“Look back at our struggle for freedom,
Trace our present day’s strength to its source;
And you'll find man’s pathway to glory
Is strewn with the bones of a horse.”~Anonymous.

A Little History and Insight on the Horse World

~ The last 100 years ~

Few of us alive today can remember the times when all commerce was served by the horse over land and by ships over sea. Yet until less than a hundred years ago, before machines were invented, the horse was man’s great partner. To understand how important the horse was in the world up until then, you would have to imagine removing the oil supply from today’s world and watch the effect it would have on our lives and world trade. Horses were the very oil of commerce and the tools of war. Until after the First World War, when they were progressively abandoned, as machines took their place throughout the developing countries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Riding Lessons

1. What is the value in learning to ride?
2. How much exercise will I get?
3. How long does it take to learn to ride?
4. When can my child start riding lessons?
5. How much does it cost?
6. What equipment do I need?
7. What about falling off?
8. Should I buy my own horse?
9. What should I consider if I buy my own horse?

What is the value in learning to ride?

Apart from sheer enjoyment, we can see great value in learning to ride in our present society because the qualities that a rider must develop are timeless. They are the same as those learnt by children in ancient Greece or Rome long before Jesus Christ was born. A fine rider in any era must develop such qualities as an attentive and patient nature, feeling and consideration for the horse, yet their determination and courage will also be stretched to it’s limits from time to time. Finally, riders must learn to communicate without words, in a universal language of feeling and touch, before the horse will do their bidding. All these would seem to be qualities essential for those wishing to succeed in any century.

It was once said;

“Better to give a Prince a good horse than jewels, power, or riches, for a horse will not recognize the Prince for anything other than a man. By the time the Prince has developed the qualities which make him a fine rider, The horse will have made of him, a King among men.”

Like many other sports, horseback riding gives many people a strong sense of self-confidence and accomplishment. For kids, learning to care for and tend to a horse helps develop a sense of responsibility; riding will teach them the meaning of commitment. Adults benefit from the exercise (without having to go to a boring gym) and escape from their usually hectic schedule.

How much exercise will I get?

According to Johanna Harris, publisher of the Equestrian Athlete, calories burned by equestrian activities are:

 How long does it take to learn to ride?

Riding is a lifelong lesson that continues to grow and change. Your goals and natural ability will determine how quickly or slowly you accomplish certain aspects of riding. Discussing goals with your riding instructor is very important at the beginning. This will help your instructor design a lesson program for you. However, we all hope that the learning never stops!

When can my child start riding lessons?

Six to seven years of age is generally the youngest acceptable age to start. Although many stables don’t accept children under the age of 10. You child should have:

• The desire to ride.
• Muscle strength to hold the proper position in the saddle.
• The balance to remain on the horse.
• The ability to understand instructions and follow directions.
• Sufficient attention span for instruction.
• Neck muscles strong enough to support fitted, approved protective headgear.

Because riding comes with a great deal of responsibility, children shouldn't start until they are ready to learn how to groom and care for the horse. Emotional maturity is just as important as physical development.

How much does it cost?

Our lessons range in cost anywhere from $20 to $45 depending on the length of time and use of horses. There are also discount packages for those that are interested in buying monthly blocks of lessons.

What equipment do I need?

When it is time to purchase riding equipment, look to your instructor for guidance. There are many fancy riding outfits available, but most students, especially beginners, will do fine wearing comfortable pants and a shirt. Every beginning student needs a safety-approved helmet and good boots with a sufficient heel. A safety helmet can be purchased for around $30 - $100 depending on how fancy you want to get. Make sure your helmet meets current ASTM standards and is SEI certified. The instructor should provide all the other supplies you will need for beginner lessons, such as a saddle, bridle, etc.

What about falling off?

Some people say the hardest part about learning to ride is the ground! Falling is definitely a concern for many prospective students. Thanks to modern safety equipment, severe injuries are relatively uncommon. When students are just starting out, falling off the horse is a reality they will have to face. Many people never fall off, but you should be prepared for an occasional bump or scrape. A recent study of 121,274 horse-related injuries treated at hospital emergency rooms, revealed that only 1% occurred at a riding school facility. Many instructors teach beginner-riders how to fall correctly and safely, so if the student “falls off” they do so in as safe and non-harmful a way as possible.

Should I buy my own horse?

It is not necessary to own a horse to get full enjoyment out of riding. Families who live in the city or in subdivisions, simply don’t have room to keep a horse on their property. Boarding a horse a stable can cost more than many people can afford. Besides owning a horse, there are other ways for people to have access to horses and riding equipment. Enrolling in a lesson program that offers occasional trail rides and other activities is the least expensive. Many stables will allow students to ride in exchange for helping out at the barns, something many students are eager to do. Leasing is another option. Larger stables will have lease horses available for people who aren't sure about committing to purchasing a horse.

What should I consider if I buy my own horse?

1. Match the skill levels of horse and rider: an inexperienced rider needs a more forgiving horse. Experienced riders are better able to handle a more spirited horse, or a “green” (not fully trained) horse.
2. Know good horsemanship: the best way to learn is to take lessons from the best instructor you can find.
3. Determine the riders goals: do you want a trail horse or performance horse, etc.
4. Determine you price range: experienced riders can save money by buying a young horse and training it. Do not consider a green horse for a green rider!
5. Ask lots of questions of the right people: get opinions of a prospective horse from knowledgeable people you trust, other than the seller.
6. Choose the right breed: again, the advice of trusted, knowledgeable people is invaluable.
7. Avoid auctions: they are often dumping grounds for problem horses.
8. Get experienced help in evaluating the horse: have a trusted, experienced rider check out all aspects of tacking and riding your prospective horse.
9. Visit our local horse rescue! They may have a horse that is right for you and needs a good home.