Read all the Pony Club manuals, research the internet on English riding, parts of the saddle and bridle, and parts of the horse and horse riding terminology.
West Winds requires riders to ride a minimum of once per week, two or three times a weeks is preferred as riding takes a lot of skill, there is so much to learn about the horse, the equipment, and terminology that is used by Equestrians.
It can be very overwhelming at first. Your first few lessons you will be taught the steps of our basic lesson format.
For your first lesson, long pants and hard boots with a heel no bigger than 1 inch.
Please no chewing gum, excessive jewellery, and hair must be tied back out of rider eyes.
Running shoes, are not acceptable, jeans are ok.
We can loan a helmet, but after you first month of lessons you should have your own helmet, make sure it is ASTM-SEI approved.
after first months lesson riders should acquire a pair of half chaps, paddock boots, and breeches. They can be purchased at Greenhawk Saddlery in Calgary.
1. Professional and Accountable- Certified coaches are
professionals who are expected to adhere to strict standards of the
profession. (Equine Canada Code of Ethics and EC Coaching Code of
Conduct.
2. Safety and First Aid -Trained in procedures, coaches hold a valid First Aid certificate which must be kept up to date for the coach to maintain a current status.
3. Theory - Certified Coaches know "how" to teach/coach. Coaches support all aspects of the sport, not just the technical skill. Successful completion of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is a requirement at each level as well as the new Equine Canada "Learn to Teach" Course.
4. Knowledge and Technical Competence - Coach candidates are assessed by qualified personnel. Candidates are required to show their technical ability as well as having theoretical knowledge.
5. Consistency and Upgrading - Through a process of formal study, mentorship and assessment, coaches are taught and tested on consistent skills. Coaches must upgrade their knowledge to stay certified therefore keeping skills fresh and current.
6. Stable Management - Coaches have learned and have been tested on more than just technical skills, they are capable of teaching every aspect of horse care.
7. Commitment - Becoming certified requires significant time and financial commitment on the part of the instructor/coach.
8. Sport Specific - Coaches are evaluated and certified in the area of their expertise.
9. Resources - Certified coaches have all the resources at EC and the Alberta Equestrian Federation available to them to upgrade, educate and learn.
10. Only EC Certified coaches can examine the EC Rider Development Program Levels.
11. Conformance with growing public expectation of certification in all amateur sports.
For more info check out the Alberta Equestrian Federation Website.
Sometimes weather conditions make riding not very enjoyable, we do have
a heated arena, but when temperatures drop below -25, or if driving conditions
are not safe, just call and let us know, or you can call and see if lessons are
still on.
If you miss a lesson due to unforseen illness, or family emergency, then you just call us and and
we will reschedule your lesson. If you have another planned event of the day and time of your lesson
you can rescedule lesson as well, as long as you give us 24 hours notice, or you forfiet the lesson.
Lessons must be made up in the month they are missed, we will not carry over to the next month,
unless approved by your instructor.
