JIREH FARM Riding Academy

RIDING RECOMMENDATIONS

Please be prompt (or early) for your lesson time. If you chose to come early, please inform your instructor of your intended arrival time so your instructor can be prepared. Thirty minutes prior to your scheduled time is a good target if you are tacking up before your lesson. Fifteen minutes prior is sufficient if tacking is to be included as part of your lesson.

Riding Rules
Riding Recommendations
Levels Program

Upon arrival to the farm, find your instructor first to determine your horse/pony assignment. Your instructor's plans for you may be different from your own and you may not always be assigned the horse/pony you anticipated riding. Please note that after the first few lessons the student is generally expected to bring their assigned horse/pony to the arena from the pasture. Your instructor will advise you as to her/his expectations in this regard.

Dress for the weather conditions. Leg covering is necessary to protect a rider from being pinched by the saddle leathers. If you choose to wear short pants to a lesson, please invest in a pair of chaps (leg coverings that zip up on the outside of each leg--usually leather). Chaps also may be worn to protect clothing and provide grip for stability in the saddle. They may be purchased at many tack stores. Wear sun screen when needed. Sweaters or jackets are most helpful on cool days. Even when it seems cold, you may find that you are too warm after you have warmed up from the exercise of riding. Dressing in layers may alleviate discomfort due to weather conditions. Just remove layers as you warm up.

Please check with your instructor prior to leaving for Jireh Farm if the weather does not seem conducive for riding (e.g., rain). Lessons will not be conducted in the event of lightning conditions. This is due to the heightened risks of lightning strikes to riders on horses/ponies. Plan to reschedule your lesson in the event of inclement conditions.

Most riders fall from their horse/pony at some point. Please be aware of this and do not allow yourself to be discouraged when it happens. As most people have been told, the best thing to do is get right back in the saddle. Be mentally prepared for this. It is usually best to remount and go back in your riding to something you do very well before attempting to repeat the activity in which you fell. Follow your
instructor's advice.

Ride as often as you can.
Read as much about horses/ponies and riding technique as you can.
Exercise your body and mind to prepare yourself to ride well and comfortably.
Set goals and discuss them with your instructor.
Be aware of the horse/pony you are riding as a living partner.
Challenge yourself.
Be safe!
Have Fun!