Adult Learn to Ride Course - Meet some of our Participants
New to our riding programs this year was our Adult Learn to Ride – 4-Week Immersive Course. The innovative course was met with such enthusiasm, that instead of holding one course we ended up with four in the first month!
The riders on these first courses enjoyed their experience so much that they then rolled over into a second Adult Learn to Ride Extension Course and some of these original participants then took on a third Extension course to progress their riding to new heights. We still run new Adult Learn to Ride Courses every four weeks during school term. Get in touch with our team today if you are interested. Each rider progresses at a different pace and this is accommodated throughout the riding part of the course, which is one-on-one with our qualified instructors.
The initial course is a hands-on experience and covers a mix of learning to ride and horsemanship. Riders learn the following:
How to correctly saddle and tack up a horse
How to mount and dismount from your horse
How to obtain the correct position in your saddle to ride safely
The correct posture while riding
Groom and care for a horse
Terminology and equipment/tack - uses and differences
How to read a horse’s body language
How to walk, guide and communicate with a horse
Work your way to an independent trot
Here are what some of our riders had to say about their experiences:
Charity
What made you decide to join our Adult Learn to Ride Course?
Learning to ride is my mid-life crisis! I’ve always dreamt of riding but at 50 I thought I’d left it too late. I was enticed by the idea of a multi week program designed for absolute adult beginners. The group environment is great fun and took many of my fears away. I was also very interested in the horsemanship aspect of the course. Having that extended time to groom and get to know the horses is such a joy and has given me a confidence which I didn’t previously have.
What did you enjoy most about the initial course?
The horsemanship was equally as enjoyable as the riding. The two go hand in hand and I can’t imagine having the same experience if I hadn’t had the opportunity to learn horsemanship. The long lesson duration and multi-week program combination is perfect for the beginner.
Monica and Donna were our initial coaches in the first course. They are incredibly experienced horse handlers, riders and coaches. They are absolutely terrific.
I am now on my third Adult Learn to Ride Extension course - riding is progressing really well. Feeling increasing confidence with controlling direction and speed. Trotting is lovely and I would definitely like to continue so as to learn all the gaits.
Kenny
What made you decide to join our Adult Learn to Ride Course?
It started from a bucket list I made during lockdown. It was the whole experience I was seeking, from the horses, the large arena and the people – fellow riders, so I decided to try my luck by joining the course on MC Equestrian's website.
A few weeks later, I found myself in a fantastic group with Lysarne ,El and Abigale under the guidance of Elle and Barbara on Foxy, one of the MCEQ’s horses.
What did you enjoy most about the initial course?
It is hard to say as everything was new and looked exciting but if I have to pick one, it was the staff. Dee welcomed us warmly followed by Elle and Barbara welcoming us with thorough, clearly explained instructions that made the experience very enjoyable.
Another aspect that added to the overall experience was the horse. I was amazed by their temperament and how intellectual and friendly they were.
I am no completing my third Learn to Ride Extension Course and feel a lot more comfortable entering the stable and around the horses.
Crystal
What made you decide to join our Adult Learn to Ride Course?
I decided to join the Adult learn to ride course because I had a desire to get back into riding but never had the time to invest. I felt the course could teach me the foundation whilst meeting others who are at a similar level.
What did you enjoy most about the initial course?
I enjoyed learning the tacking up and the riding. I really enjoy the progression from what we have initially learnt.
I’m now onto my 3rd course Learn to Ride Extension Course and I’m really enjoying the group and the progress I’m making. I’m completely hooked now and want to keep riding as much as my bank account and time can afford too. I am also having a private lesson once a week, I like the mix with the course so I can spend time practicing what we are learning to make progress.
My goal is to gain confidence with controlling the horse if something suddenly happens and to master the foundations of trotting and progressing to cantering. I really enjoy the environment at MC Equestrian , all of the staff are very helpful and kind, patient and accommodate our needs.
I am very happy that I signed up for the first Adult Learn to Ride Course, 2 hours makes a big difference too allowing riding time and tacking time which is needed.
Louise
What made you decide to join our Adult Learn to Ride Course?
I was interested in the mix of horsemanship and riding lessons. I also thought it would be a lot of fun learning in a group.
What did you enjoy most about the initial course?
I met some very fun ladies reconnecting with a childhood love - just like me! It was a really fun learning environment and everyone was very encouraging. I also really benefited from spending time on the ground with the coaches, seeing what they could see and being able to ask questions while observing.
I’m now onto my third Extension Learn to Ride Course. My riding is improving and I’m becoming more confident in the basics of catching, tacking/untacking and caring for horses. I learn something new every week and always look forward to my next class. When my oblong becomes a circle, I think I will be pretty chuffed!
Cate
What made you decide to join our Adult Learn to Ride Course?
I started with a private lesson and saw the ALR course, which provided theory and practice. This interested me as I wanted to learn about horses as well as riding.
What did you enjoy most about the initial course?
I enjoy caring for the horses, it's a happy place for me. Who knew I would enjoy cleaning horseshoes :)
Each horse is different, each saddle is different, and each bridle is different and practice makes perfect.
MC Equestrian hold new Adult Learn to Ride Courses throughout the school term. Get in touch with our team if you think this might me something you’d like to experience. Click to find out more.
