Academy
Why Horses?
The Power of Connection
At Whistlejacket Farm, we believe that connecting with horses is more than a hobby—it’s a powerful, healing experience. Horses have hearts significantly larger than humans’, and science shows they generate an electromagnetic field up to five times stronger than our own. This field can positively influence human emotions, reduce anxiety, and promote overall well-being. It’s one of the reasons horses are widely used in equine therapy—to help people feel more grounded, calm, and emotionally in tune.
More Than Riding
Building Life Skills Through Every Experience
Every activity at Whistlejacket Farm is designed to teach more than just horsemanship. Whether you’re grooming your first horse or refining your riding technique, you’ll develop essential life skills like confidence, patience, communication, and resilience. No matter what your starting point, we welcome all riders and interests—from beginners to advanced equestrians.
A Place to Belong
Join a Community That Feels Like Family
When you come to Whistlejacket, you’re not just joining a program—you’re becoming part of a warm, inclusive community where everyone is treated like family. We’re here to support your growth, celebrate your progress, and help you build lasting connections with both animals and people.
Our Mission
Connection. Growth. Empowerment.
Our mission is simple: to help people of all ages and backgrounds connect with the animals around them,
grow as individuals, and discover their own strength—both in the saddle and in life.
Quick Links & Documents
Whistlejacket Academy Programs & Pricing
Ride, Learn, and Grow With Confidence
Whistlejacket Academy offers structured riding instruction, membership benefits, leasing opportunities, and show pathways designed to support riders at every stage of development. Whether you are building foundational skills, preparing to compete, or looking for a deeper partnership with a horse, our programs create a clear path forward.
Lessons
Monthly Lesson Tuiton
Membership and weekly lesson tuition is $300 per month and includes four one-hour private riding lessons each month. Lessons are scheduled weekly and do not roll over.
Additional Lessons
Riders who want extra time in the saddle may book additional one-hour lessons at the following rates:
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Members: $65 per lesson
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Non-Members: $85 per lesson
Scheduling
Members receive priority access to preferred lesson times and riding schedules. Non-members must schedule at least 7 days in advance, and all requests remain subject to availability.
Membership AT
Why Membership Matters
Membership is Required For :
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Horse leasing opportunities
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Participation in any non-faux Whistlejacket Farm show
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Member-only events and activities
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Discounted lesson and camp rates
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Eligibility for the rider ranking system and year-end awards
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Participation in the management training program
Benefits
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Priority lesson scheduling
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Discounted additional lessons
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Discounted camp tuition
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Access to member-only events and communications
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Priority access to show entries
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Eligibility for leasing
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Skill rankings, badges, and annual recognition ceremonies
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Leadership and barn management training tracks
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A complimentary Whistlejacket Academy hat and shirt
Leasing Program
Build a Deeper Connection
Whistlejacket Academy offers both Quarter Lease and Half Lease options for riders who are ready for a stronger connection with a specific horse and a more immersive riding experience. An active membership is required for all lease programs.
Quarter Lease
A Great Step for Developing Riders
Quarter leasing is ideal for riders beginning to show and wanting to build consistency with a specific horse.
Contract Term: 6 months
Monthly Cost: $415 per month
Deposit: 5% of the horse’s assessed value, non-refundable and transferable with value adjustment
Lease Includes:
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Reserved horse for one weekly lesson
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Ability to show the leased horse at all shows
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Guaranteed horse assignment for shows
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Additional lessons on the leased horse for $55 per lesson
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Opportunity to request the leased horse for other activities, such as camp, when available
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A stronger rider-horse connection over time
**PLEASE NOTE: The horse may still be available for other lesson riders unless it reaches four concurrent quarter leases. Board, farrier, veterinary care, insurance, and other horse-keeping expenses remain covered by Whistlejacket.**
Half Lease
A Near Ownership Experience
Half leasing is designed for riders who want more consistent ride time, more responsibility, and a true partnership with one horse while preparing for regular showing and long-term skill growth.
Contract Term: 1 year
Monthly Cost: $900 per month
Deposit: 10% of the horse’s assessed value, non-refundable except when transferring horses
Lease Includes:
- Up to two rides per week
- Ability to show at all levels, including Intro, Day Shows, Class A, Regionals, and more
- A horse shared with no more than one other rider, at the discretion of Whistlejacket
Shared Horse Care Cost
Half leasers also share in maintaining the horse and are responsible for:
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One-half of board
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One-half of farrier costs
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One-half of supplements or medication
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One-half of routine veterinary costs
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Any required tack items specific to the horse, as determined by Whistlejacket
Riding Guidelines
To protect both rider and horse, the following restrictions apply:
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No unsupervised riding on the premises
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No jumping without instructor approval
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No trail riding unless supervised by an instructor
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Horses may occasionally be unavailable due to medical rest or other unforeseen circumstances
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In the event of long-term medical rest, Whistlejacket will work to secure another lease horse of comparable skill and value
General Leasing Policies
To help maintain consistency and care for each horse, all leases follow a structured agreement.
