This class offers a no-commitment, introductory level over view of what beginner students experience in Starting Point Stable’s lesson programs.
This class would be suitable for;
- Adults that have an interest in horse activities but may have hesitations related to fears or wondering if they will really be interested in horse activities.
- Adult groups (like civic organizations) that want a team building exercise.
- Parents who want to see if their child is truly interested and ready for a lesson program.
- Youth groups, such as home schoolers, that are looking for an activity in their local community.
- Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts that want to earn their horse related badges.
- 4H / Cloverbud groups that want to work on their horse books.
- Small group outing such as a ‘girls day out’, ‘birthday party’ (activity) or as a birthday gift, or visiting guests who may be looking for activities for younger family members.
- School class field trips.
- People who may be going on a vacation that will include a horse ride, but may be a little nervous or not fully know what to expect.
The goal of this class is to offer ‘newbies’ a first time experience with horses, and hopefully giving them confidence, in a safe and controlled environment.
Typically this class will be offered on our calendar for open public registration, however we can also schedule & book your group for their own private session (please contact us).
The Class Structure
Typically the class has a ratio of 1 instructor and 1 horse/pony per every 4 participants (students) and is 1hr 30min in length. We do try to divide classes out by age groups (children only, mixed/family and adults only).
The Class Outline
- Grooming (hands on) with short lecture about safety etiquette around horses
- Tack & equipment use (hands on)
- Demo about safely handling / leading a horse (body language, the concept of ‘the aids’ or cues)
- Mounting up, a short lead-line ride in the arena where we talk about the basic balanced seat (not being a hinderance or annoyance to the horse) talk about basic safety while riding, and dismounting
- Untacking & grooming the horse down
- At the end of the class participants will receive a discount voucher for the purchase of a helmet or riding shoes from Double L Tack and can opt to sign up for any of our lesson programs.
Participation Requirements
- Participants need to be at least 4 years old
- Participants should be under 200 pounds and in good physical health
- Participants will need to wear sturdy, completely closed, secure shoes and long, comfortable fitting pants. There is NO EXCEPTION. Students who show up improperly dressed will not be allowed to participate and will still be obligated for their class fee.
- Participants (or their legal guardian) will need to have completed and signed release of liability waivers in order to participate.
- While guests of participants are allowed (as spectators), non-paying guests (parents, siblings, spouses, friends) will not be allowed to participate in the class for liability issues and to respect paying participants.
Fee / Payment
The fee for this class is $30.00 per individual participant, or $50.00 for two that sign up together via our on-line RSVP. *There is no obligation or administration fee with this class. Please contact us for rates / booking of larger private groups (privately booked groups such as civic groups, team building, birthday group, scout group etc can have additional time for a question & answer session and/or packed-in picnic type lunch).
*Compared this class fee (obligation) to Pony School and Parent, Pony & Me class, which require a $30.00 administration/sign up fee, and the purchase of a riding helmet ($45-$60), purchase of proper riding shoes, plus cost of first class session.