  |
Academy of Riding Starlight Stables (816) 628-6569
 FREE Q&A QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING
A RIDING ACADEMY
In my professional opinion, you'll have a better overall riding lesson
experience if you consider these things:
1. Are the horses owned by the riding school?
The answer should be yes. Horses should never be leased, boarded or donated.
2. Is the school owned by the head instructor?
The answer should be yes.
3. How many students are in a class?
There should be no more than 5 in a class.
4. Will you be riding the same horse each time?
You should ride the same horse each time.
5. Will you have the same instructor each time?
You should have the same instructor each time.
6. Does the instructor also train horses?
Your instructor should also know how to train horses.
7. Are there different levels & styles of riding?
Yes, there should be. Your instructor should also have the ability to access your progress and move you to a more advanced horse when you're ready.
8. Make sure there is compatibility between you and your instructor.
9. Horses must be people friendly & in good physical condition.
10. School should have age appropriate horses & age and size appropriate saddles & tack.
The more inexperienced the rider, the older & more trained the horse should be.
The horse should be at least 10 years old for an inexperienced rider.
11. Lesson plans should enhance your working knowledge of horse safety, horse care, communication & riding style.
12. Make sure you're able to call past & present students for references.
13. Does the atmosphere of the barn reflect good values & provide good role models?
It should be a family atmosphere with positive reinforcement, encouragement and good manners.
14. Are your lessons on a set schedule?
Yes, they should be.
15. Is your school an established business?
I, personally, wouldn't take lessons from a school that was was less than 5 years old.
|