No matter how small a program, or how large a program-there should always be a solid structure and curriculum in place.
When I say structure, I mean what do your clients do at the barn. Is there a certain routine that ALL clients follow when they get to the barn?
For example my clients do the following when they arrive to the barn at CBC:
Wait to be called back to the barn isle, if they arrive early they may pick an activity to do by the haybales
Once called back they discuss with their instructor the plans for the day
Grab a brush to groom their horse
Grab a helmet
Tack up horse
Go out for their lesson
Come back and untack and groom their horse
Put their helmet away
Having this type of structure and expectations in your barn allow for clients to get accustomed to a routine. No surprises. Now each barn is different, I just highly recommend implementing a structure like this for your program. Not only for the clients you give riding lessons to, but also for the parents, staff, and volunteers. Create a structure for them as well.
As for developing a curriculum for your program, you first have to understand where your clients are exactly at. Have a system where you can track all of your riders progress and milestones that they can reach. Have a system to teach all riders the same techniques and ways so everyone rider and instructor are on the same page.
For example: at CBC we do not let our riders off of the lung line if they are posting the trot, until they can post the trot perfectly while on the line.
Attached you will find a guided outline to help you get an idea of where you are with your program structure and Curriculum.
Feel free to join my Facebook group Building Your Dream Equine Lesson Program for live interaction and discussion!