What should I expect in my first lesson?

In your first lesson you will have orientation and an evaluation. Everyone, no matter how experienced, must learn our program's whys and hows. You'll be walked thru the steps of our basic lesson format. Each lesson starts with the rider grooming their horse and then "tacking up". We'll work at building your equestrian vocabulary. You'll take care of your horse following the ride. Students ride very little in the first lessons. Actual saddle time increases each lesson as you become more adept at preparing your horse.

You need to be patient with yourself. Learning to ride is a very top heavy sport. This means that at the start you have a lot to learn about the horse, its environment, the equipment used on and around it, plus a whole new vocabulary. There is also a whole new mental and physical behavior pattern of another species to learn.

What can I do to prepare myself for riding?

Books are always a good learning tool. We like to see you start with reader friendly books. Happy Horsemanship and The Pony Club D Manual are both good. Stop at Gallop On Saddlery in Skaneateles and spend a few moments browsing. There are many other books and some excellent videos we can show you at Gallop On Saddlery.

A little extra time at the barn is another way to become more comfortable around the horses. Couple the time spent with lots of questions and you can really accelerate your progress.

What style of riding do we teach?

Our program teaches the balanced seat, specifically Hunt Seat Equitation. This is ridden in English tack. If riders wish to advance to jumping, our Hunt Seat program prepares you for this activity. We are also well founded in the principles of Dressage.

What equipment do I need?

For your first lesson all riders need long pants and hard shoes. Loafers, sneakers and jogging shoes are not acceptable. No sweat pants, but jeans are fine.

All riders must have a hard hat. We can provide one for your first lesson. There are several types of hard hats. One elegant style is today called "apparel only". This hat comes with or with out a chin strap. These hats are generally used by only by professionals and some horse show participants, and are not ASTM-SEI approved safety helmets. The other style has a chin strap, bulky padding and is recognized as an industry safety standard, and is mandatory for riders under 14 in New York State.

Ideally riders will acquire a pair of chaps and paddock boots along with a hunt cap. The hat must be black velvet covered in the traditional hunter style. Not acceptable are plastic hats of any style. The investment in a hat is roughly $100. Chaps of leather, cost $100 to $150. Paddock boots are a short boot designed for riding. They come in black or brown, lace or zipper closure. For lessons any of these are suitable, cost $75-$150. A crop rounds out the outfit. Its cost, about $10-$20 dollars.

Riding equipment is very traditional and must fit properly. For example if chaps are not tight they defeat their purpose and will rub your legs. Hats must fit snugly or they can move in the event of a fall. Jackets should not be bulky but fit fairly snug so that the instructor can see your posture. It is essential you receive competent information when purchasing your riding wardrobe.

We recommend GALLOP ON SADDLERY in Skaneateles we suggest you shop there for all your riding needs.

 

GALLOP ON F.A.Q.'s

 

How old do you have to be to ride?

We receive numerous inquiries about very young children. The best age to start children is between 8 and 12 years old. Many parents think their children are mature enough to ride at 4 and younger. We ask that you pay us a visit and let the child have a little time around our horses and the instructors. We also require parents of small children to take at least one session of lessons so they may knowledgeably assist in the evaluation of the current suitability of their child to ride.

We use ponies for small children but even then children must possess the physical strength to do the required tasks. Our experience shows that if your child can not give eye contact to the instructor and understand basic instruction it is an indication they should wait a little longer. They must also understand to some degree the discipline in riding necessary to keep them safe during the time spent in the physical presence of horses and the barn. We provide safety sheets to all riders and you and your child must review these, understand the risks involved in the sport of riding, and abide by our farm and industry safety requirements.

How old is too old to ride?

If you've ridden all of your life you can ride until you can't get on! However if you are thinking of taking up riding after age 50, you should be sure your doctor approves and that you are in shape for the job at hand. Riding is hard physical work. Other than that, basically, you're never too old until you think you are!

How often should I ride?

Students in our program must ride a minimum of once a week. It is recommended that you ride two to three times a week. This is very important when you start lessons for the first time as there are so many things to learn about the horse and the equipment. Must I ride in horse shows?

Absolutely not. Many of our students do ride at shows. Show are an excellent way to increase riding skills most quickly,and they can be lots of fun, for competitors and spectators alike. However we respect the fact that some riders are not competitive and just want to enjoy the equestrian lifestyle.

Who will instruct me?

Cheryl Moses, our program manager, is the person you will have your first contact with. Cheryl was raised around horses and has been a horse industry professional since graduating from Morrisville College. If one needed to use one word to describe, Cheryl Moses, it would be positive. She is consistent, educated, conscientious, steadfast, fair, bright, and she smiles too!

In between Morrisville and working with Gallop On, Cheryl, worked with, Dr. Wm. Stack, Master of the Limestone Creek Hunt in Cazenovia. Cheryl wanted deeper involvement in teaching and training and Gallop On Farm was lucky enough to be looking for someone to do just that. It is flattering that she has been with Gallop On since 1994. Cheryl is dedicated to the principles of good horsemanship and very committed to teaching you the safest and best methods of riding and handling horses.

Linda Connors is the owner and operator of Gallop On Farm and former owner of Gallop On Saddlery. (Presently owned and operated in downtown Skaneateless and well attended by Dennis & Barbara Dundon). Linda is a third generation equestrian.

Linda has been an instructor, trainer and judge in the Hunter Industry for over 30 years. She has produced State, National, and World Performance Champions in the American Quarter Horse Association {AQHA).

Many young equestrians have started their career at her previous farm in Auburn,NY.

After becoming an American Horse Show Association judge in the Hunter and Equitation Divisions, Linda, was invited to teach Judges Seminars for AQHA and other breed associations. She also holds a Hunter Card for AQHA and is currently the AQHA Director for NY state.

During the summer months she spends many hours next to the in gate at the horse shows where her students and horses compete. When she's not showing horses she is probably running or judging a show.

In-between all this activity Linda has found the time to write for national publications, publish a newsletter for professional horsemen, do consulting work, appear at speaking engagements, hold seminars, clinics and run ten horse shows each year. Linda has been liaison to represent NY on the State Horse Council Committee, sits on the Farm Bureau's Equine Commodities Committee, Cornell University Animal Science Advisory Board and the Morrisville University Equine Advisory Committee.

 

We require our students to purchase Velvet Covered Hunt Caps that are ASTM approved . We frown on any type or style of riding cap made of plastic.