Office: 210-698-5270 Owner Mobile: 830-446-9312 (call or text*)
Gabriel
LESSONS
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PROGRAM INFORMATION
In The Irons Equestrian Center provides a safe and encouraging environment for beginner through advanced riders of all ages.
Lessons at ITI promote building confidence, motivation, discipline, coordination, focus, camaraderie, and developing a compassionate bond with horses. Students will learn not just to be brilliant riders, but also competent horsemen.
In The Irons adopted a leveled riding program at the beginning of 2023. Students have a set of objectives to master before graduating to the next level in the course. This is a comprehensive riding program. The students learn how to become safe, compassionate, and highly educated riders in a relaxed atmosphere, among their friends.
All students begin with a "Discovery Lesson" where their current riding skills will be evaluated so they can be placed with the correct instructor and at the appropriate Level. Most of our lessons are booked in pre-paid, six-week semesters. Semester plans offer discounted rates.
We have safe, well-trained, and experienced lesson horses available for all levels of riding.
Please download the Student Handbook for a comprehensive look at our program, our instructors, rules, and payment options. (top of page)
** Lessons may be purchased in packages at discounted rates. If, after your discovery lesson, you decide to join the program, you can still get the discounted rate if you purchase a package that day.
Meet a few of our lesson horses...
TEDDY
SPARKIE
Firme
Halo
SIZZLE
Gabriel
SAINT
ZEUS
Riding Lesson FAQ:
What can I expect to learn at my first lesson?
*Before your lesson, be sure you have signed our waiver (button/link above). Generally speaking, you will begin learning how to groom and tack up your horse properly. Next, you’ll learn how to lead the horse safely to the arena.a Then, you’ll learn how to mount. Your first lesson will focus on stopping and steering at the walk. Lastly, you’ll learn how to dismount and untack the horse.
Do you have a weight limit for your horses?
Yes, we do. Currently, we do not have a horse capable of
carrying over 185 lbs.
Are grooming and tacking up part of the lesson?
Of course they are! Each student at each lesson is required to care for his or her assigned horse before they ride and after they dismount. Learning to properly groom and saddle a horse not only makes them a more competent rider, it also allows the student time on the ground to learn important things such as:
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Horse mannerisms, so they will recognize a horse that could be dangerous.
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How to recognize a sore back or painful leg which could cause the horse to be unruly under saddle
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Properly and safely leading a horse by a halter and lead rope so they are able to control an unmounted horse.
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Most importantly, the rider will acquire compassion for, and an understanding of, the horse and its needs.
(**After a student has learned how to properly groom and tack independently, we encourage students to arrive early to get their horse ready and they are allowed to untack and put the horse away after the lesson is over.)
What should be worn to lessons?
Wear a shirt with a collar (spaghetti straps and tank tops are not allowed) pants (breeches, jeans, stretchy pants), and a sturdy boot that covers at least the ankle with an approximately 1" heel. We have helmets here for you to borrow.
*We usually have reasonably priced paddock boots, half-chaps, and helmets in our tack shop but call ahead, our inventory is sometimes low.
How are lessons paid?
Discounted lesson packages at In The Irons run in 6-week semesters.
Payment for the semester will be charged on the first day of each semester to a debit or credit card kept on file by our third-party processor. Or you may pay by check no later than the first day of the new semester. (Similar to a gym membership or dance/gymnastics/karate tuition plans).
Riders will still have the option to pay per lesson but are not guaranteed the same time spot and will be booked after all riders on the prepayment system. Individual lessons will be booked no more than 7 days in advance so that there are openings for make-up lessons for the semester plan group.
At what age do you begin teaching children?
6-8 years old is the perfect time for children to begin lessons. However, if you have a really horse crazy kid, we are open to teaching an attentive 5 year old.