Info for Parents & New Riders
Getting your child or yourself started in a new activity can be very overwhelming, especially when it is an activity that is brand new. We are here to answer your questions and guide you. Below you will find some helpful information to get you started.
We ask all new riders to come for a tour to gather information about our programs and required equipment. This tour is required for all new riders/parents and takes about 30 minutes. Contact us to schedule.
You are encouraged to come and watch others ride at Trinity Farm. You, or your child, will pick up a lot and learn much faster by watching the more experienced riders, and the show horses. There are people to watch many days of the week. Saturday is a busy day and a great day to stop by and watch. Contact Mary Lynn for the best day to watch. Remember, riders are given full attention, please ask questions after their lessons are complete.
Proper Attire at Trinity Farm
Dressing appropriately is especially important to any sport and this is true for riding as well. As a saddle seat lesson barn, there is appropriate riding wear which is different than western and hunt seat riding attire.
Jod Boots
Riders should wear an ankle-high boot with a smooth sole and a 1/2 inch heel. Boots may be lace-up, zipper, or elastic. Do not wear a hiking-boot type sole as it may get caught in the stirrup. Invest in a riding boots before you book your first lesson.
Kentucky Jod Pants
We require riding pants for your first lesson. Kentucky Jodhpurs, which are long pants with a boot-cut style bottom and straps (keepers) that go under the boots. Riders must wear full-length jog pants, never shorts or capri pants. There are many colors and materials available – check with any instructor for current ‘fashions’.
Riding Helmet
All riders under the age of 18 are required to have properly fitting helmet that is ASTM/SEI Certified riding helmet. We recommend helmets that have adjustment in the back so that they will grow with your child or can be adjusted for your comfort. Helmets are available at many tack and feed stores in the area and on-line. They must be purchased before scheduling your first lesson.
Riding Gloves
Some riders benefit from wearing equestrian riding gloves during lessons. Riding gloves protect your hands and enable them to keep a good secure grip on the reins. They also provide warmth during the winter months.
- Please DO NOT wear sandals, clogs, any type of open-toed shoe to the barn. Parents should not help in the barn if they do not have on appropriate footwear.
Where to Buy?
- Kerrits: kerrits.com – (shown above) can be found on many sites; stick with ‘bootcut’
- State Line Tack: statelinetack.com – Has boots, helmets and gloves for all weather
- Freedman Jods freemanharness.com a very popular option with many colors available.
- Becker Brothers – Black Stretch Jods are great options for showing and working
- Also, check the lounge for gently used clothes and boots
*Most of our students wear either Ariat or Tuff Rider jod boots with Kerrits or Freedman pants to practice.
Private or Group Lessons?
There are benefits to private lessons, and benefits to semi-private or group lessons. The ideal schedule is one private and one group lesson per week. In private lessons, the student receives intense individual attention and will progress more rapidly in many areas. However, group lessons are also very beneficial, as the rider must be able to guide around other riders and control the horse in a group. It is also very helpful to watch other riders, and the students in groups learn quite a bit from each other as well. Riders who are interested in showing need to ride in a group as that is what they’ll do in the show ring, and they must be able to maneuver around the other horses.
All new riders will be in private lessons until they have developed some basic skills in guiding, balance and feel confident at the trot. ‘Tiny Tot’s’ will be private lessons until the age of 6.
Why should we consider riding in horse shows?
Riding in a show gives students goals to work toward. Riders focus much better in their lessons, pay better attention, and work harder with a horse show in mind. Showing is not just about winning blue ribbons, but it is about working for your own personal best; learning to win and lose graciously; learning to cheer for your teammates; learning to come back from a disappointing defeat; learning to climb to greater heights; achieving a close teamwork relationship with a horse; conquering fears of performing in front of an audience; and much, much more.
Showing is a vehicle for building self-esteem and self-confidence. Those who show learn that hard work pays off! And kids get to learn valuable life lessons doing something they love to do.
What do we need if we want to show?
Time to do your homework. We have Fun Shows; Academy Shows; Performance shows; local and out of town… All require preparation, planning before they are executed. We recommend starting where you feel most confident – at home at a recital, then stepping to a Fun Show. Growing as a rider means continuing to learn and experience new.
Stepping into showing ask for help – we have the donation closet, access to consignment and tons of helpers that can dress you or your rider for success in whatever show ring they step into.
What’s next?
Some riders may have a goal of owning and showing their own horse one day… what a great experience! Let us help you when you are ready for that next stage.
Enjoy this time. Taking on a new skill is often challenging for both rider and parent. Give yourself and your rider time to learn and develop in this new adventure. Ask questions! There is no such thing as a silly question. We will help in any way we can. We continue to learn as we grow and are willing to share our knowledge and experience.
Welcome to Trinity Farm! We grow riders here… welcome to the family!
Trinity Farm 