Rocking 45 Farm, L.L.C.
Basic Western Riding Instruction, 2010
Kim Wolf
928-919-3122
Student Name____________________________________________________ Age__________________
Student Name____________________________________________________Age___________________
Riding Goals___________________________________________________________________________
All students are required to wear a SEI approved riding helmet.
All students must wear smooth soled boots (NO tread!) with at least a 1/2-inch heel.
All students must be physically fit and capable of performing the physical activities required by this program.
All students must come to sessions with a cooperative learning attitude.
Waivers of liability must be signed prior to the start of the first session.
A parent or legal guardian who will remain must accompany minor students on the premises during the riding instruction session.
Fees
Payment is to be made prior to the start of each session. All sessions by appointment, weekly, or monthly.
One-hour group lesson with student owned horse, $25.00 per student.
One-hour semi-private classes are $35.00 per student. No more than 4-5 students.
Private one-hour sessions are $50.00 per student and are available by appointment.
Cancellation policy
Please cancel 24 hours prior to the start of their class or private session.
Classes will be cancelled if there is lightning, steady rain, or storms (including high winds or sand
storms) occurring at the facility at class time. Call ahead to determine whether class is
cancelled on inclement weather days, if you do not live in the immediate area.
Equine Facility Rules
Wait for your instructor in the designated waiting area. A parent or legal guardian must accompany minor students. Do NOT approach any horses without instructor supervision. Keep small children from approaching horses. Smoking in designated areas only, Do not smoke around hay please.
In conformity with Arizona law, A.R.S. §12-553, Limited liability of equine owners; exception; definitions, this is a “Release,” which means it is a document that a person signs before taking control of an equine from the owner or owner’s agent. A signed release acknowledges that the person is aware of the inherent risks associated with equine activities, is willing and able to accept full responsibility for his own safety and welfare and releases the equine owner or agent from liability unless the equine owner or agent is grossly negligent or commits willful, wanton or intentional acts or omissions. Under
Per ARS §12-553, I AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EQUINE ACTIVITIES, AND AM WILLING AND ABLE TO ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY OWN SAFETY AND WELFARE IN CONSIDERATION FOR THE RITE TO PARTICIPATE IN HORSEMANSHIP AND HORSE- BACK RIDING ACTIVITIES.
Signature: _______________________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Printed Name: _________________________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________Phone: __________________
City/Zip: __________________________________________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian (if student (s) under 18 years of age):
____________________________________________ Print Name__________________________________________________
The following is NOT a schedule but rather an outline of skills to be mastered. Students will progress at their own individual pace. Some skill sets are combined with others during sessions.
Resource Materials
Resource materials will be provided covering such subjects as routine foot care, parts of the western saddle, bits and bitting, and horse colors and markings. Several horse books and magazines are available for the student to borrow and take home and read. A notebook should be kept for small assignments concerning horse-related topics. Examples include; horse colors, different breeds, lameness definitions, etc.
The Nature/Behavior of the Horse
A ground lesson that centers on a common sense approach to understanding how the horse responds to his environment and how to safely approach and handle a horse. Herd dynamics and pecking order.
a) walk up to a horse
b) halter, lead, and tie using one of three quick release knots
c) groom; brushing, bathing, clipping, picking up and cleaning a hoof
Preparing to Ride
a) saddling (all students will start with a bareback pad, then progress to a saddle once balance has been achieved)
b) bridling
c) start, stop, and turn (you should know this before you attempt to move the horse)
Mounting, Dismounting, and Alignment
Learn proper mounting and dismounting techniques and how to adjust your position on the horse to bring your body into correct alignment for a balanced riding seat.
The Beginning of “Feel”
Learn & practice exercises on horseback that allow the rider to move with the horse. Using leg cues.
Developing a Secure Leg
Learn and practice exercises on horseback that allow the upper body to move around over secure and correctly placed legs. Turning horse with leg pressure.
Moving with the Horse at the Slow Trot or Jog
An exercise which prepares the student for the sitting trot.
Sitting Trot (both slow and extended trot)
The ability to sit the big extended trot with a balanced and relaxed seat is a major milestone for beginning riders. The exercises learned and practiced in earlier sessions lead up to this important skill.
Loping the next gait faster than a trot, but not hand galloping.
Recommendations on feeding and care for a horse to include; de-worming, conditioning, rehabilitation, supplement usage, behavior, herd management, annual teeth floating, hoof trimming and shoeing, etc.
Trailer Loading
Explanation and demonstration of loading a well trained horse and a foal or young horse, and techniques for emergency loading so as not to injure the horse.