Six weeks of simple, fun, and flexible activities — designed to reward effort, not perfection — for riders and equestrians of all ages and levels and disciplines.
Pick your favorite activities, practice at home, or during lessons, and earn a beautiful ribbon marking your effort and growth.
Why Join the Winter Horsemanship Challenge?
Flexible & Fun: Spend as little as 1 hour a week or dive deeper for extra growth.
Engaging Equestrian Activities that cover: Riding & groundwork, horsemanship & horse care, personal growth as well as community & connection — choose what excites you!
Weekly videos: Access to the challenge course platform which includes weekly videos with easy to follow activity directions and resources to simplify and expand the activities.
Effort-Based Rewards: Everyone can succeed. Activities have directions & accommodations allowing for you to complete the activity that is appropriate for your current situation. Complete 5 of 6 weeks and earn a beautiful Winter Horsemanship Ribbon.
Community Access: Join others learning, growing, and celebrating achievements together.
- Adaptation Support: Individualized accommodations available to meet a rider’s or a horse’s specific needs, ensuring everyone can participate safely and successfully.
How It Works
What You’ll Get
Access to a private online course platform: All weekly activities, videos, worksheets, and resources are organized in one easy-to-use place for activities at the barn and at home
4+ activities per week, with variations accommodating all equestrian levels
Completion Reward: Beautiful Ribbon with a commitment of as little as 1 hour a week.
Printable & digital progress tracker to follow your growth
Weekly encouragement and motivation delivered via email
- Access to a private community of other equestrians focused on growth
Weekly Structure
Every week, you’ll have the option to choose activities from any of the four pillars of growth to build your skills, knowledge, and confidence as a well rounded equestrian. Each challenge includes a clear guide with examples, options, and adaptations so you can complete it in a way that feels comfortable and appropriate for you.
Designed for all riders — seasoned, new, young, or with unique needs — every activity is flexible, inclusive, and achievable.
Safe, Flexible, and Great For All!
Suitable for all ages and skill levels, from beginner riders to advanced competitors.
- Effort-based — progress at your own pace
Instructor/Coach supervision is not required, but encouraged working directly with horses
Works for equestrians who:
Take regular or intermittent lessons
Lease/own their own horse
Inconsistent access to a horse
Have a horse that is retired or injured
Have limited time at the barn due to weather, schedules or financial limitations
- Can’t get enough about horses
Want motivation and structure over the winter months
- Looking to have fun and develop better relationships with horses
- Are eager to earn a ‘horse show’ ribbon
Save Your Spot
2026 Winter Horsemanship Challenge
January 15th through March 1st
Limited Spaces Available
Why Riders, Coaches and Parents Love It
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Maintains momentum when winter threatens to slow progress
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Builds confidence, consistency, and life skills
- Allows riders to safely explore and focus on areas of interest
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Strengthens the horse-rider relationship
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Fun, creative, and easy to fit into real life
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Rewarding: Wholistic equestrian growth plus a tangible ribbon for completing the challenge
Who Do You Know That Will Take On A Challenge?
Got Questions ?
What are Horsemanship Challenges, and who can participate?
Horsemanship Challenges are an effort-based, skill-building program designed to help equestrians grow in confidence, knowledge, and connection with their horses. It’s open to riders of all ages, experience levels, and abilities—including children, beginners, families, and participants with special needs. Everyone can join at their own pace.
Do I need my own horse, and are the challenges only about riding?
The Winter Horsemanship Challenge is an effort-based, skill-building program designed to help equestrians grow in confidence, knowledge, and connection with their horses. It’s open to riders of all ages, all disciplines, experience levels, and abilities — including children, and participants with special needs. Everyone can join and progress at their own pace.
How are the challenges organized, and can I adapt them?
Challenges are grouped into four pillars: Riding & Groundwork, Horsemanship & Care, Community & Personal Growth. Each activity comes with clear instructions and suggested adaptations so you can adjust for age, ability, horse type, or comfort level. The goal is growth and engagement, not perfection.
Do I need to complete all challenges to succeed?
No! Success is measured by effort, learning, and personal growth. Each participant can select activities that match their goals, skills, and schedule. Completing challenges at your own pace is what counts. We suggest that you aim to complete 2 activities of your choice each week.
How do I know a challenge is safe for my horse or rider?
LSafety is our top priority. Each week’s challenges offer a variety of activities, often organized into different tracks to suit your goals and experience. We recommend working with an onsite professional or instructor to ensure activities are appropriate for your horse’s age, health, or special needs, as well as your own skill level. Always observe your horse, follow guidance when needed, and use the suggested adaptations to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Learning to gauge what is appropriate for both you and your horse is an important part of growth.
How do I get a ribbon?
Provided progress is submitted in the course platform, your ribbon will get mailed out after the challenge has ended to the mailing address you provide.
Other Questions?
Email – heather@instructorhalfhalt.com
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