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riding lessons
From: enigma
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 12:26:09 +0000 (UTC)
Boo (6 in August) wants to start horse riding lessons this summer. so... what questions do i need to ask the instructor/stable? i tried to get him into theraputic riding last year, but the wait list is miles long & starts over every 3 months.lee-- If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise offighting a foreign enemy. -James Madison, fourth US president (1751-1836)
From: Clisby
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 13:05:45 GMT
enigma wrote:> Boo (6 in August) wants to start horse riding lessons this > summer. so... what questions do i need to ask the > instructor/stable?> i tried to get him into theraputic riding last year, but the > wait list is miles long & starts over every 3 months.> lee There are people on this newsgroup who know a lot more about horses than I do, so listen to them first. My daughter took riding lessons for a couple of years when we lived in Atlanta. I knew the people who ran the stable and liked the way they operated, so I didn't look around for other options. However, a few things I would ask: - Do they have a fair number of younger students? I know Boo has at least sensory issues, but really, a lot of 5- and 6-year-old can be a little unpredictable around horses, from what I've seen. If the instructors are used to dealing with little kids who are new to horses, that's a big plus, to me. - Do they emphasize showing horses (this stable didn't)? Some of the stables in Atlanta, as best I could tell, emphasize dressage and show preparation; I wasn't interested in that. - I'm assuming any reputable stable will require helmets; however, the stable where my daughter took lessons required helmets any time a child was doing anything with the horses - not just riding. If a child was grooming a horse, feeding a horse, walking a horse back to the stall - the helmet had to be on. Given the horse:child size ratio, I'd want this rule. - When my daughter took lessons, the lessons included not just riding, but care of the horses. I liked that, because I didn't want her to get the idea a horse is just a big warmblooded motorcycle you hop on and ride, and then leave. I know there were other stables that did this, so maybe it's typical to teach horse care along with riding. So much for ideas from someone relatively ignorant of horses. Clisby
From: "xkatx"
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 15:04:23 GMT
"Clisby" wrote in message news:JC25g.14427$i41.8804@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...>>> enigma wrote:>> Boo (6 in August) wants to start horse riding lessons this summer. so... >> what questions do i need to ask the instructor/stable?>> i tried to get him into theraputic riding last year, but the wait list >> is miles long & starts over every 3 months.>> lee>> There are people on this newsgroup who know a lot more about horses than I > do, so listen to them first.>> My daughter took riding lessons for a couple of years when we lived in > Atlanta. I knew the people who ran the stable and liked the way they > operated, so I didn't look around for other options. However, a few > things I would ask:>> - Do they have a fair number of younger students? I know Boo has at least > sensory issues, but really, a lot of 5- and 6-year-old can be a little > unpredictable around horses, from what I've seen. If the instructors are > used to dealing with little kids who are new to horses, that's a big plus, > to me.>> - Do they emphasize showing horses (this stable didn't)? Some of the > stables in Atlanta, as best I could tell, emphasize dressage and show > preparation; I wasn't interested in that.>> - I'm assuming any reputable stable will require helmets; however, the > stable where my daughter took lessons required helmets any time a child > was doing anything with the horses - not just riding. If a child was > grooming a horse, feeding a horse, walking a horse back to the stall - the > helmet had to be on. Given the horse:child size ratio, I'd want this > rule.>> - When my daughter took lessons, the lessons included not just riding, but > care of the horses. I liked that, because I didn't want her to get the > idea a horse is just a big warmblooded motorcycle you hop on and ride, and > then leave. I know there were other stables that did this, so maybe > it's typical to teach horse care along with riding.>> So much for ideas from someone relatively ignorant of horses.>> Clisby I think those are all excellent questions to ask...I'd also ask directly about their horses... Their ages and breeds and temperaments. Do they have horses that are mature and have been ridden by younger children or inexperienced riders in general? I, personally, would not want to put my child on or near a horse that is not used to being around young children - or even older people who are inexperienced. I would ask how long they've been running their ranch or stable and do they maybe have references?Another thing that's been with my own experience is individual horses... A horse that you have kind of as your own. One horse you ride and care for. Not sure if every place does this, but I liked this idea of a person taking on one horse, rather than jumping around from horse to horse every other day, especially for someone new to riding. It allows the rider and the horse to become familiar with one another.I dunno anything else. No other suggestions first thing in the morning ;) I'm sure others will have some good advice!
