08/19/2024
Do you have a horse loving child who wants to learn EVERYTHING horses but they've never gotten to ride one on their own so you don't know if it's a phase or if they're a horse person in the making?
I've got the program for you!
Horse Explorers is a 4 step program to logically and systematically introduce your child to horses. Week one starts with learning how to catch, lead, and groom. We'll sit in saddles on saddle stands and hold the reins. Over the next three weeks riders will learn about horse behavior, body language, and what to expect when mounted. Week four culminates in riders getting the chance to ride a horse or pony if they feel comfortable doing so.
Who: Kids ages 8-12
When: The first four Saturdays of each month at 4pm (each session will last 1.5-2 hours, parents are welcomed to drop kids off and come back, or you can watch as long as the kids are allowed to explore and try things without assistance). Rain or Shine
Where: On a horse farm right off of Bethel School Rd
What to bring: Closed toe shoes, pants (no shorts, capris, or skirts please!), a water bottle, and a sense of adventure
Cost: $140 - registration closes the previous Saturday (ie registration for 9/7, 14. 21, and 28 sessions closes 8/31) - Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Cash, or Check
How to register: Text Katie at 704.488.1822 for release form and to pay
For those children that might not be currently interested in riding independently, the Horse Lovers Club is a group that will meet to learn about, love on, and be around ponies. Horse Lovers Club members will meet in the barn and learn a variety of horse skills. This is not focused on getting the riders prepared for riding, but we will still sit in saddles and hold reins and get comfortable around the ponies. This is an ongoing club that aims to facilitate friendships and good horsemanship practices. Members of the club have the option of taking lessons outside of club time at a $10/lesson discount.
Who: Kids any age who want to learn about horses (if demand arises to split into age groups, I will)
When: Every other Saturday 10am - 8/31, 9/14, 9/28, 10/12, 10/26, etc - sessions will last 1-1.5hrs, club members are welcome to stay after within reason (as long as barn rules are followed!) Rain or Shine
Where: On a horse farm right off of Bethel School Rd
What to bring: Closed toe shoes, pants (no shorts, capris, or skirts please!), a water bottle, and a sense of adventure
Cost: $20 per session - Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Cash, or Check
How to register: Text Katie at 704.488.1822 for release form and to plan what days you're attending
For the adults the Adults Who Love Horses Club (totally up for changing the title) is an ongoing group that will cover all the little things that us instructors frequently gloss over when teaching new riders. From how to be more efficient while catching, grooming, and tacking, to accurately reading horse body language, to understanding what you're supposed to be aiming for when handling or riding a horse. If there's demand, we can do Stable Management where you learn about caring for horses and how to evaluate if horses needs are met. Learn how to identify pain versus misbehavior - well, if we get there because I would love this to become a weekly get away meeting at a casual restaurant or a clinic around town - learning from lots of sources and creating a supportive community.
Who: Adults any age and discipline who want to learn all about horses
When: Sunday or Monday evenings? Depending on when there's the most demand - 7pm? 1-2 hrs?
Where: On a horse farm right off of Bethel School Rd
What to bring: an open mind, maybe snacks
Cost: $15 per session - Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Cash, or Check (clinics or events actual cost to the host)
How to register: Text Katie at 704.488.1822
