R.K.E. Equestrian Center
Policies and Procedures
Beginning Horseback Riding
1) Instruction Program
Goal: To produce a confident and knowledgeable rider who displays correct and safe control of their horse.
A. Orientation: Horse Safety Rules and Regulations applying to all riders/students/campers of RKE Equestrian Center. Pre-ride demonstration and evaluation of abilities and competence of each rider. Overview on horse psychology, behavior and safety. With a discussion of proper behavior of the rider/student/camper around horses. Demonstration of proper mounting, dismounting, start stop and turn, balance and body position, in the round pen.
•
Overview of barn rules and safety procedures as posted on the tack room wall.
Overview of barn rules and safety procedures as posted on the tack room wall. •Liability and Release form with correct contact and emergency information for each rider/student/camper.
Liability and Release form with correct contact and emergency information for each rider/student/camper.•All riders/students/campers must wear safe and correct attire (long pants and boots with heels) with the addition of a correctly fitted riding helmet when mounted.
All riders/students/campers must wear safe and correct attire (long pants and boots with heels) with the addition of a correctly fitted riding helmet when mounted.•Riders/students/campers will be supervised at all times by Instructors during all equine activities.
Riders/students/campers will be supervised at all times by Instructors during all equine activities. •All riders/students/campers must be able bodied both physically and mentally.
All riders/students/campers must be able bodied both physically and mentally.•Riders/students/campers will be expected to display proper behavior and manners both to the instructors and the horses. Rude behavior, rough handling of horses and failure to follow safety procedures by riders/students/campers will not be tolerated. Any student/rider/camper continuously displaying such behaviors that could endanger themselves or others can be denied further instruction.
Riders/students/campers will be expected to display proper behavior and manners both to the instructors and the horses. Rude behavior, rough handling of horses and failure to follow safety procedures by riders/students/campers will not be tolerated. Any student/rider/camper continuously displaying such behaviors that could endanger themselves or others can be denied further instruction. B. Lesson Program : The following is implemented under the guidance of the head instructor.
•Lesson 1: Orientation Day. Pre-ride demonstration and individual rider/student/camper evaluation. (See part 1 section A) basic balance and emergency dismount assisted by assistant instructor and aide. Training in basic skills for safe grooming and handling of the horse.
Lesson 1: Orientation Day. Pre-ride demonstration and individual rider/student/camper evaluation. (See part 1 section A) basic balance and emergency dismount assisted by assistant instructor and aide. Training in basic skills for safe grooming and handling of the horse. •Lesson 2: Basic balance, two point (utilized for equilibrium), around the world (balance exercise), and emergency dismount.
Lesson 2: Basic balance, two point (utilized for equilibrium), around the world (balance exercise), and emergency dismount. •Lesson 3: Basic balance, two point, riding the trot, around the world, and emergency dismount.
Lesson 3: Basic balance, two point, riding the trot, around the world, and emergency dismount. •Lesson 4: Basic balance, two point, posting the trot, around the world, riding bareback and emergency dismount.
Lesson 4: Basic balance, two point, posting the trot, around the world, riding bareback and emergency dismount. •Lesson 5: All of the above, according to each individual rider’s skills and confidence levels.
Lesson 5: All of the above, according to each individual rider’s skills and confidence levels. •Lesson 6: Confidence in the application of the above mentioned skills will determine the rider/student/camper working in a larger riding arena or joining a group lesson.
Lesson 6: Confidence in the application of the above mentioned skills will determine the rider/student/camper working in a larger riding arena or joining a group lesson.C. Safety:
•All riders will wear appropriate safety helmets when mounted. Long pants and boots with a heel are also required.
All riders will wear appropriate safety helmets when mounted. Long pants and boots with a heel are also required. •All horses must show safe, kind and tolerant behavior toward the beginning rider. Each horse will stand quietly and patiently while the rider mounts and gathers their reins.
All horses must show safe, kind and tolerant behavior toward the beginning rider. Each horse will stand quietly and patiently while the rider mounts and gathers their reins. •Each horse is well trained and calm, helping their rider learn to go, stop, turn and back.
