THE CENTAUR RIDING SCHOOL'S Lesson Programme

 CENTAUR INFO FOR NEW RIDERS

NEW EXPERIENCED RIDERS

With prior riding experience, the first lesson will be an assessment to determine skill level. After this lesson, and depending on personal goals, the coach will have a clearer idea what kind of lesson program will suit best. Different sizes of classes are available. Groups of up to 6 riders as well as small classes for more intensive instruction are available. For students wanting to ride both dressage and jumping we offer alternating classes.

BEGINNER RIDERS

Beginners will learn to groom, tack, untack the horse and to ride at the walk and trot. The first three lessons will be learning in-stable skills. Riders will then be asked to come earlier to prepare the horse on their own. The instructor will meet the rider in the stable at the appointed lesson time and continue teaching from point reached. (i.e. if the rider groomed/saddled the horse, but cannot bridle, the instructor will continue from that point.) Once riders are skilled in getting the horse ready unaided, the entire lesson time is devoted to riding. At first all riding is taught privately on the longe line. (A longe line is a long rope by which the instructor controls the horse.) This is the safest way for novices to learn. After students have mastered their balance at the walk/trot, they learn to steer/ control the horse and then will "graduate" to group lessons. One or two sessions (one session=3 months) are needed before being ready for groups. Getting into the saddle quickly depends on how well students learn the in-stable skills. (Extra, free grooming/tacking lessons are offered on Saturdays to boost students along with in-stable skills)

HORSEMANSHIP LESSONS

Children can take part in a "mini-camp" on Saturday mornings. During this time period the students will be learning and practicing basic horsemanship skills in the stable and in the riding arena. Vaulting (gymnastics on horseback) and horse games will also be part of the program.

HORSEMANSHIP FOR YOUTHS - (Ages 8 and up)

A maximum of 8 students per group will be accepted each riding session. There will be two instructors plus volunteer helpers assigned to each group of 8. Curriculum includes grooming, tacking up, basic horse handling skills and riding. Care of the horse is emphasized. Children in this age group will be graduated into the beginner group class after they have achieved a certain standard in this course.

HORSEMANSHIP FOR CHILDREN - (Ages 6 and 8)

A maximum of 8 students in this age group will be accepted each riding session. There will be an instructor plus volunteer helpers assigned to this course. Children in this age group will be graduated into the Horsemanship for Youths program after they have completed certain levels in this course.

COMPETITIVE RIDERS

Riders wishing to compete should inform us. Depending on level of competition aimed for, a lesson/theory and competition schedule can be set up. There are several ways of upgrading at Centaur. We have instructors who specialize at a competitive level in different disciplines: dressage, eventing and hunter. For riders/parents who are unsure what is available in the competition world please plan on attending the appropriate theory classes in the winter.

MAKE UP LESSONS

THEORY LESSONS

A horseperson is a jack-of-all-trades. The hour we have with the students for their weekly riding lesson is too short to teach the many topics required to become a solid all-round equestrian. So during the winter we offer theory lessons with a variety of subjects to help fill in the gaps. Amongst these courses are classes to help the new competitor prepare for the show ring.

SCHOOL BREAK "DAYCAMPS"

Weekly all-day riding courses are offered during school breaks. During these courses there is lots of riding and hands-on contact with the horses. Also offered during the summer is a half-day program for the "mini-equestrian" (8 years & under). Information is available in March. A 10% discount on summer camps is offered to Centaur's regular students who fully book before May 10. Students must be enrolled in both the Spring and Summer sessions to qualify for this discount. Also offered are ADULT COURSES. These are offered any time through the year with enough interest.

LIABILITY FORMS

If you are new to Centaur you will need to fill out a Liabilty Form for Centaur and bring with you to the barn.

• Liability Form for Adult Riders
• Liability Form for Minors

For instructions on how to print out this and other centaur on-line forms, visit Forms for Print

LESSON REGISTRATION AND PRICE LIST

Download the Current PRICE LIST

The new price list is effective January 1 2005.

REGISTRATION FORM

REGISTRATION: is accepted only with full payment.

To down load an Application Form for Lessons Click here

On-line application for lessons is unavailabe.

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