., starting June 12 with sessions on June 12, 19, 26 and July 10, 17, and 24; the program skips July 3. Designed for riders who grew up in the saddle or who have informal experience, this class balances practical groundwork with mounted practice: expect refresher drills on handling and tack, progressive exercises to build a balanced seat, and guided practice of riding aids at the walk and, where comfortable, the trot.

Set against the low, rolling farm country of Bradley County, the course uses a combination of flatwork in an arena and short supervised warm-up rides in adjacent pastures or paths. The landscape here is typical east Tennessee—open grass, scattered oaks and hickory, and a temperate summer rhythm that keeps sessions pleasant in late afternoon. Key features of the experience are the sequence of ground lessons that rebuild your handling skills, the focused seat work that restores core stability, and the guided drills that translate communication aids into reliable, calm cues.

Practical details matter: the course is limited to adult riders 18 and older, with a rider weight limit of 230 pounds. Cost is $300 for the six sessions. Participants should arrive already comfortable around horses and able to handle basic grooming and leading; the first weeks are explicitly refresher-focused, allowing instructors to assess and tailor progress.

Why this course stands out in the region is its emphasis on returning riders: it’s not a beginner’s program, nor a competitive boot camp, but a measured, confidence-first progression that matches the pace of adults with real-world schedules. In a part of Tennessee with a long equestrian tradition, this class offers a short, affordable way to reconnect with riding without committing to private lessons or a full lease. Practical tips: wear long pants and hard-soled closed-toe shoes, arrive hydrated for late-afternoon work, and plan transportation that handles a saddle or basic tack if you’ll be helping prepare the mount.

For travelers staying nearby, Cleveland, Tennessee provides lodging and supplies, while quieter local roads make for straightforward drives back to McDonald after the session. Whether you want to get your seat back for trail rides, trailering, or just to enjoy horses again, this six-week course is built to return riders to the saddle with clarity, control, and calm. Reserve your spot early; these sessions tend to fill as adults balance summer schedules and work.

Visit the booking link for up-to-date availability, prerequisites, and payment details; instructors will confirm which tack and helmet options are provided or expected before the first class.