|
|
|
|
|
LESSONS Our goal at Holtzman Riding Academy is to make sure you are completely safe and confident around a horse. You will learn the first basic steps of handling and riding a horse. Payments are made once a month. If you are unable to attend a lesson because of illness, we would appreciate a call as early as possible so that we can schedule another rider during your lesson time. We will reschedule your lesson. If you do not show up for a lesson, the lesson will be forfeited. Payments are due the last week of every month, or anytime before the first of the month. If you prefer to pay weekly, it remains the full price. SAFETY ISSUES Family safety is a parent's goal and responsibility. I will teach you how to handle a horse in a professional way that will keep you safe. You must learn the common sense basics about your horse. If you're thinking of buying a horse, I can get you started and keep you safe. Beginner to advanced rider - you will learn what you need to know. Starting with grooming, cleaning their hooves, saddle, bridle, round pen, proper cues to stop, go, stand still, feed, water, etc... Is your horse the problem or is it just the lack of knowledge? You will know after you take this course. The most important thing for you and your kids to learn is safety. You are the most important person to be kept safe, then your horse. When I think of the people who quit riding, or confused their horses so much that they had to sell their horses because they did not know any better. I wish I could have been there to help them. Your first responsibility is to make sure that you are being properly informed by someone that is qualified to instruct you and your horse. Too many people now days hang a sign in front of their farm and open for business without the proper education. They might have a beautiful facility, and may be able to talk the talk, but it is up to you to make sure that person really knows the business. Before you put your child in a program with someone, go to the facility where they are giving lessons. Watch and listen. Do they make sure all the children are in a safe atmosphere? Do they stay with the children and help them each step of the way? Or are they off at the side of the arena or even out side of the arena giving commands? Ask around and find out what other people think of the instructor. What is their injury record? Where did they get their education? Why do they think they can instruct? Don't hesitate to be completely sure where you are leaving your child. Remember a horse can be a potentially dangerous animal. HORSE SAFETY ISSUES Horses, because of their sheer size, strength, and quick reactions, have a potential for danger even when their intentions are the best. When you figure in the possibility of the horse having been abused or having an unsuspected phobia, the possibility of danger is greatly increased. I remember an incident that occurred with an older very safe, what you would call bomb-proof horse. While sitting on this horse very relaxed suddenly a cell phone rang. The horse absolutely panicked and almost bolted out from underneath. Talk about totally unexpected! And yet I constantly hear people say, "Oh, I can trust old Blue absolutely, He would never hurt me." On purpose, no, probably not, but if you accidentally trigger a reflex that you didn't even know the horse had, you can get in trouble. It would be impossible to list every scenario that might be dangerous, but it is possible to list a dozen simple, general rules that will keep you safe in most instances. SAFETY RULES 1. Begin your riding career by taking lessons from a mature, experienced professional. Visit the stable beforehand and look for calm horses and riders and a neat, well kept facility. Ask if they teach ground handling techniques in depth as well as riding. Avoid instructors who are aggressive with their horses - horses who are expecting to get hurt tend to kick first and ask questions afterward. Hard hats should be a requirement for English riders, Western riders can wear a hat or not. Keep taking lessons as long as you can on some regular basis, and for at least 200 hours. 2. Don't buy a horse until you are pretty comfortable, and keep him with a professional for the first few months at least. Better yet, lease a horse to make sure you have the time and the desire to work by yourself. Learn about your and the horses' equipment. Know how it should fit and how to use it, and keep it in good shape. 3. Spend time making friends with any horse you ride, even if you are only going to ride him once. The safest horse is the one who is not afraid of what you might do to him, and who knows enough about you to care at least a little what happens to you. Learn how your horse (or the horse you ride) shows tension, discomfort, and aggression. Watch his eyes, his ears, his tail, his body position. 4. When you are working on the ground with a horse, always stay in the area around his shoulder whenever possible. You are least likely to get hurt there. 5. Never touch a horse on his hindquarters on first approach. Always go to his head, then work your way back. 6. Never approach a loose, unknown horse in a field without some sort of defensive instrument, even a lead rope in your hand. 7. Always be especially cautious when more than one horse is involved. Never assume just because two horses have met that they won't do anything aggressive. Horses often play games with each other that can be extremely dangerous to nearby humans. They do not realize that humans cannot get out of the way as quickly as they can. 8. When you try anything with a horse that you have not done before yourself, be a little careful until you're sure he's okay with it. 9. Listen to what your body tells you. If you feel really nervous about something, don't do it if you can possibly avoid it. Walking home on your own two feet is better than being carried home on a stretcher. 10. Try not to ride alone. If you must, make sure that someone knows you're out and will check to make sure you are safely home. 11. Wear a hard hat, even if you think they are stupid and uncomfortable. You can get used to anything except a smashed skull. 12. Bear in mind that horses are living creatures, therefore by definition unpredictable. Just as people can never be counted on to show exactly the same behavior under a certain set of circumstances, neither can horses. Pay attention to the state of mind of the particular horse you are on, and to the relationship between you. General principles apply to all, but evaluating each horse as you ride has a lot to do with a safe and successful experience.
Holtzman Riding Academy is located at 4618 Hwy. 5 South Benton, Arkansas 72015 (501) 316-1141 Driving directions can be obtained at Mapquest.com E-mail below through Microsoft Outlook
Copyright © 2004 Judy Holtzman | ||
|
|
