Children - please
note for insurance purposes we are not allowed to take children
under 4 years of age. There are 3 ways for children to start
1. If a child is 8 or under and
has not been on a horse before. We recommend a few "private
lead rein lessons" - they take place on a "one to one"
basis and teach the child how to sit, hold the reins and ensure
they are quite happy with the movement of the horse.
2. - Three times a week we hold
special lead rein group lessons for children. These are 1 hr lessons,
conducted by a qualified instructor, the aim of these lessons
is to teach the child how to safely steer, walk, trot and stop
so that they can then join a normal child's group lesson. To keep
the cost down we ask that a friend or parent helps with the lesson
- These lessons take place 5.30pm Thursday, 2pm Saturday, 9.30am
Sunday
3. A 30 minute private lesson
with a student teacher for a child, or a 45 minute private lesson
with a junior trainer for an adult - These can be semi private
lessons for up to 3 adults as beginners
Adults - A 30 minute private
lesson with a student teacher or a 45 minute private lesson with
a junior trainer. These can be semi private lessons for up to
3 adults as beginners
Normal group lessons are
held throughout the week. They are run at different levels, but
a client cannot ride in a normal group lesson until they can walk
trot, stop and steer safely - they must also have a private assessment
lesson to decide which group would suit them best.
Clothing required
Hat -Should be of the latest standard.(Currently BS EN 1384
or PAS 015)- Should be in good condition.- In most cases can be
provided by the centre, however riders taking up riding on a regular
basis are advised to buy their own.
Gloves -Should be well fitting and comfortable.
Boots -Should be well fitting and in good repair.- Strong
shoes will do, but trainers or wellingtons with a thick tread
which may wedge in the stirrup are unsafe.
Jodphurs-Or breeches make riding more comfortable but can
easily be replaced with trousers so long as they are not too loose
or restrictive in any way.
Coat -Necessary in cold weather but active. Riding is usually
warm work!What ever is on the upper body should not be loose and
flapping, and should not be restrictive.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR
The person teaching you to ride is a crucial part of your progress,
and therefore it is vitally important that you and your instructor
maintain a good working relationship.
Always be prepared to discuss your objectives, your aims and your
ambitions with your instructor.
It is vital that you trust your instructor, and that the two of
you can communicate. Always be prepared to discuss problems that
may arise.
If you feel that you may benefit from some time with an alternative
instructor, never be afraid to say so. All professional instructors
are prepared to discuss and help with this situation.
HORSE SPEAK - Horse - An
equine over 14.2 hands high. Pony - An equine 14.2 hands high
or less.
Hand - 4 inches or 10 centimetres.(Horses & ponies are measured
at the base of the neck.)
Bridle - Worn by the horse on
his head when ridden.
Bit - Part of the bridle in the horses mouth.
Saddle - What the rider sits on, on the horses back.
Girth - Holds the saddle on.
Stirrups - Where riders put their feet.
Leathers-Hold the stirrups on the saddle.
Boots - Protection often worn on the horses legs.
Tack - The general name for all of the above.