From: "Cathy Kearns"
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:13:51 GMT
In a newsgroup who readers seem to agree that anything you can do to makeyour child safer is worth it, I hesitate to post anything about horses.Despite helmets, boots, and bomb-proof horses there are safer endeavors... "enigma" wrote in messagenews:Xns97B555CFD8BE5enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...> Boo (6 in August) wants to start horse riding lessons this> summer. so... what questions do i need to ask the> instructor/stable?> i tried to get him into theraputic riding last year, but the> wait list is miles long & starts over every 3 months. From this question I'm wondering if you are looking for regular ridinglessons or a special theaputic program? My answers only refers to a regularprogram My daughter has been riding since the summer she turned six. She begged andbegged to ride, which I thought was odd since she was afraid of dogs, butokay. I found that most barns have minimum age limits, and for most barnsin my area, that age limit was 8 years old. So when I found one that wouldaccept a 5 year old I knew at least they must have experience with littlekids, and they did. So, look for barns that have toddler, pre-schooler getto know riding lessons. They have the bomb-proof horses and the patientteachers that understand both the horses and the extreme beginner child.Then go to the barn and watch. If you don't feel comfortable at the barn,look for another barn. You are going to be spending lots of time here, withbeautiful animals that on their best days can be still be spooked bysomething weird and uncharacteristically act up. Make sure you trust thesafety precautions the barn has in place. Take this time to talk to theparents hanging around, and watch the instructors. Here you can get someidea of what instructors might be good for your child. Some kids respondbetter to being pushed. Some respond better to teacher that let them go attheir own pace. Some respond better to teachers who coddle, at least at thebeginning. Find the teacher that works best for Boo. Then book a lessonwith that instructor, and let the instructor pick the proper horse. At thisage it is by far best to have private lessons, where the instructor is fullyfocused on your child. Note that some barns that do not advertisetheraputic riding may have instructors that have experience in theraputicriding. When you find a barn you like you can ask if they have someoneexperience in this. You can book lessons that teach horse care, or riding only lessons. I'm notsure where Boo's interest lie, but you can go either way. I found camps,with daily lessons and one assigned horse that gets used to the little onesis the best place to learn horse care. Learning it once a week doesn't holdtheir interest as well, and horses seem to remember little ones they sawyesterday, but maybe not last week. Some camps include group horse care,but private lessons for beginner (1 instructor per horse). These type ofday camps might work for your son. At this point my daughter is a juniorcounselor at these types of camps. They last half a day and include riding(she does not teach riding...they need more experience) horse facts, horsehandling and care, and do horse art.
From: "xkatx"
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:31:20 GMT
"Cathy Kearns" wrote in message news:3n55g.64110$_S7.38384@newssvr14.news.prodigy.com...> In a newsgroup who readers seem to agree that anything you can do to make> your child safer is worth it, I hesitate to post anything about horses.> Despite helmets, boots, and bomb-proof horses there are safer endeavors... Haha I think I do see your point, but that above reminded me of Finding Nemo when the dad tells nemo to go play on the sponges ;) > "enigma" wrote in message> news:Xns97B555CFD8BE5enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...>> Boo (6 in August) wants to start horse riding lessons this>> summer. so... what questions do i need to ask the>> instructor/stable?>> i tried to get him into theraputic riding last year, but the>> wait list is miles long & starts over every 3 months.>> From this question I'm wondering if you are looking for regular riding> lessons or a special theaputic program? My answers only refers to a > regular> program>> My daughter has been riding since the summer she turned six. She begged > and> begged to ride, which I thought was odd since she was afraid of dogs, but> okay. I found that most barns have minimum age limits, and for most barns> in my area, that age limit was 8 years old. So when I found one that > would> accept a 5 year old I knew at least they must have experience with little> kids, and they did. So, look for barns that have toddler, pre-schooler > get> to know riding lessons. They have the bomb-proof horses and the patient> teachers that understand both the horses and the extreme beginner child.