We believe that lesson quality should be judged on accomplishment not
length of time in the saddle or price. Every horse, rider and horse/rider
combination are different and different on different days. The equestrian’s
equipment is unique. Unlike every other sport known to man where the equipment
is a mechanical device or inanimate object, the equestrian must deal with a
living, thinking, feeling being which changes from time to time and day to day.
As with people, horses have moods, feelings, emotions and varying energy
levels based on many factors such as food, rest, work and environment.
Combining all of these factors is a delicate balancing act. We believe
that 30 minutes should be the guideline for a lesson based on the horse and
riders’ ability to learn, but the
lesson should conclude when the mission for the day is accomplished or the rider
and/or horse has reached a saturation level beyond which they are capable of
progressing. This could be thirty minutes, forty minutes, more or less. We
believe that it would not make sense to bake a cake for an extra10 minutes
beyond optimal doneness because the directions said so. Less time with more
intensity and direction is usually the fastest path to progress and success.
Cost should equate to value.
The price you pay should provide the benefit you expect.
We believe that we provide the highest quality instruction and the
benefit attainable in one lesson may be worth many weeks of lesser quality.
We further believe that quality is the best bargain.
You
should feel fulfilled after a lesson regardless of the length.
If you do not, you should discuss this with your instructor and attempt
to understand why. Additional time is usually not the answer.
If your equestrian goals are less ambitious
and perhaps you prefer riding strictly
for casual pleasure or exercise, we may not be right for you.
We hope we are and we want to be part of your enjoyment, progress
and success. Your joy is one of our greatest rewards.
Gary
Zook
Return to Home
Page