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Half leases require an upfront 10% non-refundable deposit based on the horse’s assessed market value
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Deposits may be transferred if a rider switches horses, with only the value difference due
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Early termination requires 60 days written notice and may include an exit fee based on the remaining term
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Whistlejacket Farm reserves the right to reassign, substitute, or temporarily restrict a horse for health, safety, behavior, or training reasons
SHow program Fees
From The Beginning to Premier Competition
Whistlejacket Academy offers show opportunities for riders at multiple stages, from low-pressure learning environments to high-level competitive experiences. Only active members may participate in shows, and only leased horses may be used for shows beyond faux shows.
Faux Show
A great introduction to showing for riders building confidence, learning patterns, and understanding show etiquette.
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Counts as a lesson or additional lesson for members: $65
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Non-members may be invited by an instructor: $100
Single-Day Show
Ideal for riders ready to apply their skills off-property and gain real ring experience.
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$200 per day plus travel expenses
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Travel costs are split among attending riders
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Class fees are paid separately by families directly to show organizers
Class “A” Show
Designed for riders who have shown consistency and discipline and are ready for a higher level of competition.
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$850 for a 2-day show
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$1,000 for a 3-day show
Regional & Special Event Shows
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Regional Show: $1,250
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Regional + Pre Show: $1,500
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National Show / Scottsdale / Special Events: $3,250
Riding Levels & Progression
A Clear Path for Every Rider
Our structured level system helps riders build skills safely and confidently—from first ride to show-ready performance. Each level includes core skills and a milestone ride to advance.
Beginner Levels (B1-B3)
B1-Safe Start
Focus: Safety, balance, and basic control
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Assisted mount/dismount
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Walk, stop, and steer (basic control)
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Correct position (heels down, rein hold)
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Lead horse safely + identify basic parts
Milestone: Walk one full lap independently
B2 – Foundation Rider
Focus: Confidence and communication
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Independent walk with rhythm
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Intro to trot (lunge line)
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Basic steering at trot
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Two-point at walk
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Understand safety rules & grooming basics
Milestone: Trot one lap on lunge line with balance
B3 – Independent Beginner
Focus: Control at trot and transitions
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Walk/trot independently
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Posting and basic diagonals
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Steering patterns at trot
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Two-point at trot
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Basic tack knowledge
Milestone: Post trot for two controlled laps
Intermediate Levels (I1–I3)
I1 – Control & Rhythm
Focus: Consistency and independence
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Steady walk/trot with transitions
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Diagonal changes
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Two-point at trot (extended)
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Intro to canter (if ready)
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Basic horse care knowledge
Milestone: Maintain correct diagonal through a full pattern
I2 – Canter & Patterns
Focus: Confidence and pre-show skills
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Controlled canter (lunge → independent)
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Correct leads
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Walk–trot–canter sequences
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Pattern riding
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Group riding awareness
Milestone: Canter one full circle on correct lead
I3 – Show-Ready Rider
Focus: Precision, awareness, and performance
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Confident riding at all gaits
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Correct diagonals and leads independently
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Full pattern execution
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Horse awareness (fatigue, behavior)
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Pre-ride safety + sportsmanship
Milestone: Complete a full faux show class independently
Horsemanship Program
From Rider to Horseman
Our horsemanship track develops riders into responsible, safety-focused horsemen and women—equipping them to support lessons, camps, shows, and even step into professional barn roles.
Each Level Includes:
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Skill demonstration
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Written quiz
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Instructor evaluation
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Behavioral maturity assessment
Why this Program Matters
This certification path builds more than riding ability—it develops:
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Responsibility and leadership
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Real-world horse care skills
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Confidence in high-pressure environments
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A pathway into professional equine work
Level Progression (H1-H4)
H1 – Foundational Horse Handling
Focus: Safety, awareness, and basic handling
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Grooming basics + horse body parts
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Safe leading and hoof care (assisted)
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Understanding horse behavior & safety zones
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Following barn rules and emergency basics
Requirement: Must be completed before assisting in the barn
H2 – Junior Barn Helper
Role: Supervised Helper | Age 10+
Focus: Supporting daily barn tasks
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Haltering, leading, grooming independently
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Turnout (supervised) + basic horse care
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Recognizing body language
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Maintaining safe, respectful behavior
Outcome: Can assist with basic barn operations under supervision
H3 – Senior Barn Helper
Role: Junior Leader | Age 13+
Focus: Leadership and show support
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Tack up and adjust equipment
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Assist riders and help with lessons/camps
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Support faux shows (prep, warmups, organization)
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Recognize early signs of horse stress or issues
Outcome: Trusted leader assisting instructors and younger riders
H4 – Academy Manager Trainee
Role: Pre-Professional Groom | Age 16+
Focus: Professional-level barn management
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Advanced handling, lunging, and conditioning
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Feeding, barn operations, and horse care
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Basic medical care (supervised)
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Show grooming and preparation
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Assist instructors and lead beginner riders
Requirement: 60+ volunteer hours (lessons, camps, shows, barn work)
Outcome: Prepared for real equine work (grooming, barn support, show prep)
Our Show Training Support
The Whistlejacket Farm team will be on the sidelines to cheer you on in the show ring.