PARENT’S GUIDE
Welcome to the World of Equestrian Sport. 

 

 

Equestrian sport consists of six events at the Olympic level.  Jumping and Dressage are two of these events.  Equestrian events are one of the few arenas of sport in which men and women compete at the same level; the horse is the equalizer.  The NCAA has ranked equestrian athletes as having the highest academic achievement levels compared to any other sport. 

             

Equestrian activities require a rider to be physically fit and mentally focused.  The rider’s body must develop equally strong and be equally coordinated on both sides.  Muscle groups must be trained to be trained to act independently and yet remain flexible.  Riders need to be evenly balanced and not right or left sided.   Riders need to develop cardiovascular fitness to achieve the stamina required to ride and eventually compete. 

           

Riders also need to develop the mental focus required to control various muscle groups to send appropriate cues to the horse.  The rider must learn to partner with the horse, developing mutual trust and respect, to be able to influence the horse toward successful performance.  Riders must also learn to control their emotional response toward their partner because horses are emotional creatures and will react emotionally. 

 

 

Our program at Silver Gate Farms is designed to develop riders for the competitive arena.  Safety is of utmost importance.  Riders are required to ride minimally two days per week to start.  As the rider progresses, they should increase their ride days to three or four days per week.  Leasing a horse will give them the opportunity to understand the mutual partnership that is required between man and horse.  Leasing is a stepping stone to horse ownership and is required for jumping and competition.

LESSON ETIQUETTE

• Please arrive on time for scheduled lessons. Late arrivals are not permitted.

 

• Lesson schedules are set on a monthly basis.  Payment is due at the first lesson of each month.  Please notify trainer of any changes to lesson program at the beginning of each month.

 

• Children under eight years of age must be under constant supervision of a parent or guardian at all times.

 

• Students may not take horses out of their stalls unless supervised by trainer or working student.

 

• Students are required to properly groom their horse before riding.  Pay special attention to hooves, back, and girth

 

• Always leave irons up until your horse has left the cross ties and run them back up before entering the cross ties.

 

• Never cross tie your horse to the bridle or bit.  Cross tie only to the halter.

 

• All riders must wear a helmet while riding.  No exceptions

 

• No gum chewing while riding

 

• Please do not talk to trainers during the lesson.  Trainers can be approached with questions before lessons begin, at the conclusion of lessons, and by phone.

 

• Please park cars in designated parking areas only.

 

• Please no dogs at Silver Gate Farms.

 

• Please pick up after yourself, your child, and your horse.

 

• Students are required to return all equipment to the designated place in the tack room.  Please keep tack room clean and neat.  Keep saddles covered.

 

• All lessons are canceled twelve to twenty-four hours following a heavy rain.  Please call to check arena conditions following heavy rains.

DRESS CODE FOR LESSONS

·        Riding britches

·        Form fitted collared shirt that tucks in with belt

·        Helmet.  Please tie hair back or tuck in a hair net.

·        Paddock boots and half chaps

·        Gloves

Silver Gate Farms Riding Academy

 Levels of Training

 

 

Evaluation Lesson:

            An evaluation lesson is required for all students desiring to train at Silver Gate Farms so that the student will be placed in the appropriate level.  Every level has horsemanship and riding criteria that must be met before riders may advance. 

 

 

Beginning Equitation

            Private lessons designed to introduce new riders to basic horsemanship.  The lessons will include riding both on and off the lunge line.  Riders ride two times per week.

 

Horsemanship

The rider will learn:

• To approach the horse safely, both from in front and behind
• Catch, halter, and lead the horse safely
• Groom the horse properly, learn how to pick the horse’s feet
• Tack the horse
• Parts of the horse
• Name of the equipment including parts of the saddle and bridle

 

Riding

The rider will learn:

• To hold the reins correctly and be able to shorten and lengthen the reins
• Correct leg position
• Gain balance through use of exercises at the walk
• Two point or half-seat position at the walk
• Pick up and drop stirrups
• Halt correctly
• Post the trot
• To maintain two point position at the trot one time around the arena
• Walk and trot a twenty meter circle
• To maintain position on the rail at the walk and trot
• To diagonal at the trot
• Sit the trot
• Ride with no stirrups and the walk and posting trot

Equipment required

• Helmet
• Paddock boots
• Half-chaps
• Riding britches with belt and collared shirt

Novice Equitation

            Private and semi-private lessons designed to progress new riders in more advanced control of the horse using basic dressage figures at the walk and trot.  The rider is introduced to canter work and beginning cavalletti.  Riders must ride two times per week and progress to three times per week before advancing to the main ring.