> Then go to the barn and watch. If you don't feel comfortable at the barn,> look for another barn. You are going to be spending lots of time here, > with> beautiful animals that on their best days can be still be spooked by> something weird and uncharacteristically act up. Make sure you trust the> safety precautions the barn has in place. Take this time to talk to the> parents hanging around, and watch the instructors. Here you can get some> idea of what instructors might be good for your child. Some kids respond> better to being pushed. Some respond better to teacher that let them go > at> their own pace. Some respond better to teachers who coddle, at least at > the> beginning. Find the teacher that works best for Boo. Then book a lesson> with that instructor, and let the instructor pick the proper horse. At > this> age it is by far best to have private lessons, where the instructor is > fully> focused on your child. Note that some barns that do not advertise> theraputic riding may have instructors that have experience in theraputic> riding. When you find a barn you like you can ask if they have someone> experience in this.>> You can book lessons that teach horse care, or riding only lessons. I'm > not> sure where Boo's interest lie, but you can go either way. I found camps,> with daily lessons and one assigned horse that gets used to the little > ones> is the best place to learn horse care. Learning it once a week doesn't > hold> their interest as well, and horses seem to remember little ones they saw> yesterday, but maybe not last week. Some camps include group horse care,> but private lessons for beginner (1 instructor per horse). These type of> day camps might work for your son. At this point my daughter is a junior> counselor at these types of camps. They last half a day and include > riding> (she does not teach riding...they need more experience) horse facts, horse> handling and care, and do horse art.>>>>>>
From: enigma
Date: Mon, 1 May 2006 00:41:40 +0000 (UTC)
"Cathy Kearns" wrote innews:3n55g.64110$_S7.38384@newssvr14.news.prodigy.com: > In a newsgroup who readers seem to agree that anything you> can do to make your child safer is worth it, I hesitate to> post anything about horses. Despite helmets, boots, and> bomb-proof horses there are safer endeavors... well, yeah, but at least he's not asking for an ATV ;)actually, we're planning on getting a team of draft horses in the next year (there go my hay bills!), so i want him to have some experience around horses first. thanks for the tips. i have found a local place that runs a week long Pony Day Camp (8am-4pm) that includes horse care, tacking up, grooming & riding. one could sign up for multiple weeks as it runs from mid-June to the end of August. they also do private lessons. i'll have to take him along when i check it out though. since he does have sensory issues, i need to see how the instructors deal with things like that.lee-- If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise offighting a foreign enemy. -James Madison, fourth US president (1751-1836)
From: "dejablues"
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 19:01:51 GMT
"enigma" wrote in messagenews:Xns97B555CFD8BE5enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...> Boo (6 in August) wants to start horse riding lessons this> summer. so... what questions do i need to ask the> instructor/stable? Ask if they have insurance? I dunno. Go watch a few lessons if you can. Some only offer group lessons for youngerriders, individual lessons for older riders who seem really serious aboutit. I think my parents just took me to the stable that was closest - theyhad a summer pony camp program. I took riding lessons from age 7 and as a teenager I later gave lessons onmy outgrown pony. I had four students. It was great. I begean teaching myson and two nieces to ride last year but we had to stop for severalreasons - I hope to start them again soon.
From: enigma
Date: Mon, 1 May 2006 00:45:31 +0000 (UTC)
"dejablues" wrote innews:zQ75g.7901$t_2.176@trnddc07: > > "enigma" wrote in message> news:Xns97B555CFD8BE5enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...>> Boo (6 in August) wants to start horse riding lessons this>> summer. so... what questions do i need to ask the>> instructor/stable?> > Ask if they have insurance? I dunno. NH has a stable indemnity law. you ride at your own risk. > Go watch a few lessons if you can. Some only offer group> lessons for younger riders, individual lessons for older> riders who seem really serious about it. I think my parents> just took me to the stable that was closest - they had a> summer pony camp program. i found one of those (pony camp). i think he'd do better with private instruction though. he doesn't deal well with large groups. > I took riding lessons from age 7 and as a teenager I later> gave lessons on my outgrown pony. I had four students. It> was great. I begean teaching my son and two nieces to ride> last year but we had to stop for several reasons - I hope> to start them again soon. he's wanted a horse since he was 2. he's managed to pick the Kentucky Derby winner for the past 3 years, too...lee-- If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise offighting a foreign enemy. -James Madison, fourth US president (1751-1836)
From: Rosalie B.
