SERVICES EQUESTRIAN SERVICES At Hacienda 8A we offer state of the art facilities for horse boarding. Our stables are an ample 12x12 ft., with blocks at the floor offering a great drain in order to keep the stable dry. We have 20 wash stalls to keep your horses clean at all times. EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM Philosophy and Goals We believe that the experience of riding is so much more than the mere act of hopping on a horse’s back! We view it as an opportunity to develop a relationship with a magnificent animal where trust, communication and understanding may reach new and exciting levels. This development occurs as the rider of any age learns respect for the animal and a deeper understanding of what motives horses to behave as they do. In our experience, this understanding greatly enhances the riding experience as it enables us as riders to acquire horsemanship and to have better ground and riding control. Our goal is to share our philosophy and teach our students to develop a deeper understanding of horse, while learning the English riding discipline. We do so by affording them time to enjoy the horses in a friendly, non-competitive and relaxed environment. We make use round pens for beginner and intermediate students to allow them to bond the horses from the ground and gain an understanding of the horses’ behavior. These ground exercises are also proven tools of teaching proper body language to the student which may assist him/her in effectively communicating with the horse; be it on the ground and on the saddle. These pens also enable both the student and the horse to focus on the lesson. Besides ground work, the student(s) will mount the horse or pony and learn the English riding technique according to their particular level either on a saddle or a bareback pad. Bareback pads are instrumental on assisting rider to develop better balance and correct positioning on a horse, as well as enhancing synchronicity with the horse’s movements. These abilities will assist riders engaged in this discipline, regardless whether it is practiced as a recreational or a competitive sport. Riders and parents should know however, that those interested in developing additional skills than those explained above and/or those wishing to pursue the competitive aspect of this sport may need to eventually lease or purchase a horse. Lessons: Lessons on the ground will include learning the safety measures that need to be observed while around horses and the barn, learning that horses communicate through body language and how to read the same; knowing the anatomical parts of the horse; knowing the names and parts of the tack used in the English discipline; knowing how to groom and tack up a horse; learning how to safely lead a horse from the ground and how to establish and maintain effective communication and control of the horse while in a round pen. Students will also ride the horses and ponies once a basic level of understanding of safety and communication is learned. The basic skills that will be taught are two point position, posting trot, diagonals, canter, leads, and jumping small obstacles. Lessons may be provided either on a saddle or on a bareback pad, depending on the particular objective of the lesson provided. How much time should be spent by the beginner rider on a horse or pony is determined according to various factors, including but not limited to, the student’s age, physical condition, needs, attention span, energy levels for that day, etc. Our top priority with regards to the time of the lesson is to keep the student comfortable, safe and happy!! Therefore, lessons may vary in duration depending on the student’s particular circumstances on that given day. Horses/Ponies and tack will be provided for the lesson(s). What You Need to Begin : HELMETS: Riders are required to wear helmets if they are under the age of 18. We recommend that you purchase a helmet for your child/children enrolled in the program. The helmet must meet ASTM safety standards and be SEI certified. BODY PROTECTORS : Students are required to use body protectors if they are under the age of 18. We recommend that you purchase a body protector for your child/children enrolled in the program. The protectors must meet ASTM safety standards. FOOTWEAR: You need to wear a boot or shoe with a heel that is similar to a work boot or cowboy boot. The reasoning behind this is that with a heeled-shoe, you will not easily get your foot caught in the stirrup. PANTS: Breeches or jodpur riding pants. Jeans may be used as an alternative if they are not very baggy (like the styles that are out now-a-days). Cowboy cut (boot leg) or relaxed-fit type jeans are fine. RAIN JACKET : Those who have parents’ permission to ride in the rain should have a rain jacket handy. Please note however that for safety reasons, lessons will be interrupted or cancelled due to thunderstorms or lightning. PAPERWORK: The prospective rider and/or the parents or custodians of the same shall complete the forms prior to commencement of riding lessons. The liability releases must be examined and fully understood by the prospective rider and/or his/her parents or custodians and signed prior to commencement of riding lessons. All new riders are required to sign a release form before riding. Medical forms must also be completed.