 

            Horsemanship

The rider will learn:

• Physical characteristics of the horse
• The importance of proper warm-up and cool-down
• Beginning ring etiquette and safety when riding with other horses

 

Riding

The rider will learn:

• The five second halt with proper position
• Change direction at the walk using a simple reverse, down the center line and across the diagonal
• Ride serpentines and figure of eight using cones at the trot
• Sit and post the trot without stirrups
• Pick up stirrups and the walk and trot
• The speeds and correct names of the trot (collected, working, and extended)
• To keep their horse separated from other horses, on the rail and be able to circle correctly
• To recognize the diagonal and keep themselves on it
• Pick up a canter lead and maintain it
• Canter a circle
• Hold the two point seat easily at the trot and canter
• Maintain a strong position over cavalletti and not catch the horse in the mouth

 

Equipment

• Grooming tote with curry, body brush, finishing brush, hoof pick, mane comb
• Riding gloves

 

My Pony and Me Program

            This program is designed to introduce young novice riders (ten and under) to the joy of horse ownership.  Riders may partial lease a school horse and are able to ride that horse in their lessons.  This program furthers the riders experience with horses giving them practical knowledge in horse care and advanced horsemanship.  Furthermore, the rider may participate in local shows competing walk-trot.

 

Horsemanship

The rider will learn:

·        How to bath their horse

·        How to safely turn-out their horse

·        How to graze their horse

·        Proper use of fly-spray

·        Hoof care including use of conditioners and treatment of thrush

·        Proper care of the mane and tail

·        Basic clipping

·        Horse show preparation

 

Equipment

• Wash bucket, sponge, and sweat scraper
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Fly spray
• Hoof oil

Green Rider Beginning Jump Classes

            When novice riders have consistently ridden three days per week and have demonstrated correct control of the horse at the walk, trot and canter in semi-private lessons, they may progress to the main arena and ride in group classes.  The rider’s progression to the main ring is permitted solely at the trainer’s discretion.  Young riders may be required to own or lease before they progress.  Riders will be able to compete in walk-trot classes or in the cross-rail division.

 

            Horsemanship

The rider will learn:

• Jumping Theory
• Basic health care

 

Riding

The rider will learn:

• Riders will keep themselves separated at all times, particularly while circling. 
• Use of the quarter, center, and three-quarter lines for direction changes
• Trot a serpentine with correct change of bend and diagonal
• Cantering in a group
• Pick up a correct lead
• Canter without stirrups
• Lengthen and shorten horses stride at canter
• Lengthen and shorten horses stride over poles
• Maintain strong position over a cross rail
• Jump a straight line, using the corners before and after properly and maintaining control and position throughout.  The rider must stay off the back and not catch the horse in the mouth over the fences.
• Know the difference between simple and flying changes
• Count strides as they approach a jump
• Maintain good position- heels down, tight leg, controlled upper body, good release

 

Equipment

·        Saddle

Novice Jump classes

            Riders who desire to progress over fences are required to lease or purchase a horse.  Riders may also compete at local horse shows in 2’ to 2’3” fence classes.

 

Horsemanship

The rider will learn:

• Correct application of polo wraps or jump boots
• Basic nutrition

 

Riding

The rider will learn:

• Change direction at the trot with a half turn and half turn in reverse
• Trot figure eights
• Work at trot and canter without stirrups in every lesson
• Canter a serpentine with simple changes
• Learn how to get the horse to come onto the bit
• The ability to ride leg to hand
• Maintain the horse in a steady pace over small course of 2’ fences
• Jump 2’courses with simple and flying lead changes
• Courses will require lengthening and shortening of stride, inside turns, broken and bending lines
• Jump cross rail without stirrups

 

Equipment Required

• Saddle
• Bridle
• Martingale if required
• Saddle pad
• Boots or polo wraps

 

 

LEASING

 

Leasing allows riders to ride more experienced horses in their lessons and advance their riding skills. 

 

Leasing is required for riders to move on to beginning jump classes and to progress on toward competition.  The partial lease program allows riders to ride the same horse in their lessons and begin to understand the partnership that is required to compete successfully.

 

Full leases are available on a limited basis.  Full leases are categorized as either feed or show leases.  Feed leases require the lesser to take on full care of the horse.  This includes board, training, supplements, blanketing, grooming care, shoeing and veterinary expenses, and in some cases, insurance.

 

Show leases allow riders to compete on seasoned show horses without the initial expense of purchase.  Show leases are available for the duration of the show season or also for individual shows.  The cost of the show lease is based on the value of the horse leased.  Show leases start at $10,000 per season.  The lesser is responsible for the cost of the lease, insurance, and full care of the horse.   

PURCHASING A HORSE

 

The purchase of a horse is a long process of searching, questioning, riding, evaluating, vetting, negotiating, and seeking advice as well as guidance.  For the experienced purchaser it is another journey of patience.  For the first timer it can be a daunting experience. 

 

At Silver Gate Farms, our trainers have earned an excellent reputation for dealing honestly and finding wonderful horses.  Regardless of how much you want to spend, or what kind of horse you want, we are here to help you find the horse best suited to your needs and budget.

 

GETTING HELP

Horse buying involves several steps.  When you decide that you are ready to enter into the horse-shopping market, let your trainer know and she will help you evaluate your goals (ability, size, price range).  Remember the word patience.  Rushing into a hasty purchase is not in anyone’s best interest.  You will find yourself on some road trips, and possibly air travel.  You may look at one or as many as twenty animals before find the one right for you.  Remember it is all part of an educational process.  Much can be learned from riding many horses and examining their training, attitude, and conformational strengths. 