Each horse is well trained and calm, helping their rider learn to go, stop, turn and back. •All horses are maintained in a safe pasture. Each receives worming, hoof care, and vaccines on a regular basis.
All horses are maintained in a safe pasture. Each receives worming, hoof care, and vaccines on a regular basis. •Each horse is fitted with saddle pads, bridle and bit specifically for their needs.
Each horse is fitted with saddle pads, bridle and bit specifically for their needs.•All tack and equipment is safe and in good repair. Tack and equipment is inspected before each camp session and periodically throughout the year.
All tack and equipment is safe and in good repair. Tack and equipment is inspected before each camp session and periodically throughout the year.•Tack and equipment will be adjusted according to each rider as an individual bearing in mind both comfort and safety.
Tack and equipment will be adjusted according to each rider as an individual bearing in mind both comfort and safety.•Equine first aid kit is complete and in the barn office. Contents are checked periodically and replaced as needed. The kit is checked periodically and items replaced or added as needed.
Equine first aid kit is complete and in the barn office. Contents are checked periodically and replaced as needed. The kit is checked periodically and items replaced or added as needed.•Human first aid kit is located in the barn office. The contents are checked regularly and replaced as needed. The kit is checked before each camp and again throughout the year.
Human first aid kit is located in the barn office. The contents are checked regularly and replaced as needed. The kit is checked before each camp and again throughout the year. •All staff members/instructors are trained in basic First aid care for both horse and human. Emergency personnel will be called at the discretion of the head instructor or, if she is unavailable, the instructor in charge.
All staff members/instructors are trained in basic First aid care for both horse and human. Emergency personnel will be called at the discretion of the head instructor or, if she is unavailable, the instructor in charge.D. Emergencies:
•In the event of a horse care emergency, the head instructor or, if not available, the instructor in charge will determine if the veterinarian will be called.
In the event of a horse care emergency, the head instructor or, if not available, the instructor in charge will determine if the veterinarian will be called. •In the event of a human health care emergency accident or illness, the head instructor, or if not available, the instructor in charge will determine if medical assistance and/or a parent shall be called.
In the event of a human health care emergency accident or illness, the head instructor, or if not available, the instructor in charge will determine if medical assistance and/or a parent shall be called. •In the event of a barn fire all campers will meet and remain at the Memorial Garden area/Rally Point and will be under direct supervision of one of the instructors. The remaining instructors will move all easily accessible horses to a pasture area. The head instructor, or if not available, the instructor in charge will be responsible for calling emergency personnel.
In the event of a barn fire all campers will meet and remain at the Memorial Garden area/Rally Point and will be under direct supervision of one of the instructors. The remaining instructors will move all easily accessible horses to a pasture area. The head instructor, or if not available, the instructor in charge will be responsible for calling emergency personnel. •In the event of a severe weather event including but not limited to tornado-straight line winds- hail storms all persons (instructors and students) will meet in the feed room storage area and remain there until well past the time of bad weather.
In the event of a severe weather event including but not limited to tornado-straight line winds- hail storms all persons (instructors and students) will meet in the feed room storage area and remain there until well past the time of bad weather. •In the event of a bad weather such as a severe thunderstorm with thunder and/or lightening occurring during a riding lesson, the lesson will be postponed and all instructors, students and horses will meet inside the barn. The lesson may resume after 20 minutes have passed since the last clap of thunder.
In the event of a bad weather such as a severe thunderstorm with thunder and/or lightening occurring during a riding lesson, the lesson will be postponed and all instructors, students and horses will meet inside the barn. The lesson may resume after 20 minutes have passed since the last clap of thunder. •In the event of a Hurricane, lessons will be cancelled until further notice.
In the event of a Hurricane, lessons will be cancelled until further notice. 2) Summer Camp Riding Program
•Conducted in a riding arena with sand footing, of 250 foot in length x 160 foot wide surrounded by a five foot high welded pipe fence consisting of 6 rails and 4 (Four) gates. From 4 – 6 horses are used depending on the number of children. Rider/student/camper may also ride in a 60 foot round corral for control and safety at the discretion of the instructor.
