Q: Why should I ride? What are its benefits?

A: Horseback riding is great for the body. Riding works with several muscle groups while giving you that much-needed stress relief. It is not only good for the heart, but it is good for the soul and mind. It also has a therapeutic value as it improves mind and body coordination. It adds years to our lives. For those that like being with nature on a beautiful day and enjoy a warm spring breeze, then horseback riding is for you. From working those muscles, building your cardio and simply enjoying life; the benefits of horseback riding are priceless.

 

Q: How do I get started? 

A: Come for an Introductory Lesson -  You will then have a chance to see the facility and meet some of the staff as well as a few school horses before making any decisions.

 

Q: How often do I need to ride?

A: For Regular riders, typically we recommend that you ride at least twice a week. In case you are aiming at competing, or want to hone your skills faster, three or four a week is ideal. Die-hard riders ride every day.

 

Q: How long is a lesson?

A: A lesson lasts for 40 min. 

 

Q: How long does it take to learn to ride?

A: Riding is a sport that combines balance, fitness, mental strength and bonding with a horse. Different people have different learning curves so its really difficult to give a number. Still, on an average, a beginner needs roughly 7 to 12 lessons to learn how to control a horse in a trot and an additional 15 to 20 lessons to learn to canter.

 

Q: Will I need to supply my own horse or equipment?

A: No, we supply you with a well-trained lesson horse and all the required tack and equipment.  Some of our students like to
purchase their own stirrup leathers and irons to ride in.

 

Q: How safe is horse-riding?
A: Very safe, Statistically you have a greater chance of falling in the bathroom than off a horse. But we at Equestrian Sports Academy have a commitment to safety. Our horses are selected on the basis of their temperament and are further trained to be ‘rider-friendly’. All riders are given horses suited to their level only and wearing riding helmets is compulsory.

 

Q: I don’t have a riding helmet! What do I do?

A: Don’t worry. We provide helmets to all our riders. If you have your own helmet you are welcome to bring it. We also supply riding equipment if given advance notice.

 

Q: What is the best thing to wear while riding?

A: For the Introductory Lesson all you need are jeans, close-toed leather shoes with a flat sole. Ideally, riding breeches and boots with a fitting T-shirt (so that the instructor is able to easily gauge and correct your posture). Gentlemen are requested to wear athletic supporters and ladies should wear sports bras. If you don’t have breeches and/or boots please wear high waist close fitting full-length trousers or jeans and close-toed leather shoes with a distinct heel.

 

Q: Are helmets required?
A: Yes, ASTM/SEI helmets are required.  You will be required to have a properly fitted ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet.
 

Q: Can I ride in tennis shoes?
A: No, even though tennis shoes and other closed toed shoes seem like they would protect your foot, they are not suitable for riding.

 

LESSONS
 

Q: What is the Introductory Lesson?

A: The Introductory Lesson gives you an opportunity to see the facility and meet some of the staff and a few school horses before you pay for lessons.  There is no registration, but there are a limited amount of spots open. Riders must have closed-toed shoe and pants.  If you do not have a helmet, we can provide one for the lesson. The instructor will cover some of the rules for being around horses as well as a safety check. Individuals with little to no experience will then mount onto a safe beginner horse that will be lead around. You will then be taught the basic horse riding. You may even trot a little. Individuals with riding experience will be separated into a different group where you will walk, trot, and if you are ready, canter. You will also be asked to demonstrate the posting trot, jump position, and sitting trot. The Instructor may also have you go over a small jump.
 

Q: I’ve never ridden before, is that OK?

A: Yes, this is perfectly fine. We take riders of all levels, from beginner through advanced. Everyone has to start somewhere.
 

Q: What should I expect for my first, ever horseback riding lesson?

A: Lots of excitement! You will be nervous, excited, giddy, and maybe even a little fearful. This is normal. You will arrive 15 minutes early to check in. You will be greeted with a smile and shown where your horse is located. Someone will teach you how to bridle your horse and will help you to the ring. The Instructor will introduce themselves and the rest of the class and show you how to adjust your stirrups and tighten your girth. They will then help you mount and finish adjusting your stirrups. You will learn the basics of riding; just like the Introductory Lesson. You will practice this throughout the lesson. In the end, the instructor will bring everyone to the center and talk about what you have learned, what you will work on next week, and some of the upcoming events. They will then help you dismount. You will return and unbridle your horse. You are finished and will have a big smile on your face. We can’t wait to see you again next week!
 

Q: What will I learn in the 1st 8 classes?

A: What is covered in the 8 classes depends in large part on the group. By the end of the 1st 8 classes, most can post the trot in a group, go over trotting poles and a small cross-rail in 2-point, and have cantered one at a time in 2-point a few times.

 

Q: Do I get to trot in the 1st lesson? How long before I get to canter? When do I get to jump?

A: Yes, all of our beginner students will trot in their 1st lesson; usually from point “A” to point “B”. After learning how to post, they will then be introduced to the 2-point position for jumping and their 1st canter. Most of the students will jump a small cross-rail and do their 1st canter by the end of their 1st 8 classes.
 

Q: How are the classes divided? Will I be with other riders at my level or age?

A: We do separate the classes by age and ability. 5 - 7-year-olds are placed into our Pony Pal classes. The parents will learn how to lead. It is a great bonding time for parent and child. Once they reach the age of 8, they will be placed in our “children’s” classes. The ages range from 8 to 16. The adults are placed in their own groups. We also separate the groups by level. The levels are beginner (C/A1 or C/A1+), intermediate (C/A2 or C/A2+), advanced (C/A3 or C/A3+).
 

Q: What is the starting age for lessons? Should I let my 5-year-old do lessons? Am I too old to start learning how to ride?

A: We offer lessons for 5 – 105. The younger riders (5 - 7) will be placed into Pony Pal classes where their parent will be taught to lead them. We also have several mature adults (young at heart) who also start riding later in life. It is never too late to start. Most people ride to relax and relieve stress. Come add years to your life!

 

Q: Will my child ride a horse or pony?

A: We frequently use ponies and small horses for our Pony Pal riders, but the size of the horse is not necessarily an indicator of how well behaved the horse is. We prefer a sweet temperament, using slow and calm horses for our beginner riders.