Horseback Riding - What to Expect
 

We offer many equestrian disciplines and train at various levels according to your defined goals. Our programs are tailored to your needs and desires, and can always be modified to include new interests as they arise.  Some of the popular disciplines and programs include: Dressage is a classical form of training for horse and rider.  The object of dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse.  As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose, and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.  These qualities are revealed by: the freedom and regularity of the gaits; the harmony, lightness, and ease of the movements; the lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originating in a lively impulsion;  and, the acceptance of the bridle with submissiveness throughout and without any tenseness or resistance. ** For the full description and regulations governing dressage activity, please consult the recommended reading from the USEF Handbook, Chapter DR Dressage. Hunt seat, or Hunter, has its roots in fox hunting, and involves jumping a variety of obstacles ranging in height from four inches to those over four feet. In huntseat riding the emphasis is on a smooth, yet stylish ride where the horse appears to jump for the pure joy of it. If you have ever seen a hunter go around a course of fences in proper form it is a truly elegant and stylish ride. The objective of a huntseat lesson is using "gymnastics" to improve the rider's position and the horse's jumping form, work on distances and speed control, and the introduction of low to mid sized obstacles to horse and rider. Huntseat and dressage are both forms of the English Seat Western riding has many different forms ranging from barrel racing, cutting and reining, to the very elegant western pleasure. Lesson Basics To start your lessons, you will need to wear long pants and boots, no sneakers or loafers. You can borrow one of our riding helmets or you may wish to purchase your own at a tack shop. Please arrive 15 minutes early to help tack up your horse or pony. Horse grooming, tacking up, trail rides, and an occasional unmounted lesson are part of the Whisper Wind horsemanship and riding experience. Scheduling The schedule is refined based on seasonal needs; summer, start of school, winter (January - March). We schedule applications as they are received. Send yours in early to help insure your time choice. You may go to the contact page of this site to apply. Late applications will be scheduled if there is space in a suitable class. The trainers try to schedule each student for the first choice of time requested. Please list a second choice in case your first choice is not available. Absences Please call if you need to miss a lesson so that the instructor may schedule accordingly. A minimum 24 hour notice is required for all lesson cancellations, or full charge will be assessed.  At Whisper Wind Equestrian Center we ride every day regardless of the weather. Thank you for your cooperation. For information on lesson descriptions, please consult the previous page by clicking the Back Page button, or consult our Fee Schedule for rates, or contact us immediately to begin  a program.