FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you plan to proceed with COVID19

We understand that the pandemic has hit home hard, for some more than others. We are taking the extra steps to keep everything disinfected and all our guests safe however, we do not wish to push our guests out of their comfort zones. This is especially true to those with family members that may be particularly high risk to this illness. While we are making efforts, no one is obligated to ride and we would rather reschedule and see you when you feel more comfortable. These are unprecedented times and we will continue to do our part in keeping our barn clean & our staff healthy so that your family can enjoy the horses while we all look forward to the day we can return to normal.

How old do you have to be to start taking riding lessons?

This one is in our email at least once a week. While age and mental comprehension is a big factor, actual size is as important. The rider must be long enough in the leg for the horse to feel when ques are given. Typically, along with the rest of our area's barns, the horses can feel them when they are at least 3' tall & mature enough to process isolated muscle movements.

Can I ride with my child?

If a parent/guardian would like to ride with their child/children, we recommend having the adult take a ride or two prior to adding the youths. This allows us to offer the adult rider the safety and assurance to help them help prepare to help their youth(s) when we invite them to join us.

Is there an age limit?

Technically, no. We happily offer a customizable riding experience however, with the riders under 6 years will need a parent/guardian to offer additional support and stabilization however we do not necessarily recommend signing up youths that cannot support their own upper-body in an upright position.

If I take lessons, do I have to compete?

Absolutely not. Our mission at W.A is to help you find the confidence and strength to enjoy the ride. Of course, we will happily help you condition for competition if that is where your heart takes you but no rider is ever obligated to present to a judge. We are just as happy to ride recreationally with you! Your journey is yours!

Inclement Weather Policy:

Our covered arena makes the "April shower" a thing of the past. Classes are not canceled unless driving conditions for our immediate area are hazardous or weather conditions worsen making riding risky. Examples of hazardous weather conditions include but may not be limited to:

Hurricane, tornado, tropical storm, flooding, winter-mix, sleet, cumulative snow, & ice.

Summer Season & Heat Index VS. Winter Season and Wind Chill:

It is the rider(guardian's)responsibility to dress appropriately for riding lessons. The heat index does play a roll in cancelations and as always, all classes are notified well in advance of changes so no one makes an unnecessary trip to the barn. Especially in the summer, all riders are required to bring water to their lessons.

Do you board?

Unfortunately we do not have the facilities to board other horses at this time, but there are lots of other local boarding barns including

M&L Farms

Pleasant Hill Farms

Sharon Oaks

Lockhill Farms

Cresent Farm

Bacon Farm

and others in the area that may have room for you and your horse(s).

Do you offer volunteer oppertunities?

Yes, we offer hours and letters of recommendation to enrolled students looking to further their educational or occupational future. These opportunities are reserved for riders who partake in weekly classes and have had enough time to learn how we operate.

Do you take rescue horses?

Not all horses are meant for the "school master" life. It's true, not all our horses/ponies came from glittering beginnings however, we are not outfitted or registered as a "rescue". As badly as we wish we could, we simply can't take in rescues. Our recommendation would be to find a equine sanctuary to surrender or report a rescue in need. These facilities are equipped with the tools and staff necessary to furnish a rich recovery for horses/burros who need a reconstruction to find a forever loving home.

Do you offer trail riding?

Trail riding is part of the rewards system we have in place for our enrolled students. We offer trail experiences to riders who have shown growth in the ring and can handle their horse safely. Riders must be familiar with their horse's ques, behavior patterns, and maintain composure in the ring before we graduate them to the woods. We do not offer guided trail rides to tour groups.

What's in the Healthy Horse 5 treats?

The ingredient list is as follows:

Whole Grain Oats

Vegetable oil

All-purpose flour

Honey OR Molasses

Water

That's it! Healthy Horse 5+MSM includes 10g of Methylsulfonylmethane per wafer(as per the recommended dosage for a Horse) that is a popular Joint supplement for horses & dogs alike. We use this product because we have found it has been the most affective with our own horses. Healthy Horse 5 (original) contains only the 5 listed ingredients.

Are you hiring?

Yes, as of June 2021 we are looking for a riding instructor to join our team and offer riding lessons here at W.A. The right applicant will have the following qualifications:

experience in English/Western disciplines-Equitation & pleasure preferred.
experience working with youth/novis-beginner riders
showmanship experience is a plus
Hours(M-F) and pay rate ($12-20/hr) will be determined upon applicant's experience
To apply, message us here with your job experience & training.

What's the difference between lessons & Joy/Pony Rides?

Joy/Pony Rides allow us to use the horse as a tool to focus on ourselves. These sessions typically are 30min long and offer riders a safe, low-pressure, long-line experience with a W.A instructor. These are private sessions geared to help riders acclimate to the horse & it's space & are best used to strengthen balance and posture.

Lessons are classes designed to teach us to ride for the horse. The equestrian world is one built in group activity so the goal for all lesson enrollments is to eventually graduate them to group classes. Riders are challenged to take responsibility for their actions while in the saddle and pressured to take action in moments of insecurity. To ride is to borrow freedom, and we here at W.A arrange our lesson agenda so that riders are prepared with all the tools to become a responsible leader & fellow horseman.

Do you offer weekend riding sessions?

Weekends fall under our "after-hours" and are typically used for facility maintenance, training, & competition.

W.A operates much like an after-school sport like football or swimming. Practice hours are arranged Monday through Friday afternoons. For those interested in weekend sessions, there is an upcharge to note. Weekend sessions are not for routine booking.