Questions about the Horse Program
Q. Can I bring my own saddle and grooming tools?
A. It’s perfectly okay to bring your own grooming tools as long as they are labeled clearly with your name. Otherwise, they could get lost in the barn what with so many other grooming tools around. As far as your saddle, that’s hard to say. We are particular about fitting each horse to their own saddle. If you bring a saddle and it doesn’t fit the horse you are riding, then you might be upset that you brought your saddle all that way and couldn’t use it. Fact is, if the saddle doesn’t fit a horse, then he/she will be grumpy from a sore back. We like to keep our horses as happy as we are able.
Q. Can I pick the horse I want to ride?
A. On your Opening Day, we do a riding evaluation. That gives us the opportunity to see what your abilities are. Then we match you to a horse. If you have a preference for a specific size of horse, sometimes we can honor that. Lif if you prefer a 16H horse, or one that is 15.2H, you can let us know on the questionnaire we send you in the mail and we can keep your preference in mind. We are most concerned that your abilities safely match the temperament and training of the horse. Above all, it is our job to keep you safe.
Q. Do I get to groom the same horse
the whole time I am there?
A. Often you can groom the horse you were assigned. You can also tack up the horse, clean the horse’s stall, give baths, and hand walk the horse during down times. At the beginner and intermediate levels, there are two or three riders who may ride the same horse and share in his or her care. So it means with supervision for safety working together as a team to manage the horse’s care. Advanced riders handle the more advanced horses alone.
Q. Can I ride Western?
A. Sure. However, you need to know we primarily teach English. We like all riders to learn English because it gives them experience with voice, weight and balance aids to communicate closely with the horse. So often, Western riders sit in their saddle like it is a chair. They miss the beauty of subtle communication with their horse. Once those riders use an English saddle and practice their aids, then the Western saddle is fine. If you choose to ride Western, you will need to bring your own tack.