RIDING LESSONS

Getting started with lessons is easy, all you need to start is a safety approved helmet, boots with a heel, riding gloves and a crop. All of these items can be found at any tack store. Of course a positive attitude and big smile also basic requirements!

Lessons are available to children as young as four years of age and through to adults.

All students are taught grooming techniques, the basics of tack and how to tack up a horse. Students are also taught horse psychology and veterinary care. This is great training for students who have a goal of owning their own horses.

A beginner program might include:

• grooming techniques
• tacking up your horse
• walking, rising and sitting trot
• basic jump position
• cavaletti work
• introduction to dressage

A lesson for a novice or intermediate student might include:

• riding a basic level dressage test
• jumping X rails and small fences
• negotiating a hunter/jumper course
• Standard first aid of horses
• in depth tack knowledge
• basic lunging and long line techniques

An advanced lesson might include:

• advanced jumping skills
• executing training level dressage test
• extensive work without stirrups
• advanced lunge line and long line techniques
• actively involved in backing and training upcoming horses and ponies
• course design

Lesson Time Allotment

Lesson times are scheduled for one or one and a half hours with at least 15 minutes between each lesson slot.

The break between lesson slots allows time for students who are finishing a lesson to exit the arena and time for those starting the next lesson to enter the arena. It also allows us extra time to help students as needed.

Students are expected to arrive at the barn 30 to 45 minutes before their class. Check the lesson board for your assigned horse or pony and then groom and tack that horse or pony. Someone will be available to help students who need assistance with grooming and tacking.

Proper grooming and tacking procedures will be taught to new students during their first several lessons.

Actual lesson length is based on the number of students in the class.