22 February 2, 2012
Palomino
Dear Dana: What insight can you offer on stable selection for a fi rst-timer?
by dana hokana /horsetrader columnist D
EAR DANA: My 6 year old niece loves horses and appears ready to jump into
lessons. My sister is thrilled that I’m getting her involved. I may be putting too much pres- sure on myself, but I want to be sure her fi rst experience is a good one. What insight can you off er for stable selection for a fi rst-timer?
—Gina, Phoenix, Ariz. DEAR GINA: It’s awesome that your niece
loves horses and is excited! I am impressed that you are putting thought into how to get her started. It is important to give her a posi- tive, safe experience. I strongly recommend that you are careful and thoughtful in your selection, as I am sure you will be. Anyone can hang a sign and say they are a horse trainer, but that does not mean that they are qualified or have experience and it does not mean that they have horses gentle and safe enough for a beginner. You need to investi- gate thoroughly and put your niece in the best hands possible! First, decide if you want her to start English
or western, as many stables will specialize in one or the other. I think that either style of riding is fine as long as your niece is learn- ing from a qualified instructor and is put on extremely safe horses. I ride primarily west- ern, so of course I would lean toward western riding. I also like the fact that the western saddle is larger and may offer more support. However, a qualified English riding stable with good horses and instructors is fine, too. Once you have made your decision as to the riding style, you can look into stables. I show Quarter Horses and the American
Quarter Horse Association offers refer- rals through the Professional Horseman’s Association. You can start there. The
members of the Professional Horseman’s Association have to be qualified in some areas to be a member. If they can’t help you, they may be able to refer you to someone who can. Go and interview prospective stables. Look for signs of professionalism, such as cleanli- ness and good care of the horses. Also be sure to ask if they carry insurance. Get references from people who have taken lessons. I also recommend you watch a lesson and
see if you are comfortable with what you see. Safety is number one! I would ask what horse they are going to put your niece on. Quiz them about the safety of that horse. One bad experience can turn her away from horses forever. Make sure they go slow with her. Most riders on the first ride should only walk and, maybe in some cases, jog. Don’t let anything be rushed! Also, talk directly to the person giving the lesson to see if their personality style will work with your niece’s personality style. Really shy, timid kids may need an extremely encourag- ing, soft instructor. I have seen instructors that are negative and harsh. Stay away from them. Look for someone who will be positive, encouraging, and make it fun! Short sessions are also better than a lesson
Dear Dana …only in
seat and balance! I recommend that the first few lessons be
private lessons. You want all the attention on your niece! Also look at the arena she will be riding in, is it quiet without a lot of chaos or uproar going on that could spook the horse?
One bad experience can turn her away from horses forever. Make sure they go slow with her. Most riders on the fi rst ride should only walk and, maybe in some cases, jog. Don’t let anything be rushed!
Is the ground good? Professionally run facili- ties are for the horse and the rider, and they are organized, neat, clean, and the ground is cared for in the arena. I hope this helps you and best of luck to you and your niece!
that is held too long. Ideally, you want to end each lesson with her wanting more! I also recommend that the lesson program covers ground work and care for the horse on the ground with an emphasis on safety. I also like to see new riders taught on proper use of their hands, as well as exercises to improve their
Dana Do you have a question for Dana? Simply go
to
www.horsetrader.com and click on the “Dear Dana” section, then submit it! If your question is selected, you will be entered into a monthly drawing for a FREE “Winning Strides” DVD from Dana’s training video series.
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