The Academy program is a special program that has rapidly gained in popularity and participants in the Saddlebred horse show world.  Started several years ago, the program allows riders who are participating in a lesson program the opportunity to compete in horse shows without the expense involved in buying their own horse to take to the show.  It also gives them the chance to gain some experience in the show ring before they start showing in other classes with more experienced riders.

Any rider who is enrolled in a lesson program and has not formerly competed in a non-academy class (excepting driving and lead line) may compete in the academy classes.  Riding suits are not necessary, in fact, they are prohibited.  The horses that are used are the lesson horses that the riders learn on at the barn.  The rider can own the horse that they ride in the academy classes, but the horse must be one that they ride in lessons at the barn.

Many riding students find that the academy program gives them a chance to get more involved and to see if showing is for them.  It also builds their confidence in their own abilities when they are able to go into the ring and show their horse on their own. --C. Matson

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