(Updated 8/12/10) LESSON AVAILABILITY: OPEN
May I stop by/come for a tour?
As THEC is a private facility, please contact us for a tour time. Amara is happy to schedule a time where she or an employee will be available to meet you.
What days/times may I take lessons?
Though days can change, currently lessons in Spring/Summer scheduled group lessons are held during the week in the evenings (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday). In the Fall/Winter scheduled group lessons are held during the week in the evenings (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday). Year round occasional reschedules may happen due to horse shows, foxhunting and other fun barn events.
New students will be required to take a private lesson for evaluation/introduction to the barn. For riders with no or limited riding experience, several private lessons after the evaluation lesson may be required before the rider will allowed to join group lessons. These introduction lessons are scheduled in open slots or on weekends and are scheduled week by week. When the students basic riding skills are developed they will be moved into an appropriate group lesson. All students must be able to catch, groom and tack their horse on their own before they will be allowed to join groups. Younger students will need to be assisted by their parents.
How early should I arrive for my lesson?
New riders will be assisted with tacking until they are comfortable with the process. New riders (introductory lessons) will need to arrive at their scheduled lesson time until advised otherwise.
Riders that are familiar with the program and tacking should arrive 30 minutes prior to your lesson time to give you time to catch, groom and tack your horse. You will be expected to be tacked and ready to ride at your scheduled time. Late arrivals will still end at the scheduled time to keep from interfering with the other scheduled lessons.
How do I get into a group lesson?
For safety, all new students will be coached individually (private lessons) until their basic riding skills are developed. Riders with previous riding experience will also be required to take a private (evaluation) lesson to determine their experience level, and possibly several after that to learn barn routine. Riders are grouped by similar riding level and age.
- To be ready for a group lesson you must be able to:
- Safely catch & lead your horse from the pasture.
- Properly groom your horse including thoroughly picking out hooves.
- Be able to tack properly and safely.
- Be able to bridle correctly and without assistance.
- Ride in the arena safely with other riders.
How many riders are in a group lesson?
Group lessons are typically scheduled with 3-4 riders.
What do I need to wear/bring to riding class?
Riders are highly encouraged to wear breeches (these can be purchased for as low as $25 at many tack shops or online), but pants must be worn- shorts are not allowed. A full length shirt, boots with a 1/2" heal (no tennis shoes, high-heels or hiking boots with large tread). It is always encouraged to bring a drink such as water or Gatorade in the summer to stay hydrated or hot chocolate in the winter to stay warm. Riders are also highly encouraged to have their own riding helmet fitted (no bicycle helmets are allowed), however several helmets will be available to borrow.
How should I pay you?
Please pay BEFORE class by dropping a check (made out to Amara Packwood) in the box by the lesson tack room door. Cash may be left in an envelope with your name in the box or given to Amara.
You may also pay online before your lesson by following the "pay online" links on the left (you can sign up with 'paypal' to pay by echeck, debit or credit card).
STUDENTS/PARENTS need to be sure they are paid up OR paid in advance for lessons.
What kinds of things do I learn in lessons?
Lessons are adapted to fit the age and experience of the individual rider and geared towards their individual goals. In all cases safety is emphasized.
Riders are expected to know all aspects of horse care, at our barn you won't get to 'just ride'. You will learn to lead, groom, tack up, cool out your horse, clean your tack and care for your horse in a safe manner.
Can you walk me through a typical first lesson?
You will be given a tour of the barn and a general introduction to the tack we use. You will be asked to sign a hold harmless and then we will go to meet your lesson horse for the day. Amara, an advanced student or an employee will assist you with the grooming and tacking procedure, teaching you the names of the equipment and parts of the horse as well as all the reasons of 'why'. You will be properly fitted with a helmet and then go to the arena to mount up! For those new to riding, your first lesson you will be taught on a lounge line (a long rope that the instructor uses to hold the horse). After the lesson you will untack and groom your horse, then clean your bit, girth and sweep your tack stall. Then feed your lesson horse a few treats! Lots of picture opportunities.
Expect your first ride to take 45 mins to tack, 30 min to ride and another 30 minutes to put your horse away.
How far in advance can I book for my first lesson?
