WEEK-LONG RIDING LESSONS

Hi riders:

                I hope you are as excited as I am to start your week long lessons.  The days begin at 8:30 am, and end at 11:30 for ½ days, and end at 3 pm for full days.  For those of you who are bringing horses, horses can come in Sunday evening from 6-8 pm.  If this time is a conflict for you, call me to schedule a specific time.  Your horse will be fed hay at 7 am and 5 pm by us.  During the week, plan to arrive up to ½ hour early to grain your horse, clean the stall, and groom your horse.  If you need more time to do these chores and to have your horse ready by 8:30 am, plan your time accordingly.  DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 8 AM.

You will need to have the following for your horse:

***   ALL HORSES ARE REQUIRED TO BE VACCINATED WITH FLU, SLEEPING SICKNESS, TETANUS,  RHINO-FLU, AND STRANGLES,  AND BE WORMED BEFORE THEY ARRIVE FOR WEEK-LONG LESSONS.   RHINO-FLU AND WORMING NEED TO BE CURRENT (WITHIN THE LAST MONTH).  Intranasal strangles is recommended for better immunity. ( I have had a case of strangles here in January, 2002, so this is for your horses’ protection, as well as for horses that are here).  West Nile vaccine is greatly recommended, even though this virus can NOT be passed from horse to horse.

                (1)  Hay and grain for Sunday pm - Friday am.  (Your horse will go home with you on Friday, unless other arrangements are made prior to Sunday).  Hay will need to be kept in front of your horses’ stall, so please only bring what you need.  3 bales of hay should be enough.  I have grass hay available at $2.50/bale.

                (2)  Saddle, bridle, saddle pad (both Western & English if you ride both), halter, lead rope, chain lead for showmanship.  Do not bring a saddle rack (you will have a rack in the tack room for your equipment).

                (3)  Grooming, lunging, clipping tools, washing supplies (shampoo & conditioner), and caddy.   Please limit this to 1 SMALL container.  You do not need to bring a hose.  Bring a lunge line, whip, muck fork.

                (4)  You will need to supply your own shavings, (no straw).  2 bags should be sufficient.  I will have shavings available at $5/bag.  We will add more shavings as needed.

You will need to bring the following for you:

                (1)  Come ready to work and ride your horse, in pants, appropriate top, (check the weather), heel-down boots, and SAFETY HELMET.   (NO spaghetti strap or large arm hole shirts, please. This is also for your safety in case you were to fall off).  IF YOU DON’T HAVE A SAFETY HELMET, LET ME KNOW when you register.  The helmets are available on first come, first service.  I HAVE 3-4 AVAILABLE TO USE. 

                (2)  Ice water or juice.  Pop does not quench the thirst!!!   Try to freeze plastic pop or juice bottles about 3/4 full of water or juice and you will have a cold drink when you need it.

                (3)  A packed lunch, for full day riders.  And at least 2 - 3 morning & afternoon snacks.

                (4)  Extra change of clothes, including SOCKS.  We may get wet or sweaty.  You will be able to wear shorts and sneakers during some of the educational and hands-on times.  NO SANDALS.  If it is extremely hot, you may run in the sprinkler or have a “water bucket fight”, so you may come with a one piece swimsuit, and tank top and shorts to wear over the swimsuit.  You can leave an extra bag of clothes.

MARK EVERYTHING WITH  YOUR NAME.  You, the rider, will be responsible if supplies or tack get lost or mixed up with someone else.  It will be the responsibility of the rider to keep his/her tack and supplies neat and orderly, and to be prepared and on time. 

And, finally, BRING A SMILE AND REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN!

WARNING! Under Nebraska Law an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to sections 25-21, 249 to 25-21, 253 N.R.S.