FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to my lesson?

Long pants (no crop pants, or shorts), tucked in shirt, hard soled boots or shoes with a heel, and an ASTM/SEI helmet for your lessons. You MUST have an ASTM/SEI helmet. I do not provide helmets for health reasons.

Any footware with a heel and a Rigid sole may be worn while riding, so long as the heel is about one inch in size. You will eventually want to purchase riding pants and boots. Two boot options are acceptable for lessons: tall leather boots, or paddock boots with half chaps. Do not purchase rubber boots as they are unsafe, and do not allow the ankle to flex properly.

Winter Riding

Like any winter athletic activity, dress in layers that may be removed as you heat up, as well as winter weight boots and gloves.

Do I just ride or can I help to take care of my horse?

My philosophy of teaching is that I am building all around horsemen. Part of the benefit of working with horses is the time spent not riding them. Time spent caring for the horse and the tack can be both meditative and social. You will also learn a lot more about the horse.

How long is each lesson?

For new students, 1 1/2 hour private lessons are recommended until they get both knowledgeable and comfortable in fetching, grooming, and tacking up their horse. That lesson time includes how to read and react to the horse’s behavior, safety, grooming techniques, and how to correctly position the saddle and bridle. After this period, lessons are 1 hour (or longer by prior agreement). Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled lesson time for fetching your horse, grooming and tacking up. Remember, this is your time to relax with your horse.

Time at the barn

Plan to spend about two hours at the barn. Students should plan on 30 minutes prior to their lesson to tack up, an hour to ride, and 30 minutes after their ride to put away their horse and clean the equipment used.

Cancellation policy

Students who cancel lessons with less than 24 hour notice will be charged for the missed lesson. Students who do not keep a regular riding schedule or repeatedly cancel lessons may lose their preferred riding time.

Inclement weather

During the winter season, if the weather is bad, please call to confirm that lessons are still being held. Please do not assume that your lesson is cancelled. I do not conduct lessons if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not good for either horse or rider. If this is the case, you will be called regarding lesson cancellation and no charge will be incurred.