Beginners Horsemanship for Adults By Bill Getchel SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program Summer 2012
I am thankful for Mr. Bill s work to help adult riders to get more from their lessons at SPIRIT Program. Also I am proud of his achievements in horsemanship and thankful for his presence at our program. Davorka Suvak Program Director SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program Welcome to SPIRIT s Beginners Horsemanship for Adults! SPIRIT teaches English, balanced seat equitation. The English riding style is distinguished by its flat, hornless saddle; the use of both hands to hold the reins; and the aligned riding posture. The balanced seat is a standard riding position in which the rider's upright upper body remains over the horse's center of gravity at all gaits. From the balanced seat the rider is best able to actively communicate with the horse. It is by far the most prevalent style of riding, is the foundation for most riding disciplines, and is ideally suited for beginners.
Course Content During the Beginners course we will show you how to: Approach the horse safely Groom and tack the horse Handle the horse on the ground Mount the horse Maintain a proper and comfortable posture in the saddle Walk, use the reins, and halt the horse Bring the horse to a trot, post the trot, and transition back to a walk Dismount safely During the riding portion of the program we will be doing balancing, stretching, and strengthening exercises to help you achieve your goals and make the riding experience more enjoyable and fulfilling. Above all, you will learn not to dominate the horse, but to work in harmony with it. There is a purpose and meaning behind each thing you ask your horse to do.
Course Objectives We realize that everyone does not learn at the same pace, so you will not be graded or judged on how well you accomplish the course contents. At the end of the course, we hope you will have: Improved coordination A heightened sense of balance An appreciation of and a bond with large animals Ride your horse with your whole body, not just your arms and legs.
Behavior in the Field and in the Ring 1. All riders should arrive 15 minutes prior to class. 2. The side walkers are there to help you. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, let them know so they can assist you. 3. Keep conversation to a minimum. You need to be attuned to directions from the instructor and too many voices may distract your horse. 4. In an emergency, halt your horse immediately and wait for further instructions. 5. We want this to be an enjoyable experience. You do not have to do anything you do not want to do. You may end your ride at any time. 6. No cell phones. 7. We treat our horses gently. Never kick, push, or hit a horse. If a reprimand is necessary, let an instructor handle it. 8. Riding crops are not used. If you are happy, your horse is more apt to be happy.
Safety SPIRIT wants this to be a safe experience. This means: Dress appropriately, including hard shoes with heels. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry. An ASTM/SEI certified helmet must be worn and fastened at all times. Bicycle helmets are not acceptable. All riders must mount and dismount only under the instructor s supervision. Please do not smoke. If you must do so, you may smoke off the property. Please do not drink or come to the field intoxicated. Drinking and drug use (prescription or otherwise) is dangerous for the rider and the horses. Do not hand feed the horses. You may bring treats such as apples and carrots and we will add them to the horse s feed after the lesson. Do not yell, run, or make sudden movements near a horse. Be slow and gentle and keep your voice soft. Keep horses well away from each other at all times. Do not allow horses to sniff each other. If a horse rears, pulls back, or otherwise acts upset, STAY AWAY. Let the instructor handle the problem. A panicked horse is very dangerous. Do not stand behind a horse for any reason. Your horse is not your puppet they are your partner.
Our Horses Each of SPIRIT s six mounts have been carefully selected based on health, size, and temperament, and each has joined SPIRIT through donation or rescue. PINE OAKS INFINITI Pine Oaks Infiniti, known simply as "T" or "Infiniti," joined SPIRIT in late summer 2007, thanks to the generosity of her former owner, Courtney White, who has since become an active and indispensable member of the SPIRIT team and board. T is a Morgan mare, with all the excellence of her breed, a high level of training and a great temperament for our riders. SPIRIT II Spirit II is a Virginia pony mare, young and spirited but reliable in therapy with little ones. She replaced Spirit with her shape, color, and attitude, so we changed her name from Solara to Spirit.
TESSA Tessa, a Percheron/TB mare is the gentle giant of our herd. She can take care of riders of all sizes and levels of ability. Her size and patience makes her special for all volunteers and riders alike. She is shy, but honest and noble. GLORY Glory came to SPIRIT as a donation. She is a 16- year- old Morgan mare and her full name is My Glory. She is a former barrel racer and a family horse.
LUCINDA Lucinda is a 13- year- old Haflinger pony, belonging to one of the founders and former President of the BOD, Carina Elgin, and her daughter Caroline. She has been loaned to SPIRIT for a long- term arrangement and we are happy to have her. CHARLIE Charlie, a 15- year- old TB mare, was recently donated to SPIRIT. With years of experience of different disciplines and last 4 years spent at pasture, while her owner was at college, she is perfect for our program.
Appendix A: Points of the Horse
Appendix B: The Bridle
Appendix C: The English Saddle
Appendix D: Human Pelvis Riding, or Seat Bones