Riding
Lessons
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for inquiring about our lesson program. ‘Riding is the Art that keeps a horse between you and the ground!’ We’re here to teach you that from the ground up. Here are a few helpful hints and suggestions to ensure a successful lesson.
Q: What type of clothing should I wear to my lesson? Do I need to purchase any special equipment?
A: Spring Down Equestrian Center (SDEC) recommends long pants or breeches (riding pants) along with a heeled boot. We provide helmets and paddock boots for your convenience, but you may want to purchase your own. Our office can offer recommendations for tack shops in the area. Please no bicycle helmets.
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Q: What do I need to do or bring before my first lesson?
A: Download the lesson application, medical form and hold harmless release form from the Riding Lessons main page and complete these prior to your scheduled lesson. We recommend you bring a bottle of water, sunscreen and some carrots for your horse!
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Q: What time should I arrive for my lesson?
A: If this is your first lesson, we recommend that you arrive ½ hour prior to your scheduled lesson to properly fit a helmet, change clothes or footwear if necessary and turn in your paperwork to the office. In order to maximize your lesson time, please be ready and suited up by your assigned horse’s stall. If you are expected to tack up your own horse, arrive at the office at least 30 minutes prior. If you are running late, call the office at 650-851-1114 and we’ll help you get to the ring on time.
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Q: What is your payment procedure?
A: We accept cash or checks only. For your convenience, you may set up a pre paid account in the office, pay once and we’ll deduct your lessons from this account each time. We must have payment prior to the lesson or there is a $10 additional fee. If you need to have your horse tacked up or untacked, there is a $10 additional fee for each service. This applies to riders who have completed our tack up lesson and who are of sufficient size and age to tack up on your own safely.
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Q: When am I ready for a group lesson?
A: People learn at a different rate. There are a few criteria we look at to see if you are ready to join a group.
- Get your horse out of the stall to the arena and back again safely and correctly.
- Checking your girth and adjusting stirrups to their correct length.
- Be able to start, steer, stop and post at the trot on the rail by yourself
- Safely pass a horse on the track, cross the diagonal of the arena, circle off and maneuver on your horse to avoid traffic
- Mount and Dismount safely
Talk to your instructor to assess your skills and to make a plan in order to accomplish the above.
We have an informational sheet to read on the bulletin board or pick up a copy from the office titled ‘So you want to Jump?’
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Q: Will I ride the same horse each lesson?
A: While we will try to keep you on the same horse for a few lessons, the best way you can learn to ride is to ride different horses with different movements and personalities. We have 50 different school horses to try, ride and learn from them.
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Q: Are lessons cancelled if it is raining?
A: No! One of the great things at SDEC is that we have 3 riding rings to ride in. Fortunately, we have a covered arena during the wet winter rains. We ride in all weather conditions.
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Q: What is SDEC’s cancellation policy?
A: Due to the scheduling of our horses, instructors and arena time, we have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you have to cancel any lesson, you must cancel through the office at least 24 hours in advance or else we do have to charge you the cost of the lesson. If the horse was already tacked up, there will also be a $10 untack fee.
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Q: How can I learn how to tack up my own horse and learn more about safety around horses?
A: At SDEC, we want to teach you to be the all around horse person and learn about all aspects of horsemanship including proper grooming, tacking up each horse (they all have different equipment needs) and working around horses in a safe way. We have a weekly tack up lesson available each Sunday at noon. Come by the office to make your reservation.
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Q: May I reserve the same time, same day and instructor each week?
A: The office can put you on a standing scheduling meaning you will be on the schedule for the exact day, time and instructor each week. We only ask that you commit to this schedule for at least 90 days and cancel any lessons that you aren’t able to make at least 24 hours in advance.
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