LESSONS

Each child and adult entering the program will be evaluated on ability and placed in a group of their same skill level. Our classes are small, so each person receives individual attention, but gets the added benefit of watching and learning from others doing the same tasks. The riding levels progress from beginners, to novice, intermediate, and finally advanced. Lessons are an hour and a half and include prep work (grooming and tacking up), riding time and cool down and cleaning up. All riders will learn about horse maintenance and general care, starting with grooming their horse and putting the saddle and bridle on (small children and early beginners will require parental assistance).

Progression specifics:
BEGINNERS: (little or no riding experience) – these riders will become proficient in the following tasks before moving to the next level.
1. mounting and dismounting
2. picking up and holding reins correctly
3. learning to turn
4. walking forward
5. two point
6. trotting (two point and posting)

NOVICE:
1. sitting trot
2. poles on the ground
3. cantering (two point)
4. small fences (18” and lower at the trot)

INTERMEDIATE:
1. trot in canter out of lines
2. canter fences (height 2’ to 2’3”)
3. learn about lead changes
4. start on gymnastics
5. more aggressive flat work
6. bending lines (fence height 2’3” and lower)

ADVANCED:
1. extremely aggressive flat work
2. difficult bending lines and gymnastics
3. perfecting the hunter course (fence height 2’6” and higher)
4. lead changes
5. bending and flexing
6. counter canter
7. shortening and lengthening

*If you do have your own horse, you are welcome and encouraged to trailer them to our farm on lesson days.

Equipment
There are items of clothing and equipment required by the first lesson in order to ride safely and most effectively.
1. An approved hard hat with harness. I prefer felt-covered hats, however felt covers can be purchased separately.
2. Paddock boots or tall boots (no cowboy boots, hiking shoes, etc.). These boots are made for English saddles and have the necessary protection for working around horses.
3. Pants can either be jeans, leggings or jodhpurs. Chaps that fit snug are optional, but great to ride in.
4. Riding gloves. They are relatively inexpensive and greatly assist in keeping the reins from sliding through your hands.

***Gloves are optional but highly recommended for beginners and advanced beginners. Required for intermediate and advanced.

The following locations are suggested stores for purchasing equipment and apparel around the Charlotte area:
Waxhaw Tack Exchange
3617 Banyan Way
Waxhaw, NC
843-0474
(this store sells new and good used equipment)

Lebo’s Inc.
2 locations in Charlotte

Billing and Lesson Payments
Payment for all students new to Belfair Riding Academy is expected for the first month (4 consecutive lessons). After that time, payment will be due for the next month or the next 4 consecutive lessons. For customer convenience, students have options when it comes to riding lesson times. Most students have lessons once a week. Several have lessons twice a week. Different schedules will work better for different people.

Rates
• Lesson packages are $160 per month
• Prices are for 4 lessons per month.
• Groups are 45-60 minutes.
• Privates are 35-40 minutes.
• The Walk-Trot lesson rate is $35 per lesson for 35 minutes time, and includes help with tacking and untacking.

Lesson Policy
We will allow for two make-up lessons per every four months, with a 24-hour notice. Make-up lesson times will be posted on a clipboard. You can fill in your name on the list. This will also be done on a first come, first serve basis. Those who would like an extra lesson may also fill in their names on this list, as long as they leave a prepayment in the box. A lesson calendar will be posted so all can see the schedule of times and dates.