Do I have to catch and tack my own horse?
All students start out with having their horse caught for them by a TA (Teaching Assistant). Students are required to assist in tacking, under the supervision of a TA. As the student progresses, they'll be allowed to do more things on their own until they're able to catch and tack their horse with minimal supervision.
Do I need to supply my own horse or equipment?
No, we supply you with a well trained lesson horse and all the required tack and equipment. However, if you have your own horse boarded with us, as long as it's appropriately trained, you're welcome to use it and your own tack in your lesson. Our lesson horses however can only use our tack.
Do Riding Lessons qualify for the Federal Children's Fitness Tax Credit?
YES! Lessons at Cadence Creek do qualify for the $500 annual tax credit. The credit applies to all children under the aged of 16. For more information, visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/fitness/.
Will I be riding every week?
No. Each session includes a number of 'off-horse' lessons where students will be learning about non-riding parts of horsemanship. The winter 2010 session has 2 off-horse lessons - the first lesson and another lesson. Do not arrive 30 minutes early for off-horse lesssons.
Where will my lesson be?
Lessons are either in our Indoor Arena, Outdoor Arena or on the Trails. Off-horse lessons could be in the Classrooom, Tack Room or Cross-ties.
What do I need to wear?
You'll need to wear boots with a heel for riding (paddock/riding boots are great, but even ordinary rubber boots work well too) as well as long pants (jods, loose jeans or sweat pants are good). Shorts or Capris are NOT allowed. A riding helmet is strongly recommended (especially for higher levels), but a bicycle helmet is also acceptable.
For the colder months, dress as if you were outside. This includes winter coats, snow boots, hats, gloves, etc.
What about missed lessons?
If you give 24 hours notice, we'll give you a credit for that missed lesson for another session. You can only receive 1 credit per session. We cannot add one-off make-up lessons. If you give less than 24 hours notice or no notice there's no credit. No refunds, except in exceptional circumstances (at our discretion) or if we cancel the lesson.
How do I register and pay for my lessons?
Register online by selecting a class from above, and click the link at the bottom of the page. Payments can be made by Check or online by Credit Card.
What about Parents?
Parents are welcome to stay and watch lessons from our comfortable viewing room. Parents are required to help with Tiny Tots, Kinder Kids and Junior Riders lessons.
