We're here today to clear up all of the mysteries about your first lesson at Woodruff Riding School! We want everyone to feel comfortable, confident, and prepared! This blog post is written with love by Zoe (age 12), a current student!
What to Wear:
1. Riding boots! Mrs. Sue has extra boots but there is no telling whether they will be in your size or not.
2. Next is socks! Any long socks will do as long as they can fit comfortably over your riding pants.
3. For the pants, you should wear riding pants but leggings will work also. The reason you would want riding pants is because you can move really comfortably in them and they don't slip as much.
4. Finally, Riding gloves! Riding gloves are good for, grip, warmth, and sanitation.
What to Bring:
1. A riding helmet. Again Mrs. Sue has extras but you don't know if they will fit you or not.
2. Also, a water bottle and maybe a snack. You don't want to feel dehydrated or starving when you're on a horse, especially during the summertime. Which is why you should always have some water and food before and after you start your lesson.
What to expect:
1. When you first come into the barn you want to be already dressed and ready to get to work. If you need to get dressed when you get there, come a little early. She has a bathroom there that you can use anytime. Always use it before or after a lesson, never in the middle. Try to come 20-30 minutes early to start getting tacked up and taking care of your pony or horse.
2. You'll brush your pony, pick their hooves, and brush their mane and tail. You'll put on a saddle pad and a saddle, a girth and a bridle, and once your stirrups are adjusted, you'll be ready to ride! Don't worry, you'll have help with this in the beginning and before you know it, you'll be an expert!
3. You should always adjust your stirrups before a lesson. The way you do that is you stick your fingertips where the stirrup strap begins and make your arm straight. If the stirrup is the right length, the end should be in your armpit. When you do get it to the right length, try not to forget the hole it's on.
4. Mrs. Sue will help you on the pony and now you have begun your lesson! If you are confused about what she is asking during the lesson, you can follow along with the other riders (if it isn't a private lesson), or you can just ask her and she will explain it to you!
5. After the lesson, you might have to un-tack your horse, unless they are used in the lesson after you. But, if you do need to un-tack your horse, it only takes a few minutes. After that, thank Mrs. Sue and if you have some extra time you can always watch the next lesson or ask Mrs. Sue if she needs help with anything around the barn. If not, be on your way!
6. Again, Mrs. Sue and other people around the barn are always happy to help with anything. Don't be afraid to ask!
7. If you want some company during your lesson, there are bleachers in the indoor and the outdoor ring so your family members can watch if you want them to!
There's so much to learn and do at the barn! It's so much fun and you never stop learning new things! Everyone is so friendly and willing to lend a helping hand. Just say the word if you need anything. My name is Zoe and if I'm there, I'd be happy to help you!
Have fun riding!