You would never send your sick child to an unqualified doctor, or put your safety in the hands of an unqualified pilot, why would you send your child to learn how to ride a horse from an unqualified trainer?
How, as a parent, do you select the right riding school for your child? Where do you start looking? The late Charlotte Stubbs, founder of the South African National Instructor’s Plan, gifted three key legacy tips for you to consider when selecting a horse-riding facility:
1. Qualifications: First and foremost, you want to make sure that the person training your child has the necessary qualifications that are registered on the SA National Qualifications Framework. “Although a qualification is not a guarantee that the holder is great at their job, at least you know that person was deemed to have demonstrated a minimum level of competence by going through the required training and assessments,” shares Diane Pieterse, Director of Education at The Council of Equine and Equestrian Professionals South Africa (CEEPSA).
2. Infrastructure and tack: Check the condition of its infrastructure and tack (saddles, stirrups, bridles, and halters). Watch out for horses in bad condition, disintegrating tack, and inadequate levels of supervision.
There is an art to teaching beginners. There are two secrets to success, firstly ensuring that pupils learn to sit correctly at all times, and secondly, never to ask more than a pupil can deliver at any given time. Sitting correctly on a horse is both the safest and most efficient way of riding. The correct sitting position must become second nature.
3. Good horsemanship: A good riding school keeps riders of the same level together. Really good school horses and ponies are rare and extremely valuable. Any good riding school will therefore be exceedingly protective of their school horses and ponies.
Here is a riding school checklist for you to keep close at hand before enrolling your child for horse riding lessons:
Is the instructor qualified? You can check with CEEPSA, a member of the Equestrian Qualifications Authority to confirm their qualification(s).
Does the instructor have a current First Aid Certificate? The minimum requirement would be a Level One First Aid Certificate (a minimum of 16 hours of training).
What were your initial first impressions? As a prospective client, how were you welcomed on your first visit? What
was your perception of their overall professionalism of the establishment?
Was the property neat and tidy and does it appear to be well maintained?
What basic facilities are at the property? Toilets, adequate and compulsory safety signage?
In the case of more than one instructor, did you meet the person in charge?
Were you taken on a tour of the facilities?
What was the general appearance of the riding area? Enclosed? Level? Well-drained?
Were you given any supporting documents/paperwork explaining dress code; rider questionnaire; fees; times; non-ridden lessons; booking/cancellation protocols; contact details; house rules?
Are lesson records kept?
Are riders at the property wearing the appropriate clothing for riding? Closed shoes with a heel? In the case of children under 18, protective headgear with a three-point safety harness is required by law.
Does the riding school make use of a private assessment lesson for new riders?
Are there any additional programs to enhance learning? Pony camps?
If in doubt, get into contact with CEEPSA, who will provide you with more guidance and insights. www.ceepsa.org or admin@ceepsa.org or call 083 495 1929.
