Frequently Asked Questions about Riding Lessons
1. What safety precautions do you take in the ring?
Helmets are required and the first lessons that are taught are those of safety.
How to approach you horse, how to mount properly, sitting properly in the saddle,
etc. Also, all students start in western saddles, due to the way they are made
(versus an English saddle) they provide more "hold" for the rider.

2. Does every rider wear a helmet?
EVERY student MUST wear a helmet while riding. Also, while students are
grooming their horse, they should have their helmet on. We have helmets available,
but can't guarantee that they will fit properly.

3. Can parents stay and watch the lesson?
We encourage parents to watch and learn. If kids are interested in riding and
showing horses as part of their life, the parents need to be involved to help, learn
and generally be involved. The kids with involved parents go far.

4. How much are group, semiprivate, and private lessons cost?
Group lessons are $40/lesson per rider and last an hour long (if you have your
own horse the lesson is $30). We offer semiprivate lessons for families, you would
pay the group lesson rate. For example, if the a family has three kids and they all
want to take a lesson together, that is considered semiprivate. We offer private
lessons and they are available upon request.

5. If I take a group lesson, how large a group will I be working with?
On average there are 4 kids in a group lesson. We have 6 kids in the summer camp,
so those lessons are with 6.

6. What type of riding lessons do you offer?
We offer the whole suite of equestrian riding disciplines, western, english, jumping,
etc. Most of the riders at the Bobkat are western riders and show in reining, cow
work, and related shows. Many of our serious riders ride more than once a week. If
there is the ability we encourage riding several times a week to keep the skill level
growing.

7. Can I have the names and telephone #'s of other students to call for references?
   
We prefer that you come to the barn and meet the kids and parents and the adult
riders. We have a great barn where everyone is willing to help and answer all your
questions. It also gives you chance to see the lessons in action.

8. Are there trails available I can ride on with supervision?
We do go on trail rides, but it is Not a part of the lessons we provide. For example
we do Not have a Trail Riding time where people who have never ridden come and
jump on a horse and go out for a ride. Trail riding is very different from arena riding
and we want to be sure that our riders are prepared in the arena before they go
"out".

9. Do you offer any discounts for help with work in the stables?
(Cleaning stalls, brushing and so on). At this time we have the help we need to
make the barn run smoothly. There may be an opportunity in the future, but at this
time, the opportunity is only open to riders that have been a part of our program
for a while.

For additional questions please contact us.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTION