At Minninnooka Polo & Riding School, we have spent countless hours crafting a development program that truly supports our riders in their equestrian journey. Whether you’re an aspiring polo player, a dressage enthusiast, or simply looking to improve your riding skills, this program is designed to help you progress in a structured, goal-oriented way.
A Personalized Approach to Riding Development
One of the key elements of this program is goal setting. We believe that every rider has unique ambitions, whether they’re short-term, medium-term, or long-term. That’s why our team sits down with each participant to map out a bespoke training plan tailored to their individual riding goals.
This personalized approach ensures that every rider receives the right guidance, whether they’re working on foundational skills, refining techniques, or preparing for competitions.
The Importance of Training with Different Horses
Through years of experience in polo, jumping, eventing, and dressage, we have come to appreciate the value of training with different horses. Each horse offers a unique learning opportunity, and we aim to teach our riders how to adapt and grow by working with a variety of equine partners.
For example:
- A horse selected for schooling in polo will have a different training focus than one used for stick-and-ball practice.
- A horse chosen for dressage training will require a different approach than a polo or jumping horse.
- If a rider’s focus is fitness, a different horse may be selected to support this goal.
Understanding these differences is essential to becoming a well-rounded and adaptable rider.
Planning Effective Rides
Another crucial part of our development program is teaching riders how to plan and structure their training sessions. Each horse requires a tailored riding schedule, and learning to plan multiple rides is a vital skill.
Here’s a general framework we encourage:
- Ride duration: 30 to 40 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down.
- Plan three key movements or exercises per ride.
- Assess your horse’s response and progress throughout the session.
- End on a positive note—it’s better to finish a few minutes early than a few minutes late to ensure the horse stays engaged and willing.
This method ensures steady progress while maintaining a positive and productive experience for both horse and rider.
Structured Booking & Coaching Support
To ensure maximum efficiency and structure, riders must book their sessions by Friday of the previous week.
Once booked, sessions will be recorded in the diary, where riders can view their assigned horse and the type of training they will focus on. Upon arriving at the yard each morning, riders will already have their plan, which can be checked with a supervising coach and adjusted if needed.
Riders will be responsible for grooming, tacking up, rugging and checking tack and fitness of horses.
There will be ongoing open communication between riders and coaches.
Additionally, a coach will be on-site from Tuesday to Sunday to offer guidance, touch base with riders, and provide expert advice. Riders will have access to experienced mentors, including Charlie Klein, Kirstie Otamendi, and Josh Leiva, who will help refine techniques and support individual riding goals.
Our Horses
The Minninnooka team has spent over 30 years developing horses, from maintaining the retraining Argentine Criollo polo pony to retraining and selling thoroughbreds from the racetrack. The foundation of Minninnooka’s business has been built on livery and management services, and we take great pride in this expertise.
Our team is dedicated to helping clients gain insight into how different horses need to be worked in unique ways with varying levels of intensity. It is important to remember that horses, like riders, are on a continuous journey of learning and development.
Freedom to Learn with Guidance
The goal of this program is to give riders a taste of what it’s like to own, train, and manage their own horses, all while being supported by experienced mentors.
With structured coaching and independent riding opportunities, students will have the freedom to try new techniques, develop their independence, and gain a deeper understanding of horsemanship. This balance of guidance and autonomy is what makes our program truly special.
Join the Minninnooka Development Program
If you’re looking to take your riding to the next level in a supportive and structured environment, our new development program is the perfect opportunity.
Contact us today to learn more or enroll—we can’t wait to help you achieve your riding goals!
