Q. What type of clothing and shoes should I wear to riding lessons?

A. Suitable attire includes long pants or jeans, a shirt that tucks in and hardsoled shoes with a low heel. Absolutely no tennis shoes, sandals, flip flops or clogs! Most hard soled shoes with a flat sole work fine for riding; they don't have to be boots. Oxfords and penny loafers are examples of shoes that are acceptable for riding when you are just getting started. If you don't already have boots, do NOT buy cowboy boots. Cowboy boots are difficult to learn to ride in because there is a very small space for the stirrup on the sole. I recommend Paddock boots, but if you must have cowboy boots, buy Ropers as they have the largest flat sole. Paddock boots have a flat level sole with a low heel which maximizes foot comfort while riding. They come in either a lace up or zip style and are affordable, comfortable, and can be worn with blue jeans for events other than riding. They can be worn with either Western or English style of riding. For purchasing information, see the next question.

Q. Where can I purchase my own boots and riding helmet?

A. Dover Saddlery, listed below, offers Paddock Boots in Ladies sizes 5 1/2 - 11 and Children's sizes 10-13 & 1-5. Prices start at around $36.00 plus shipping. Riding helmets used at The Horse Farm must be ASTM-SEI certified. Riding helmets come in a wide array of colors. Keep in mind that the lighter the color, the cooler the helmet will be in the summer! Schooling helmets come in extra small, small, medium and large. To ensure the proper fit, measure the rider's head at the widest part with a measuring tape. Do not give into the temptation to buy a helmet that the rider will "grow into", a proper fitting helmet is essential. Prices start at about $34.00 plus shipping. 
doversaddlery.com or 1-800-989-1500

 Q. Should I purchase gloves for my lessons?

A. While gloves are optional, I really recommend them. Gloves provide a better "grip" on the reins and help resist slipping while protecting the rider's hands. Riding gloves are tailored with specially designed fingers for flexibility and comfort. In cooler weather they provide additional warmth. Lined gloves are significantly warmer but much more expensive. Keep in mind it is impossible to personalize black gloves and remind your kids to keep track of them! Gloves start at about $15 and are available at the link listed above.

Q. What if I need to cancel my lesson?

A. Please provide a minimum of 4 hours notice should you need to cancel your lesson. If you know in advance that you will not be able to make your regularly scheduled lesson, please let me know so that I may give another student the opportunity to ride. If you do not show up and do not call, you will be charged for the lesson.

Q. When will I be able to canter/lope on my horse?

A. Almost everyone wants to canter or lope their horse before they are truly ready. At The Horse Farm, control of the horse is essential and a rider will not be allow to canter until they have satisfactorily demonstrated they can control the horse at a walk & trot. To ride at a canter, a rider must have developed sufficient leg strength for the task and must have adequate control of their body position at the walk and trot. To canter before these skills have been developed is unsafe. It is not my teaching style to push students into doing things that they are not ready for. If this style of instruction is not what you are looking for, let me know and I will provide you with contact information of other stables that teach riding lessons.

Q. Is my son/daughter ready for a horse of their own yet?

A. This is a HUGE decision that will affect the entire family. Be aware that your child will need your support and assistance to succeed.  Seriously study these considerations when making this decision.

• Are you and your child familiar with the care requirements of a horse including feeding, deworming, exercising, bedding & manure removal, diseases & sicknesses, fencing, shelter needs, hoof & teeth care, as well as proper fitting and adjustment of tack?
  

• Taking care of a horse is strenuous work. Daily mucking, carrying water, unloading 50 lb bags of feed and hay bales is hard work! Do you and child have the physical strength needed?
  

• Horses require regular care on a daily basis. If you take frequent vacations or are not at home often, who will take care of the horse in your absence?
  

• Horses are expensive to keep, the purchase price is the cheapest part of the horse. In 2008 it cost me an average of $2200 per horse just for regular care & feeding.   Does your budget allow for the upkeep of a horse?
  

• While horses are a tremendous amount of fun when the weather is nice, cold winters and hot summers can make taking care of your horse a very miserable chore. Do you and your child have this type of dedication?