ABOUT THE PROGRAM - SADDLE UP WITH ARTIST

A STRUCTURED, PLAYFUL AND INSPIRING WAY TO LEARN

Saddle Up With The Artist is an educational equestrian program that connects theory, practice, and the joy of learning. Designed for both riders and instructors, it is built around 12 progressive levels called Saddles, each focused on clear objectives combining riding, groundwork, horse care, and theory, while developing understanding and independence.

WHAT THE SADDLES BRING ?

EXAMPLE OF A SADDLE 1 PROGRAM

🎯 Clear and Motivating goals 🎯

Each Saddle corresponds to a precise set of skills. Riders know exactly what they need to learn and master, making their progression structured, encouraging and rewarding.

🦺 Learning Safely 🦺

Safety skills are reinforced throughout the progression: understanding horses, applying safe behaviours, managing control and working with autonomy. Riders improve step by step while learning how to stay safe around their horse.

⚙️ Structures teaching for Instructors ⚙️

The program offers a logical, progressive framework that helps instructors know which skills to develop and in which order.

This creates consistency, clarity and better long-term learning.

✨Recognising and Validating skills ✨

Once a Saddle is validated, the rider receives a certificate. This makes it easier to:

  • join a suitable lesson group when changing riding centres,
  • demonstrate their skills for clinics, pony camps or level-aged activities,
  • build a foundation for future equestrian pathway.
Only certified riding instructors can validate Saddle Levels, ensuring fairness, consistency, and educational integrity across the program.

🌟 THE ARTIST 🌟

At the heart of the program is The Artist, the friendly chestnut pony who accompanies riders at every step of their learning journey.

He explains concepts, encourages riders, and brings a playful and familiar presence that helps young students stay motivated, confident, and connected to the program.

The Artist transforms learning into an adventure; fun, reassuring, and full of personality.

Capture d’écran 2025-12-15 à 21.18.22

A COMPLETE LEARNING SYSTEM

To support the implementation of the program, every Saddle level includes two complementary books that work together:

The Rider Manual

Designed for riders, it offers:

  • illustrated lessons,
  • practical exercises,
  • fun games and activities,
  • self-evaluation pages,
  • and spaces to keep memories of their riding year.

It turns each Saddle into an accessible, engaging and meaningful learning experience.

The Instructor Manual

Created to help coaches structure their lessons, it includes:

  • lesson plans connected to the Rider Manual, including exercise ideas for each skill,
  • assessment grids,
  • teaching tips,
  • and a final assessment protocol to evaluate all required Saddle competencies.

These resources serve as inspiration, not rigid instructions; each instructor is free to adapt them based on their students, horses, and environment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For young riders and certified instructors.

It can be used in riding schools, private coaching or at home as a learning companion.

The program usually begins around age 6, when children can read and follow the manual independently. However, the Saddles are skill-based levels, not age-based, so younger riders can start earlier with guidance, and older beginners can join at any time.

Even though the program is designed to naturally guide riders from around 6 to 18 years old, there is no age limit: each Saddle follows the rider’s progress, not their age.

Each Saddle is designed for one year of learning, but every rider advances at their own pace.

Only certified riding instructors can validate a rider’s Saddle level.

This ensures fairness, consistency and gives the validation real educational value.

Riders receive a certificate and move on to the next level. The certificate can help them:

  • join the right level in a new riding school,

  • participate in programs requiring a minimum level,

  • build a solid equestrian CV for the future.

No. Instructors can create a free account to access all essential tools, including:

• the official program objectives,

• the quarterly and final assessment grids (printable),

• additional supporting resources,

and the ability to validate their students’ Saddles.

The Instructor Manual is optional but provides extra teaching support, structured lesson ideas, and deeper guidance.

The manuals will be released progressively. Saddle 1 is available, and the next Saddles are currently in development.

Yes, riders can create a free profile to access:

  • their Rider CV,

  • their validated Saddles,

  • their interactive games.

Yes. Riders must create a free profile so their Saddles can be officially validated by a certified instructor. Their account also gives them access to:

• their Rider CV,

• their validated Saddles,

• their interactive games.

Yes. It works in riding centres, private lessons, pony clubs, or even at home with parental support (but Saddles must still be validated by a certified instructor).

Yes — the program is primarily based on the three Olympic disciplines: dressage, show jumping and eventing. However, the foundations taught (horsemanship, safety, balance, understanding the horse, and technical basics) are universal and useful for any equestrian discipline.

It is not tied to a federation.

It is an independent educational program designed to strengthen the foundations of equestrian learning and improve teaching consistency.

Before sending any email, please take the time to read this entire page. If you don’t find the answer to your question, you can contact us at:

contact@saddleupartist.com

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Saddle Up With The Artist is more than a program; it’s a new way of learning. A way that values structure, fun, safety, and real progression. Whether you’re a rider or an instructor, this program gives you the tools, confidence, and clarity to grow, learn, and enjoy horses with purpose and passion.

✨ The adventure starts with Saddle 1, and continues all the way to Saddle 12.
Are you ready to start the journey???