Conducted in a riding arena with sand footing, of 250 foot in length x 160 foot wide surrounded by a five foot high welded pipe fence consisting of 6 rails and 4 (Four) gates. From 4 – 6 horses are used depending on the number of children. Rider/student/camper may also ride in a 60 foot round corral for control and safety at the discretion of the instructor.•Mounts are selected for calmness suited to beginner skills. Each rider is assigned a proper mount based upon physical stature, riding ability, and emotional state (i.e. fear, excitement, endurance etc.) before the rider enters the arena.
Mounts are selected for calmness suited to beginner skills. Each rider is assigned a proper mount based upon physical stature, riding ability, and emotional state (i.e. fear, excitement, endurance etc.) before the rider enters the arena. •Equipment
Equipment a.Each horse is outfitted with an appropriate fitted saddle, pad and bridle with reins. When appropriate a lead line and handler may assist.
Each horse is outfitted with an appropriate fitted saddle, pad and bridle with reins. When appropriate a lead line and handler may assist. b.Each rider is fitted with an approved safety riding helmet, long pants and boots with a heel before entering the arena.
Each rider is fitted with an approved safety riding helmet, long pants and boots with a heel before entering the arena. Staffing :
The staff will include Head instructor and 3 assistant instructors with two aides of at least 16 years of age for up to six riders and six horses. Each instructor is a knowledgeable and experienced horse person dedicated to the safety of both horse and rider.
Summer Camp Lesson Plan
•Day 1 Monday: Pre-ride demonstration and child evaluation (see Part 1 Section A) and at the walk – instruction in proper reining techniques using natural aides (voice, body weight, hands, legs, proper foot placement in stirrups). Day 1 also will include instruction on proper methods of leading, handling and grooming the horse.
Day 1 Monday: Pre-ride demonstration and child evaluation (see Part 1 Section A) and at the walk – instruction in proper reining techniques using natural aides (voice, body weight, hands, legs, proper foot placement in stirrups). Day 1 also will include instruction on proper methods of leading, handling and grooming the horse.•Right Turn *
Right Turn *•Left Turn *
Left Turn *•Stopping *
Stopping * •Backing *
Backing * •* All of the above are practiced while traversing the arena in clockwise and counter- clockwise directions.
* All of the above are practiced while traversing the arena in clockwise and counter- clockwise directions.•Day 2 Tuesday: Repeat of Day 1 with one minor course change. Additional minor obstacles are added to negotiate. Course: Ground Poles and Barrels placed in a simple pattern. With confidence building games such as “Follow the Leader” while practicing and perfecting go, stop, turn and backing cues. In addition to leading, handling and grooming the camper will also begin to learn the parts of the horse.
Day 2 Tuesday: Repeat of Day 1 with one minor course change. Additional minor obstacles are added to negotiate. Course: Ground Poles and Barrels placed in a simple pattern. With confidence building games such as “Follow the Leader” while practicing and perfecting go, stop, turn and backing cues. In addition to leading, handling and grooming the camper will also begin to learn the parts of the horse.•Day 3 – Wednesday: Repeat of days 1 and 2 with more additional obstacles to navigate. Course: Ground poles, barrels, and cavaletti used to improve go, stop, turn and back. Begin to learn basic school figures ie: circles and straight lines. In addition to leading, handling, grooming, and horse body parts the camper will also begin to learn parts of the saddle.
Day 3 – Wednesday: Repeat of days 1 and 2 with more additional obstacles to navigate. Course: Ground poles, barrels, and cavaletti used to improve go, stop, turn and back. Begin to learn basic school figures ie: circles and straight lines. In addition to leading, handling, grooming, and horse body parts the camper will also begin to learn parts of the saddle.•Day 4 – Thursday: Repeat of days 1, 2 and 3 with more additional obstacles. Task: Dressage Introductory Test A (Walk/Trot). Camper will review all leading, handling, grooming, and parts of the horse and saddle.
Day 4 – Thursday: Repeat of days 1, 2 and 3 with more additional obstacles. Task: Dressage Introductory Test A (Walk/Trot). Camper will review all leading, handling, grooming, and parts of the horse and saddle.•Day 5- Friday: Demonstration of all accumulated skills taught in the previous sessions.
Day 5- Friday: Demonstration of all accumulated skills taught in the previous sessions. 