FAQ's

Horse Riding Information Guide

• Recreational Riding: Approximately 250-810 calories per hour.
• Competitive Riding: Up to 450-1,080 calories per hour.

We maintain small class sizes to ensure each rider receives personalized attention and an optimal learning experience.

• Never Too Old: Horse riding is suitable for all ages a great low-impact cardio workout. Adults interested in starting should speak with an instructor to tailor a plan.
• Children: We recommend starting riding at around 5-6 years old. Younger children may not complete a 30-minute lesson due to shorter attention spans.

This curriculum is an excellent breakdown of how riding lessons can be tailored to different age groups and their developmental needs, including attention spans and physical abilities. Here's a quick overview of how attention spans typically align with the various age groups:

• Tiny Tots (5-6 years old): Attention spans are very short, ranging from 5-15 minutes. At this stage, lessons should be engaging and full of activities like games and toys to maintain their interest. Parental involvement helps with safety and keeping the child-focused.
• Childhood (7-8 years old): Attention spans lengthen to about 15-25 minutes, and children at this age are more capable of following instructions. Lessons should focus on building confidence and offering small, manageable challenges that keep them engaged.
• Middle Childhood (9-11 years old): Children can concentrate for about 30-40 minutes and are more capable of handling complex tasks. They begin to understand and apply what they’ve learned at this age, making it a great time to introduce more responsibility to the horses.
• Tweens (12-13 years old): Attention spans increase to about 40-50 minutes, and tweens develop the physical and emotional maturity needed for more advanced instruction. Lessons should adapt to their level of comfort and development.
• Pre-Teens (14-15 years old): At this stage, lessons offer physical activity and emotional support. These students can handle more complex lessons that require focus and sustained attention for 50-60 minutes.
• Teenagers (16-17 years old): Their attention spans are generally well-developed, allowing for lessons that can be more intensive and focused on individual goals. Consistency and experience become key as lessons are paced to match the rider's abilities and commitment.

Understanding the typical attention span for each age group allows lessons to be designed to keep riders engaged, challenged, and excited about their progress.

• Your child may feel nervous yet excited. Encourage them positively and be supportive. They will learn to mount, balance, steer, and communicate with their horse. Lessons typically begin with a lunge line to help them develop balance and control.

• Body Awareness: Strengthens core muscles and improves coordination.
• Quick Thinking & Coordination: Enhances physical and mental adaptability.
• Muscle Tone & Flexibility: Builds overall strength and flexibility.
• Mental Exercise: Provides a meditative experience and connection with the horse.

• 18-35 years old: Ideal for pursuing riding goals and dreams.
• 35-54 years old: This is a great time to discover or rekindle a passion for riding.
• 55+ years old: It’s never too late to start riding; it’s a rewarding activity for all ages.

• General Attire: Wear long pants (jeans) and closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes). Stables provide helmets for rent. Dress according to the weather; stables are heated.
• Helmet Buying Tips: Ensure proper fit and safety standards. Consider buying online or from a reputable store.
• Riding Boots: Used boots can be acceptable; check fit and quality. Ask your instructor for recommendations.
• Jodhpurs (Riding Pants): Ensure a fit around the waist and proper length. Knee patches are beneficial for grip.

• Tack Room: Contains saddles, bridles, and other gear.
• Show Saddle Rental: Available for the show season, you buy stirrup irons and leathers.
• Saddle Purchase: School saddles are available, but purchasing your saddle may benefit serious riders.

1. Encourage, don’t pressure. Let your child choose to ride.
2. Understand and support your child's riding goals.
3. Keep riding in perspective as part of a balanced lifestyle.
4. Ensure the instructor is qualified and professional.
5. Maintain a focus on skill development over winning.
6. Help set realistic performance goals.
7. Appreciate the lessons riding teaches.
8. Respect the instructor’s role and decisions.
9. Discipline as necessary.
10. Avoid instructing from the sidelines; let the instructor guide you.

Side instructing can distract and undermine the instructor's focus. Instead, consider recording lessons for review.

• Developing Perspective: Prioritize fun and skill development over winning.
• Building Self-Esteem: Encourage a positive approach to riding and handling setbacks.
• Setting Goals: Emphasize individual skill improvement rather than only outcomes.
• Modeling Good Behavior: Demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude.

Consider personality, teaching style, experience, and technical know-how. A quality instructor is motivational, positive, and knowledgeable.

• Halter: Used to lead or tie the horse.
• Lesson Horse: Teaches riders; not necessarily shows horses but is valuable for learning.
• Grooming Stall: Where the horse is prepped for riding.
• Tack Room: Stores equipment like saddles, bridles, and pads.
• Saddle: The seat placed on the horse’s back for riding.
• Bridle: Headgear used to control the horse, with a bit and reins.
• Bit: A metal device in the horse’s mouth for control.
• Saddle Pad: Cloth placed under the saddle for comfort.

• Basic Steps: Begin with mounting, steering, and balancing. Lessons usually start with a lunge line for safety.
• Mounting and Dismounting: Learn safe techniques with assistance from the instructor.

• Lesson Scheduling: Choose a consistent weekly time.
• Progress Comparison: Avoid comparing your rider to others; focus on individual progress.
• Membership Club: Provides benefits such as understanding horses, meeting others, and discounts.
• Lesson Frequency: Weekly lessons are recommended for optimal retention.
• Goals and Progress: Regular Rider Reviews help set and assess goals.

• Participation: This is not mandatory but is available for those interested.
• Show Preparation: Discuss show options during Rider Reviews based on skill level.

• Sportsmanship: Display good sportsmanship by encouraging all riders and respecting judges' decisions.
• Perspective: Understand that showing is a learning experience and not solely about winning.
• Support: Encourage your child to compete respectfully and maintain a positive attitude.

• Timing: Discuss with Neva to determine the right time to buy a horse.

Please get in touch with us for more information about our programs or to schedule a private lesson.