What days/times may I take lessons?
New students will be started in private lessons (usually on weekends, during the day or late in the evening) and when their basic skills are developed they will be moved into an appropriate group lesson that is held during the week. Please call to arrange a time for your first lesson.
How early should I arrive for my lesson?
New riders will be assisted with tacking until they are comfortable with the process. New riders will need to arrive a few minutes prior to their scheduled lesson until advised otherwise.
Riders that are familiar with the program and tacking (Amara will let you know when you are ready to tack on your own) 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. New students they usually need 4-8 private lessons before they are ready to move to groups. Riders with previous riding experience will also be required to take a private lesson to determine their experience level, and possibly several after that to learn barn routine. Riders are grouped by similar riding level and age.
How many riders are in a group lesson?
Group lessons are typically scheduled with 3-5 Riders. At this time most groups will be scheduled with 2-3 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.
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).
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 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 20 min 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 20 minutes to tack, 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.
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 youngest rider was only 3 years old, I currently have several that are 6-7. My recommendation is to wait until they are 6 and showing a great interest in riding, not just brushing and feeding. Very young students will have to stay in private lessons until they are able to walk, trot and jump small fences securely on their own.
Is there an age limit on riding lessons?
Absolutely not, there is no such thing as being too old to ride!
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?
At various times I may have a partial or full lease option for competent riders that are currently enrolled in the lesson program or 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 $300 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. Most start at $500 and go up.
If you are interested in leasing a horse, please talk to me at your lesson.
Do you offer western lessons?
As my horses are English show horses, I do not offer lessons specifically in western. However, in special needs cases or a rider overcoming fears I may opt to use a western saddle in the beginning if it helps the rider feel more secure.
Do you accept part time students?
I no longer accept part time students (students that don't ride every week) as my schedule is full with full time (1x week or more) riders.
Will you teach at an outside location?
Unfortunately I have too many students at my own barn to travel to outside locations for lessons. I am available for outside barns to book for clinics and judging.
Can I work off my lesson?
At this time I have a full time employee and working student so this is not an option.
Is there a weight limit for riding?
As much as I would like to say there isn't, 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. The US Calvary had a weight limit of 140lbs- ouch!