Date: Mon, 01 May 2006 01:05:16 GMT
Check to see what they require in terms of helmets. They should notlet the kids on the horses without one. Buy him one so he has hisown. If by chance he does have a fall, you need to get another one. Ideally he should wear boots to ride - ankle type boots are OK and aremore suitable for children anyway. They should have a heel and hardsoles. No trainers/sneakers. I don't remember exactly what problems Boo has - if any - and I can'tremember where you live (sorry) but I myself would look for aninstructor affiliated with Pony Club. Actually I'd want him to joinPC and get instruction through them. White Mountain Region PONY CLUB DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS (like a troop leader) ASHUELOT RIVER PONY CLUB DC Linda Kinson765 Roxbury RdKeene, NH 03431603-352-7064LJKinson@yahoo.com FROG ROCK PONY CLUB DC Elizabeth Aksten41 Thornton RdNew Boston, NH 03070603-487-5009eaksten@aol.com JT DC Helyn Rae301 North Stark HighwayWeare NH 03263603-529-0387hkray2@comcast.net GILMANTON PONY CLUBGPC Webpage Teach to Teach:Jennie D3Siobhan D3Stephanie D2Allison D3 (unmounted) DC Karen Smith17 Ingalls RoadPittsfield NH 03263603-435-8139horseplay@metrocast.net MEADOWBROOKTeach to Teach:Hope D3 DC Wendy Creager55 Upper Forest StBrattleboro, VT802-257-2412meadowbrookponyclub@verizon.net MONADNOCK PONY CLUBTeach to Teach:Megan D-3Whitney D-3 DC Kathy Blaudschun86 Old Stoddard RdNelson, NH603-847-9082blaudschuns@cheshire.net JT DC Winston (Bud) French102 Center Pond RoadNelson, NH 03457Home 603-847-3276Cell 603-547-5934 MT KEARSARGE PONY CLUBTeach to Teach:Kimber D-3Abby D3 DC Cathy Aranosian5 Poverty Plains RoadWarner, NH 03278603-456-2392Cathf28@aol.com JT DCTim Grass180 Old County RoadDeering, NH 03244(603) 464-2774grasspack@aol.com MT WASHINGTON PONY CLUB DC Holly Cook327 Dale RdCtr. Sandwich, NH 03227603-284-6981wmilbury@fcgnetworks.net JT DC Leslie Bensinger51 Baxter RoadHollis NH 03049-5943603-465-6227Leslie@dunroaminfarm.com NORTH COUNTRY PONY CLUBwww.northcountry.ponyclub.orgTeach to Teach:Anna C-1Rachel D-3Gillian C-1 Horsemasters Club!http://nchorsemasters.ponyclub.org DC Melanie Loschiavo191 Chase Hollow Rd.Bradford, VT 05033802-439-5120loschiav@tops-tele.com JT DC's Jane Jackson442 Chamberlin RdE Ryegate, VT 05042802-633-4055jeaa@kingcon.com Ann ClaflinRR1 Box 440Bradford, VT 05033802-222-4512aclaflin@localnet.com ON THE BIT PONY CLUB OTBPC WEBSITETeach to Teach:Ashley C-2Elizabeth C-2Mariah C-1Mackenzie D3 DC Catherine Anderson128 May StreetCanaan, NH 03741603-632-7329kalinda.morgans@verizon.net JT DC Stacey GallienPO Box 722Grantham, NH 03753603-863-9805tuckaway@hotmail.com PASSACONAWAY PONY CLUBPassaconaway WebpageTeach to Teach:Korie C-2Abby C-1Leah D-2Ila C-1 DC Brenda Selinga236 Coleman RdAuburn, NH 03032603-483-2863Fax 603-537-1037shs75@comcast.net JT DC Elena Boissoneau(603) 487-3282laneymcbee@msn.com PEMI VALLEY PONY CLUBTeach to Teach:Tatyana D3 DC Tish HoytPO Box 908Campton, NH 03223(603) 726-4698tcubed@verizon.net JT DC Edna Miller37 Binks Hill RoadPlymouth NH 03264603-536-5122emiller@plymouth.sau48.k12.nh.us SHAKER VALLEY PONY CLUBTeach to Teach:Phoebe D-3Mary Adelaide C1 DC Sarah (Sally) Herbert203 Dogford RdEtna, NH 03750603-643-9303dogfordrd@aol.com JT DCTim Herbert203 Dogford RdEtna, NH 03750603-643-9303dogfordrd@aol.com SOUHEGAN PONY CLUBTeach to Teach:Ashley C-3Britta C-2(unmounted only) DCJessica Adcock407 Old Ashby RoadMason, NH 03048603-878-1661JessYRHA@msn.com grandma Rosalie
From: enigma
Date: Mon, 1 May 2006 01:52:35 +0000 (UTC)
Rosalie B. wrote innews:hima52tlqfvuas1dc2fqo46ec9h7efv7lj@4ax.com: > > Check to see what they require in terms of helmets. They> should not let the kids on the horses without one. Buy him> one so he has his own. If by chance he does have a fall,> you need to get another one. oh, i know! i hope he's not as hard to fit as i am. i need a weird size long oval helmet :p > Ideally he should wear boots to ride - ankle type boots are> OK and are more suitable for children anyway. They should> have a heel and hard soles. No trainers/sneakers. yup, so they don't slip through the stirrup. he has cowboy boots. > I don't remember exactly what problems Boo has - if any -> and I can't remember where you live (sorry) but I myself> would look for an instructor affiliated with Pony Club. > Actually I'd want him to join PC and get instruction> through them. sensory integration disorder, both sensory seeking and sensory avoiding. high functioning autism. some dyspraxia. does Pony Club take almost 6 year olds? the stable i saw in Candia (not on your list) says they have Pony Club for ages 7+ from the list, Pittsfield & Auburn are relatively close, so i'll give them a call. thanks!lee-- If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise offighting a foreign enemy. -James Madison, fourth US president (1751-1836)
From: Rosalie B.