 

TRIAL PERIOD

When you find a promising horse, your trainer will request it come to Silver Gate for a trial period.  The trial period provides you with the opportunity to try your prospective horse in a strange environment.  Many horses behave beautifully at home, but prove spooky and difficult to handle in a different environment.  The trial period allows your trainer to evaluate how well suited, you and the horse, are to each other.  It should also reveal any problems that would cause your trainer to recommend that the horse be returned. Do not buy a horse that your trainer does not approve of.  If all goes well and your trainer agrees that the horse is suited to you, then the next step is to have the horse examined by the veterinarian.

Note:  the prospective purchaser is responsible for the horse’s board, shoeing, veterinary costs, and hauling fees incurred while the horse is on trial.  Silver Gate Farms recommends that horses be insured for mortality, loss of use, and medical during the trial period.

 

PRE-PURCHASE EXAM

The pre-purchase Exam is a basic physical conducted by a veterinarian.  This exam will reveal any lameness and uncover most areas of unsoundness that may be of concern to you as the buyer.  Digital x-rays may be taken.  Silver Gate recommends, at minimum, both front feet and both hocks are x-rayed during the pre-purchase exam.  The veterinarian may recommend additional x-rays if, during the course of the exam, he finds a questionable area of weakness.  The cost of the pre-purchase will depend on the number of x-rays taken.

 

COSTS

If you decide not to buy after the exam, the horse will be shipped back to its owner at your cost.  If you decide that you would like to make an offer on the horse, the trainer will negotiate on your behalf.  If an agreement can be reached, you will own your horse.  Payment for the horse is usually made with a cashier’s check, made payable to the seller.  Silver Gate will receive a 10% commission fee from you for the services rendered to you during the searching and buying process.  This commission is standard in the industry and is due and payable on completion of the sale.

 

HORSE SHOPPING QUESTIONS

1. Has this horse ever had a pre-purchase exam before? 
2. What veterinarian performed it?
3. When was it performed?
4.  Did any physical problems show up     
5. Is this horse suitable for an amateur or youth
6. Has he ever suffered from any lameness?
7. Does he have any Vises?
8. Is he sensitive to Noises?         
9. Is this horse spooky, or nervous?
10. Is he cold backed?
11. Does this horse ride the same in both directions?
12. How long have you owned this horse?
13. If you have this horse on Consignment, what was your biggest training challenge with him?
14. Has he ever had any colic problems?
15. What feed and supplements do you have him on?
16. Is this horse on any special medicines Anti-inflammatory drugs, Pain relievers, Regimate, Ace?
17. Is this horse on any Herbal supplements?
18. Does this horse need any special shoeing?
19. Does he have any problems being transported
20. Does he have any problems being tacked up, brushed, blanketed, or clipped?
21. Does he have any Allergy problems?
22. Does he Crib?
23. What is his attitude with work?
24. What is his attitude toward people?
25. Would you say he has a forgiving attitude, bold attitude, sensitive attitude, or stubborn attitude?
26. Does he like people?
27. Does he like to please, or is he impatient with people?

BASIC EQUIPMENT LIST

 

All equipment should be labeled with a permanent marker or tag

 

TACK

• Saddle with pad and gel pad
• Girth and girth cover
• Martingale
• Bridle and bit

HORSE ATTIRE

• Polo wraps or jump boots
• Splint boots and bell boots for turnout
• Fly sheet and fly mask: Saratoga
• Cotton day sheet: European neck
• Mid weight winter blanket: European  neck

GROOMING SUPPLIES

• Halter and cotton lead
• Brushes, curry comb hoof pick, mane and tail brush
• Bucket shampoo and conditioner, sponges, sweat scraper
• Rags and towels
• Fly spray, hoof oil, show sheen, cowboy magic

FIRST AID

• Furall spray
• Swat
• Furazone ointment
• Standing wraps:  no bows and cotton flannels
• Plastic wrap and ice tight
• Vet wrap
• Liniment

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Cotton lunge line
• Lunge whip
• Crop and spurs
• Extra cotton lead rope
• Leather cleaner and conditioner
• Circle tags with last name
• Sharpie marker
• Bridle, halter, martingale, girth tags
• Clippers

 

 

RECOMMENDED READING

NOVICE RIDERS

 

• US PONY CLUB MANUAL D LEVEL
• GEORGE MORRIS TEACHES BEGINNERS TO RIDE
• HUNTER SEAT EQUITATION BY GEORGE MORRIS

 

HORSE OWNERS AND SHOW RIDERS

 

• US PONY CLUB MANUAL C LEVEL
• CENTERED RIDING BY SALLY SWIFT
• RIDING AND JUMPING BY WILLIAN STEINKRAS
• JUDGING HUNTERS AND EQUITATION BY ANN WHITE