Office: 210-698-5270 Owner Mobile: 830-446-9312 (call or text*)
Lessons in
Hunter/Jumper or Dressage
RIDING LESSONS IN HUNTER/JUMPER OR DRESSAGE
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.
Horsemanship is a key part of learning to ride. Learning not just "how" to do something, but also "why". Learning about horses health, behaviors and thinking patterns is key in developing the ability to use riding cues and aids correctly.
Having a solid understanding of and the ability to perform “the basics” is the foundation upon which the success of the rider’s future equestrian endeavors will be based. Riding accurately, having an independent seat and quiet hands will start out as challenges, but will eventually become reflexive, so that the rider can concentrate on learning new challenges at the next level. You could compare learning to ride like learning algebra: if you haven’t memorized your multiplication tables, you are lost!
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 in the appropriate level.
Meet a few of our lesson horses...
TEDDY
SPARKIE
Firme
Halo
SIZZLE
ZEUS
Riding Lesson FAQ:
What can I expect to learn at my first lesson?
Generally speaking, you will learn how to groom and tack up the horse properly. Next you’ll learn how to lead the horse safely to the arena. 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.
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 low since the supply chain has become so strained.
How are lessons paid?
We offer two options for payment. You may leave a card on file (through Square, we can't see it) and after each lesson your instructor will charge your card or you may pay for a month of lessons, in advance, at the first of each month. We do have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your lesson please call/text/email your instructor at least 24-hours in advance, This allows time for the instructor to fill your lesson time with another student.
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.
Do you have a weight limit for your horses?
Yes, we do. Currently, we do not have a horse capable of
carrying over 180 lbs.