Hi, I am considering starting to give beginner horse back riding lessons. I would like to know what all the kids should bring/wear (because i know some families cannot afford to buy boots and other things) and what all I should do at the lessons. The kids also range in ages i would guess from about 4 – 10. I have been riding for about 15 years and have an old show horse i will be using. Also any other info would be great!
Thanks 
Hi–
OK, I think you should first make a website, ad in paper.
The students should at least buy their own helmet. You can go to consignment shops and have a range of money I would ask them for a 4+6+8 in boot sizes. If students come with their own great! But if they don’t then you should have them pay you for letting you use your boots. Do you have a barn where it will start if it is a boarding barn you will have to contact the owner and ask if you can do this! During lessons follow the leader (you the leader) around the world. walking maybe trotting. As you know, they will advance! So you will have to have a horse that will be able to jump and show so I would maybe consider asking the boarding barn (if it is) if you can borrow a pony for _______ time. If not you can find a pony/horse that you can full lease/buy. Well, hope i helped.
Good Luck
June 21st, 2010 at 4:59 am
Are you certified?
Do you have insurance?
Horrible things can happen if any of the children in your lessons are injured.
References :
June 21st, 2010 at 5:48 am
Hi–
OK, I think you should first make a website, ad in paper.
The students should at least buy their own helmet. You can go to consignment shops and have a range of money I would ask them for a 4+6+8 in boot sizes. If students come with their own great! But if they don’t then you should have them pay you for letting you use your boots. Do you have a barn where it will start if it is a boarding barn you will have to contact the owner and ask if you can do this! During lessons follow the leader (you the leader) around the world. walking maybe trotting. As you know, they will advance! So you will have to have a horse that will be able to jump and show so I would maybe consider asking the boarding barn (if it is) if you can borrow a pony for _______ time. If not you can find a pony/horse that you can full lease/buy. Well, hope i helped.
Good Luck
References :
June 21st, 2010 at 5:57 am
What have you done in that 15 years of riding? Have you won numerous large shows in the discipline that you want to teach? Have you done an internship with a qualified instructor? Are you licensed (some states require instructors to be licensed)? Can you afford insurance- that is very important, because without it, you can get sued for millions if there’s an accident.
All good riding schools have at least a few adjustable helmets for the kids, and require a half-inch heel for the shoes. You should encourage the kids who want to seriously ride to buy their own real riding boots. Jeans and a shirt appropriate for the weather is what they should wear.
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June 21st, 2010 at 6:06 am
require helmets! I don’t know if you have to be certified my instructor is 17 so…. have them sign a waiver thing so they can’t press charges and stuff like that…..
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June 21st, 2010 at 6:38 am
jeans, sneakers. provide a helmet or make them buy it.
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June 21st, 2010 at 7:27 am
Make sure they have boots, and if possible bring their own helmet, but just in case you should have one to provide. You need liability contracts, also behavior agreements (if the kid is not following instructions you have the right to cancel their lesson, or w/e).
Start with the basics, balance, posture, control all at the walk, or even on a lunge line depending on age. If they are old enough, bareback is a good way to improve their balance (still at a walk) Teach them proper ground manners, how to lead, walk behind, back, tie. etc. Again, if they are old enough make them brush and tack up their horse before they ride.
References :