Equi-Basics Course

Our mission is to teach horsemanship, not just riding; by striving for excellence in the care and training of the horse, and practicing safety in the proper handling and riding techniques of the horse. All of this should be done in a way that the horse understands what we are asking of him. This is accomplished by using the tried and true EQUI-VENTURE standards of DEDICATION, SAFETY, DISCIPLINE, EDUCATION and DETERMINATION.

The horse knows how to be a horse if we will leave him alone... but the riders don't know how to ride. What we should be doing is creating riders that take care of the horse immediately.

~ Charles de Kunffy

As per our Program Policies: For obvious safety and insurance reasons ALL students, members, participants, volunteers and any parent or guardian that helps out, must take and pass our Equi-Basics course. To be excluded from this policy:
A new member that is an experienced horse person, must be able to demonstrate required skills & procedures and/or pass our Equi-Basics exam
If one is an existing member that has not previously taken this course, he/she must also pass the examination and/or demonstrate the required skills & procedures.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Equi-Basics may be started at the same time a new member or a beginner starts our programs and/or lessons. One does not have to wait to start riding lessons! Classes are offered 2-3 times per week, as the need arises. Students may take more than one class per week. The information presented with this course is basic. More detailed courses are available in our Equi-Studies programs. There are 12 classes within the course. A new experienced student / member may only have to take a portion of the course if the results of his/her exams dictates so. If a class participant needs additional time to master a particular skill, additional practice time can be arranged for a small fee of $3 for each session.

FEES: $90 for the entire course or $7.50 per needed class. Payments may be split into 3 installments. Each installment is due no later the Saturday before the next unpaid appointment. If the course is paid for in total at the time of registration, there will be a $30 discount. There is no charge for the course for regular volunteers.