Date: Mon, 01 May 2006 04:36:49 GMT
enigma wrote:>Rosalie B. wrote in>news:hima52tlqfvuas1dc2fqo46ec9h7efv7lj@4ax.com: >>> Check to see what they require in terms of helmets. They>> should not let the kids on the horses without one. Buy him>> one so he has his own. If by chance he does have a fall,>> you need to get another one. >> oh, i know! i hope he's not as hard to fit as i am. i need a >weird size long oval helmet :p > >> Ideally he should wear boots to ride - ankle type boots are>> OK and are more suitable for children anyway. They should>> have a heel and hard soles. No trainers/sneakers. >> yup, so they don't slip through the stirrup. he has cowboy >boots.>I had a kid in my 6th grade homeroom (when I was a teacher) whosemother said that they tied her son's feet to the stirrups and that thesaddle slipped and he was dragged. I was horrified. >> I don't remember exactly what problems Boo has - if any ->> and I can't remember where you live (sorry) but I myself>> would look for an instructor affiliated with Pony Club. >> Actually I'd want him to join PC and get instruction>> through them. >> sensory integration disorder, both sensory seeking and >sensory avoiding. high functioning autism. some dyspraxia. I'm not sure exactly what all those things are, except it looks likehe's sensitive to stuff that other people might not mind (?). I'dwant to have private lessons then maybe?? And if it was possible, I'dwant grooming and catching the horse etc included if possible - notjust have the pony presented, hop on and ride. > does Pony Club take almost 6 year olds? the stable i saw in >Candia (not on your list) says they have Pony Club for ages 7+ I don't know that PC itself has any rules about age. When my kidsstarted, the oldest one was about 15 - we didn't have a local club andthen two of them were started at the same time. So my youngest wasabout 5 then. 4H had minimum ages, but I didn't think PC did. From the national website >Club Membership>It is the policy of USPC to admit as local club>members all interested young persons who comply>with the requirements for membership regardless of>race, color, gender, religion, or national origin. In>order to become a member of a club or to maintain>membership status, each individual must pay>annual club, regional and national dues, as well as>the annual insurance premium. Each club may set a>minimum age for joining if it so desires, but no>person may remain a member of a club after>December 31 of the year of his or her 21st birthday.>Dues and fees are non-refundable. In any case, what I was recommending was that you take lessons fromsomeone who was a Pony Club person - perhaps an older B or HA ratedteen, or someone who was a PC instructor. And you might also checkinto Therapeutic Riding. We got our first pony when my oldest was 14, and dd#3 leased a cartpony. She was 7 then, and she got her own pony when she was 9. DSwasn't as interested, and he also leased ponies - I know he was inleadline when he was 4. The only problem for us was the younger onescouldn't catch and tack up their ponies by themselves because theywere too little to be able to put the saddle up on the pony's back.But since the oldest was old enough, the older ones helped the youngerones. When DS was taking one of the early D ratings, they asked himwhat the saddle flap was called, and he said it was a "blouse". (Heremembered it was some article of girl's clothing - he just had thewrong one[the correct answer was 'skirt']). > from the list, Pittsfield & Auburn are relatively close, so >i'll give them a call. thanks!>lee grandma Rosalie
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