Echo
Creek students are well rounded riders who eventually
are able to do hunters, jumpers, lower level dressage, horse trials,
foxhunting, bareback riding, pleasure riding and any thing else
they choose to do.
Echo
Creek students are taught how to be balanced and safe when riding. We teach Hunt Seat equitation mixed with elements of balance seat,
forward seat and dressage.
Echo Creek provides a learning environment
for equestrians of all ages. Students ages range from
3 to 73. Rider levels of experience range from beginners to advanced.
As the student progress through various
levels of riding skills and knowledge, we teach them how to
work the horse. From the
very beginning we encourage students to think about the horse.
If we try to understand how the horse is thinking and feeling, then
we ride and
handle the horse better.
We encourage all our students to have fun
while they learn, yet be safe. We also want our students to be
challenged physically and mentally to become a better rider and
horseman.
Our
expectations are high. We want students to do their
best. We want them to
know all they
can.
We
show and teach them how to take care of the horse and
the equipment. Once they learn, students help new students
learn.
We
teach
and expect good horsemanship. Horsemanship is the
understanding
and practicing of caring for the horse on and off its back.
Another quality instilled into Echo Creek
riders is sportsmanship. Every
one encourages, supports, and cheers for the
success of another rider, no matter how small.
Many life
lessons are learned by working with and riding horses. Riding
horses teaches us to communicate with our mount with mostly nonverbal
cues. We
need
to listen and be aware of what the horse is telling
us. Your patience with horses must be never-ending.
They must
learn to trust you and you must learn to trust them.
Riders must be diligent and have
the desire
to learn and be drilled in the
basic skill, so then riding will become more natural
and even more fun. Horses teach us to be confident
and make decisions regarding how we ride and what we want
our equine partner
to perform. Remember, horses have opinions and feelings
too.
Riders
at Echo Creek are committed to doing their best
and to having fun while learning. In this wonderful world of horses,
there
is
always
more to learn.
How our program works
Lessons
are taught in groups of 3 to 7 students. Private and semi-private
lessons are also available
All
lessons are scheduled Monday through Saturday. Students arrive
at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to groom and tack
up the horse.
If you are a beginner, we show you how to
get the horse prepared for the lesson. Each lesson is approximately
an hour.
After the lesson, students must cool out their horse.
Once the horse
is cared for, students clean and put away their tack and
equipment. Improper care or respect for the horses and the equipment
will not be tolerated.
Most
students have weekly lessons throughout the year. Some students
ride twice a week. The more you ride, the more you progress.
Other things to know
- All
students must wear ASTM/SEI helmets and other appropriate
riding attire to lesson.
- Before
riding, all students or parents of students must sign a disclosure
of risk and a release of liability.
- Students
need to keep check on the barn calendar for up coming shows,
clinics and days when there are no lessons.
- In the case of inclement
weather,
please call and check the answering machine for the status
of lessons.
- Cancellations must be given by 8am for
morning lessons and by 12 pm for afternoon lessons the day of your
scheduled lesson. You will be charged for the lesson if we don't
receive appropriate notification. No exceptions!
- Lessons can be rescheduled.
- All students, their family and their friends
must
follow barn rules.
Opportunities for students
- Practice Rides – extra
riding time for our students.
- On-site horse
shows – schooling
shows for beginner to advanced.
- Riding Camps – intensive
session for learning more about riding and horse care.
- Foxhunting
- Off-site horse shows - shows around the community
hunter, dressage and some combined training.
- Duke University
Equestrian Team
- UNC-CH Equestrian Team
- Onsite
Riding Workshops on select topic
- Clinic taught outside of
the farm
- Video sessions and analysis
- On-site clinics
with other instructors
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