LEVEL 1:
FOUNDATIONS
AERA Foundations is designed for people who want to truly understand horses — how they think, feel, learn, and move — before focusing on ridden goals.
This Pathway gives space to develop:
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equine know-how
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self-awareness
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calm, safe handling skills
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and confidence around horses
Learning happens from the ground up, without the pressure to “get on and ride”.
WHO FOR?
AERA Foundations is for thoughtful learners at the beginning — or a new beginning — of their horsemanship journey.
This includes:
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non-horse owners who want to learn before riding
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riding school riders wanting deeper understanding
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new or novice horse owners
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returning riders who want to rebuild confidence and clarity
What matters most is not where you are now, but your willingness to learn with patience and curiosity.
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Henley on Thames, RG9
Marlow, Buckingamshire
West London, UB5
LEARNING ROUTES
People come to Foundations with very different levels of access to horses.
Rather than forcing everyone into the same structure, Foundations can be taken in two clearly defined routes.
Both routes share the same learning principles — the difference lies in how learning is practised between sessions.
ROUTE A -
"I DON'T HAVE OWN HORSE AND CAN ONLY PRACTICE DURING LESSONS"
For learners without regular access to a horse
This route is for you if:
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you don’t yet own a horse
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you ride at a riding school
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you’re considering ownership in the future
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you want equine literacy before focusing on riding
How learning works:
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Learning happens primarily during sessions
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Practice is guided and supported, not assumed
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You’re introduced to handling, groundwork, and observation in a calm, structured way
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I help you find a suitable loan or share horse for continuity
This route is about learning how to learn with horses, even when access is limited.
ROUTE B -
"I HAVE ACCESS TO A HORSE AND CAN PRACTICE BETWEEN LESSONS"
For horse owners and learners with regular access
This route is for you if:
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you own a horse or have a regular share
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you can practise between sessions
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you want to rebuild or strengthen foundations with your own horse
How learning works:
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Sessions guide and refine your understanding
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Practice between sessions is expected and supported
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Video reflection and discussion help deepen learning
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Progress tends to consolidate more quickly through lived experience
This route supports riders who are ready to take increasing responsibility for their own learning, with guidance along the way.
learning rhythm
THE 'LIFE HAPPENS' FOUNDATION
For those with changing schedules
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12-session learning block
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No weekly or monthly deadlines
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Sessions can be in person or online
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Ideal if your availability varies
Not sure which suits you best? We’ll decide together after your Trial Session.
ROUTINE LOVERS FOUNDATIONS
For those who enjoy structure and consistency
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Monthly payments
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Regular sessions for steady momentum
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Sessions can be in person or online
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Ideal if you like routine and continuity
Not sure which suits you best? We’ll decide together after your Trial Session.
what can you expect to learn
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🌱 A Lifelong Learning Path
Foundations is not a checklist or a race.
Learning happens through:
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observation
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guided practice
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reflection
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and repetition over time
The aim is not perfection, but confidence, understanding, and readiness.
Many riders return to these principles again and again throughout their horse lives — refining feel, timing, and connection as they grow.
1. Understanding the Horse’s Nature
Learn how horses communicate through body language—tension, relaxation, curiosity—and how they learn through feel, timing, and reinforcement.
2. Awareness of Self - First
Develop awareness of your emotions, breath, posture, and intention before interacting with your horse—so you show up with calm clarity.
3. Safe & Mindful Handling Skills
Explore the basics of respectful approach, leading, grooming, and using your body language—not just tools—to guide movement.
4. Pressure, Release & Energy Awareness
Discover how to use light, fair cues and how the timing of your release teaches more than the cue itself. Learn to understand your horse's need for feeling your space and intentions.
5. Building Emotional Resilience (for You & Your Horse)
Support your horse through worry or distraction while staying grounded yourself. Learn when to pause, adjust, or simplify.
6. Developing a Curious Mindset
Shift from “fixing” behaviour to understanding it. Is your horse’s response about learning, comfort, or connection?
7. Connection-Based Groundwork
Explore clear groundwork that builds trust: transitions, direction changes, awareness of space, and walking in sync.
8. Introducing Healthy Movement
Learn how horses move and feel when relaxed. Use simple in-hand exercises to support balance, strength, and freedom of movement.
9. Enrichment & Joyful Interaction
Add liberty work, games, and scentwork to bring variety and emotional engagement into your horse’s life—ridden or not.
10. Planning & Reflecting
Use journaling, notes, or mindful reflection to track progress, spot patterns, and celebrate small steps forward.
Structure & commitment
Foundations is designed around skill acquisition.
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How long does it take to achieve the basic skillset: typically 6-9 months
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Session frequency is agreed based on your route and circumstances
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Monthly payment structure or Block payment structure
Some people need a little less time, others a little more.
Progress is guided by readiness — never rushed.
What Foundations prepares you for
By the end of the Foundations Pathway, most learners have:
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greater confidence around horses
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a clearer understanding of behaviour and communication
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safer, more thoughtful handling skills
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the ability to reflect and problem-solve independently
From here, you may choose to:
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continue consolidating foundations
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move into Level 2 — Horse & Rider Development
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or take a break and return later
There is no pressure to “move up”. The aim is readiness, not progression for its own sake.
IS FOUNDATIONS PATHWAY A GOOD
FIT FOR YOU?
The best way to explore this is through a Trial Session, where we can:
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talk through your goals
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look at how you and your horse are working together
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and decide whether this Pathway supports you right now