FAQs
#1
WHat CAN i expect for my first lesson?
At your first lesson, you will be taught the basics of safety around horses. Each lesson includes time for grooming the horse before and after the lesson. For the riding portion, we typically start off new riders in the bullpen, which is a smaller arena within our indoor ring. You will learn how to signal the horse to walk and halt, as well as how to steer the horse. After you feel comfortable with that, you will be given an introduction to trotting.
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Because everyone learns differently, each lesson is tailored to fit your needs, skills, confidence level, and riding goals.
#2
What do I wear to my lesson?
For your first lesson, wear long pants (jeans work best; no sweatpants or windbreakers) and sturdy closed-front shoes with no more than a 1-inch heel. Tennis shoes are okay, but they sometimes do not fit in the stirrups due to having a wider toe. We suggest you wear something similar to a riding boot.
As with any sport, after you have been taking lessons for a while, you will want to purchase proper equipment. This includes riding gloves (optional, but many riders prefer them), leather riding boots (ankle-high), and "jods" (riding jodhpurs with knee grips). We can provide shopping resources.
#3
WHat about helmets?
Safety is our top priority at the barn. We have several helmets available at the barn for you to use during your lessons. You need to wear an ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet; no bike helmets!
All new riders (any age) and all children under the age of ten are required to wear a helmet, and it is highly recommended for everyone else.
#4
What about horse shows?
Once you have been riding for a while, you may want to think about showing. You do not have to compete in order to take lessons, but many of our riders enjoy participating in horse shows. Equestrian competition is a very fun and rewarding sport that you can enjoy for life. Showing horses builds confidence, sportsmanship, and most of all, horsemanship.
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The riders in our lesson program compete in "Academy" shows on the horses they ride in lessons. We also host fun "home" shows for our Academy riders throughout the year. Your instructor will let you know when you are ready to go to a horse show.
#5
WHat Is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled lesson, we appreciate if you call at least 24 hours in advance to cancel. Riders that do not provide reasonable notice that they cannot attend a lesson will still be charged.
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We reserve the right to cancel lessons due to the weather, for the safety of both the horses and humans.