Lesson
Information – Dun-Pikin Farm
Regular Lessons, age 7 and up.
On
our school horses I offer private lessons and group lessons. Half hour
private lessons are recommended for new riders. Learning to groom the
horse and tack it up (put on its saddle and bridle) are part of the
lesson program. We recommend children to be 7 years old before they start
regular riding lessons. Adults are welcome in our program too! We offer another program for little ones called
“Pony Pals,” see below.
We
believe that in training riders and horses skills should be taught in a
progressive system. That starts with basic skills and builds confidence.
We teach what is considered a “balanced seat” position rather than the
“forward seat” or “hunt seat” position because we have found that it is
more secure and puts the rider in the best place to communicate with the
horse.
Whether its trail riding, competing in dressage or lower level
eventing, or maybe just owning a horse and learning to care for it
properly we hope to be able to help all our students achieve their own
personal goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Riding Lessons
Pony Pal Progam
The
pony pal program at Dun-Pikin is very unique. Not many farms will teach
riders younger than 7 years of age. We have designed a special program
to help prepare younger horse lovers to enter our lesson program. Young aspiring riders (generally age
4 to 6) may enjoy our pony
pal program. Riders learn about riding, grooming and general horse care at
a very basic level and enjoy a lead-line walk under saddle during the 1/2
session. As their coordination, strength and confidence build many of our
pony pals advance to our regular lesson program. Your Pony Pal instructor
will monitor your progress.
During
the lead line ride they learn how to hold the reins and how to sit
correctly. This is a great confidence builder and we have found that
children that start in the pony pal program have a good confident
foundation for riding independently. A few riders have even moved into
regular lessons before they turned 7.
Rates
for Lessons and Pony Pal Program
Lesson rates and session information currently
being updated. Email:
office@dpflp.com for info and to register.
Weather policy
Weather
policy is being updated.
Refund policy
All
lesson payments are non-refundable and cannot be used as credits toward
camps, parties or other barn activities.
Gift
Certificates
Gift
certificates are available for lessons. All lesson policies apply.
For more information on the lesson program and Pony
Pals please contact the Lesson Office at Email:
office@dpflp.com for info and to register.1
Lessons must be scheduled at least one week in
advance and availability of lesson slots will depend on demand and
weather.
Horse Care
Please be ready to ride at the scheduled time of the
lesson. Then plan on staying 15-20 minutes after your lesson to clean your horse
and tack before putting away. Horse care is a part of learning to ride and there
will usually be a helper in the barn to assist riders.
Safety
Lesson horses are usually safe to work around, but you must still practice
safety around the barn and horses at all times. Horses can bite, kick, move
suddenly if frightened and by virtue of their size and strength even hurt you by
accidentally bumping into you or stepping on you. Be careful! You must wear
proper footwear at all times. This is a boot that covers the ankle and has a
heel. Hiking boots are not safe to ride in while in the stirrup, so you need a
riding boot. Also use quiet voices and walk when in the barns. When walking or
leading the horses always have a lead rope or bridle on him. Please keep plenty
of distance between horses in the barn and when riding. Also keep horses tied on
cross-ties when tacking and grooming in the barn. All riders must wear an
approved riding helmet when mounted. Remember it is you we are trying to protect
with these simple rules. Please be careful!
Dun-Pikin Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
-
Wear an approved helmet when mounted at all
times
-
Wear appropriate riding shoes with a heel
-
Dress for the weather
-
Stay out of the barn aisle while others are
tacking up.
-
Arrive early for your lesson
-
Call at least 24 hours in advance to
re-schedule a lesson
-
Leave gates the way you find them
-
Let the staff know if you need help
Don’ts:
-
Do not smoke in the barn area
-
Do not run or make loud noises
-
Do not feed the horses treats without
permission
-
Do not bring your dog to the farm
-
Do not allow young children to play or roam
unsupervised.
Frequently Asked Questions About Riding Lessons
Return to Dun-Pikin Farm Home Page
|