Horseback riding lessons for youth (age 8 and older as of 1/1/12)and adults with little or no riding experience are offered in a variety of sessions at the 4-H Farm & Educational Center, located at 395 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square.
A Day Camp experience is the perfect introduction to horses and horsemanship for the beginner, 8 – 13 years old. The four meetings (2.5 hrs. each) include horseback riding instruction (walk/trot only), grooming, stable chores and horse science. These classes meet four times in one week and include up to twelve children with four horses. Cost is $160. Three sessions are offered. This program is not designed to be repeated, so no child can sign up more than one time per season for this program.
Horsemanship Classes
Four class meetings include horseback riding instruction (walk/trot), grooming, stable chores and horse science. Classes meet four times (2.5 hours each), once a week for four weeks OR four times in one week. Classes will not exceed eight members with four horses. Cost is $225. This series can be repeated, as the smaller class size permits the instructor to customize the riding lesson, but it is still limited to walk/trot riding skills. This class is appropriate for beginning riders - children (at least 8 years as of 1/1/12) through adults (less than 220 pounds).
Walk/Trot/Canter Lessons
Small group instruction is available to students who have completed the 4-H Day Camp or Horsemanship class and have mastered beginning riding skills. These lessons are riding only, without barn chores or horse science lessons. Lessons will be offered weekday afternoons, in 30 minute sessions. Students must sign up for a minimum of four lessons ($30 each) and pay in advance. Lessons will be scheduled to suit the students and instructor. Students can be excused and make up lessons only for medical reasons. A minimum of two students per session is required. Maximum class size is four.
Basic Classes for groups
This opportunity is for children and/or adults (less than 220 pounds). Each class (2.5 hours) will include an introduction to safety and basic grooming in addition to riding time. This program is recommended to be a first experience with horses, providing novice riders with insight as to their personal level of interest. Lessons can be customized to suit the group, including scout badge requirements. This program is $300 per group of no more than 12 per class and will be scheduled as needed.
Birthday parties and pony rides for your group can be arranged when the horses are not in use for the other programs. The 4-H meeting room is available for refreshments. Cost: $125 for the first hour and $50 each additional hour. If you are interested in an event for your group, please call 610-690-7663 for availability. Children under 5 need to be accompanied by their own parent or guardian.
Delaware County 4-H sponsors the Silver Stirrups 4-H Club for members who do not own their own horses. The club reorganizes each fall and meets during the school year. Call Juli Anderson at 610-690-7663, for information on club membership.
A complete schedule of 4-H Horsemanship programs can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/delaware/programs/4-h/4-h-horsemanship-lessons-2012. Or, call the extension office at 610-690-2655 to request a copy of the horsemanship brochure.
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Juli Anderson 610-690-7663 in advance of your participation or visit.