I typically will book no further then 2 weeks in advance when spots are open. However, at times I have a waiting list to start lessons in which case I will take students in order of the list as available. Please contact me to book or to get on the waiting list.
How long will I be at the barn?
Once you are familiar with the routine, expect 30 minutes to catch/tack your horse, 30 or 60 minutes of riding and another 20 minutes to untack your horse and clean up. Of course, there's no reason not to stick around after your lesson! You can learn a lot from watching other riders or helping with evening chores after lessons.
What opportunities are there outside of lessons?
Opportunities for students to ride in events outside of lessons vary greatly depending on the age, experience, ability, dedication and (for children) parental support. Opportunities include: horse shows from fun shows at the barn to local schooling shows and 'A' shows such as the American Royal, trail rides, foxhunting, and parades. Learning opportunities are endless from students being welcome to tag along to local horse sales (learn about breeds, confirmation, etc), clinics and barn trips to watch Grand Prix jumping. Don't forget the (kid friendly) barn parties!
How old does my child have to be to start riding lessons?
There is no set age for children to start riding as long as they have basic communication skills and motor skills. My recommendation is to wait until they are 6 and showing a great interest in riding & horse care, not just brushing and feeding. ADULT participation is REQUIRED for EVERY LESSON for young students- you will need to be there to learn with your child so that you can assist them in tacking when need be.
Is there an age limit on riding lessons?
Absolutely not, there is no such thing as being too old to ride! Please note however that there is a weight limit.
May I bring my own horse for lessons?
Yes, as long as your horse is approved to be safe for lessons. There is no haul in fee for lessons. You will be required to bring in a COPY of their coggins and proof of vaccinations. The copy of their coggins and proof of vaccination will be kept on file.
Can I bring my own saddle?
Maybe. If your saddle fits the horse you are riding then yes, otherwise you will need to use a lesson saddle that fits correctly. Saddle fit is very important to keep our horses comfortable during lessons and sound for their lifetime.
Do you 'rent' horses for riding?
No, horses are only available to be ridden in lessons with the instructor present. Handing over the reigns of a show/lesson horse to an unknown rider is like handing over the keys to a high-end sports car to a new driver. It's not safe situation for the rider or horse.
Do you have horses for lease?
I typically do not have any horses available for lease but I may be able to find you a horse to lease.
- PARTIAL (half) LEASE: gives you an idea of what horse ownership is like (more riding time, sharing of upkeep costs) without having to take on the full responsibility of costs. The partial lease situation is less expensive than leasing a horse completely by yourself, but still allows you several days per week to work the horse. In the partial lease, boarding expenses are typically split between two individuals (usually the horse's owner or another lessee), in exchange for the lessee to care and ride for the horse 50% of the time. Schedules for the split riding time will be set up. Most start at $250 and go up.
- FULL LEASE: like owning a horse, without the cost of buying one! In the full lease situation, the lessee usually pays for all of the horse's boarding costs in addition to routine farrier and veterinary care in return for being able to use the horse when you like. The restrictions on the full lease are much less than on a partial lease, where the owner and lessee must communicate frequently about the shared details. The full lease usually does not restrict riding times and days, and also does not usually restrict access to the horse for special events such as horse shows. Base cost is at least board ($325) + an additional lease fee.
If you are interested in leasing a horse, please talk to me at your lesson.
Do you offer western lessons?
YES! As of 4/01/2010 we are now offering western lessons.
Do you accept part time students?
I DO NOT accept part time students as my schedule is full with full time (1x week or more) riders.
Will you teach at an outside location?
I am available for outside barns to book for clinics and judging. If a local barn is looking to book me for a few hour time slot for lessons each week, I am willing to do so (rates will be higher to cover travel).
Can I work off my lesson?
I am willing to work with students 14+ years of age to work off lessons, or to pay for an additional weekly lesson (for younger students, this requires a parent willing to consistently bring/drop them off at the barn). Work would include jobs such as stall cleaning, watering/feeding horses, sweeping and turning out/bringing horses in from pasture.
Is there a weight limit for riding?
There does have to be a weight limit for the safety of the horses and riders. Riders using lesson horses need to be in good physical condition and under 200lbs. Riders over this weight will not be accepted into the program. The US Calvary had a weight limit of 140lbs- ouch!
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