Pony or horse?
It all comes down (or up) to size. We measure height using a unit called a "hand" (a hand is equal to 4 inches). We measure from the ground to the top of the withers (the bump at the base of the neck). A horse is usually considered to be an equine that's at least 14.2 hands (or about four feet ten inches) tall. A pony, on the other hand (pun totally intended!), is an equine less than 14.2 hands (58inches). A miniature pony is usually under 38" at the withers. Cricket is 15.1hh and Freya is 13.3hh (This makes Cricket 6 inches taller than Freya).
Sometimes the word pony is used as a term of endearment even though technically they might be horse size. On birthdays our horses and ponies are all unicorns!!
What do you do when it rains?
We ride! The horses don't mind being out in the rain and if you dress for the weather it can be quite mystical out on a horse in the rain. We have a special blanket that wraps around the rider to keep legs dry and warm - wear a good rain jacket and giddy-up!
**We don't conduct lessons in extremely high winds, in lightning or when the trail conditions are icy. New or nervous rider lessons are taught in the arena and if the arena is not available, we are not able to conduct those lessons.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing to suit the weather (temperature and rain). Long pants and closed toes shoes or boots are required. Please bring your own helmet. Due to new guidelines for COVID-19 we are no longer able to provide helmets for you to use. *While equine rated helmets are recommended, a bike/ski/snowboard helmet may also be worn.
What if I can't make my session?
We require at least 48 hours notice for cancellation or full payment is required. We will try our best to fill your space with another rider and defer your payment for your next ride. If we are unable to fill your space, we require full payment. We arrive at the barn an hour before your lesson time to prepare for lessons. We make sure the horses are fed, watered, groomed, tacked up and walked to the lesson location ready for your time.
The well-being of our horses is our top priority. If for some reason the horse is unable to provide sessions on a particular day, we will give you as much notice as possible. There would be no charge for lessons cancelled due to horse reasons.
Why do you have a rider weight limit?
For the well being of our horses we have a rider weight limit. Depending on many factors including: horse height, weight, fitness, stockiness, and rider ability/experience, there is a formula that recommends a weight limit that a particular horse can carry including tack.
Cricket has a rider weight limit of 180 pounds. Freya and Lily have a rider weight limit of 160 pounds.
It all comes down (or up) to size. We measure height using a unit called a "hand" (a hand is equal to 4 inches). We measure from the ground to the top of the withers (the bump at the base of the neck). A horse is usually considered to be an equine that's at least 14.2 hands (or about four feet ten inches) tall. A pony, on the other hand (pun totally intended!), is an equine less than 14.2 hands (58inches). A miniature pony is usually under 38" at the withers. Cricket is 15.1hh and Freya is 13.3hh (This makes Cricket 6 inches taller than Freya).
Sometimes the word pony is used as a term of endearment even though technically they might be horse size. On birthdays our horses and ponies are all unicorns!!
What do you do when it rains?
We ride! The horses don't mind being out in the rain and if you dress for the weather it can be quite mystical out on a horse in the rain. We have a special blanket that wraps around the rider to keep legs dry and warm - wear a good rain jacket and giddy-up!
**We don't conduct lessons in extremely high winds, in lightning or when the trail conditions are icy. New or nervous rider lessons are taught in the arena and if the arena is not available, we are not able to conduct those lessons.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing to suit the weather (temperature and rain). Long pants and closed toes shoes or boots are required. Please bring your own helmet. Due to new guidelines for COVID-19 we are no longer able to provide helmets for you to use. *While equine rated helmets are recommended, a bike/ski/snowboard helmet may also be worn.
What if I can't make my session?
We require at least 48 hours notice for cancellation or full payment is required. We will try our best to fill your space with another rider and defer your payment for your next ride. If we are unable to fill your space, we require full payment. We arrive at the barn an hour before your lesson time to prepare for lessons. We make sure the horses are fed, watered, groomed, tacked up and walked to the lesson location ready for your time.
The well-being of our horses is our top priority. If for some reason the horse is unable to provide sessions on a particular day, we will give you as much notice as possible. There would be no charge for lessons cancelled due to horse reasons.
Why do you have a rider weight limit?
For the well being of our horses we have a rider weight limit. Depending on many factors including: horse height, weight, fitness, stockiness, and rider ability/experience, there is a formula that recommends a weight limit that a particular horse can carry including tack.
Cricket has a rider weight limit of 180 pounds. Freya and Lily have a rider weight limit of 160 pounds.
