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Our approach to Lessons and Instruction.
Here at Hunter Ridge we believe in nurturing a rider and starting them off correctly from the very beginning. Most instructors and training programs rush through the basics of riding in order to give their customer a quick and, therefore, what most would consider a statisfactory result. That is not the way it should work! Without building a steady foundation of good basics and confidence in all areas (including care, grooming, ground work, balance and trust in the horse)riders can never improve beyond a mediocre level.
Our teaching methods are taylored to each individual student according to their needs. Some students may have been in negative situations involving horses and have therefore come to fear riding or the horse itself. We work to encourage trust between horse and rider through a good foundation of knowledge and partnership. Our students are encouraged to ask questions and are NEVER asked to do anything outside of their comfort level. We want to build a good and fearless knowledge and enjoyment of our Equine sport.
All of our lesson horses have been used extensively in lesson programs and are seasoned 'professionals' at building confidence and helping students gain knowledge of riding while feeling at ease.
Before any horse can be used in our lesson program he is checked for physical, as well as mental, soundness. The horses we choose for our lesson programs have not only been used in lessons prior to coming to our facility but have been owned by children and successfully shown in Junior and Adult competition.
When a horse arrives for use in our lesson program our instructor/trainer Niki works with them for approximately 2 months to make sure they are ready (and suitable) for students.
For those students who own horses and would rather have a lesson on their horse Niki will travel. There is an extra fee which will be discussed according to distance.
Niki's approach to teaching is a very unique one. Incorporating techniques from many different disciplines of riding she forms a complete view of, and balance within, each disicpline she teaches.
A student of the 'Classical Seat' method of dressage she uses many of those principles to improve balance, straightness, leg position and rapport between horse and rider in both English, Dressage and Western students. She draws on riding techniques and methods from such talents as Reiner Klimke and Isabelle Werth.
Drawing from her ample experience in the Hunter ring and with Jumpers she teaches students to ride with a 'light hand', to develop a 'deep' seat and to be able to 'feel' the horses gaits more accurately (which comes in handy when jumping). In this area Niki draws on methods from Anne Kursinski, George Morris, Mark Leone, Margie Goldstein-Engle and Leslie Burr-Howard.
Niki's Western Pleasure training brings to her students the sense of 'pleasure' riding and that horses need little to no rein contact to be completely collected and controlled. Riding methods come from Cleve Wells and Richard Shrake.
We offer half hour and hour lessons in Beginner-Intermediate English Riding, Beginner Western Riding, and Traning-1st Level Dressage.
Our prices are as follows:
25.00- Half Hour
30.00- Hour
Please feel free to contact Niki for more information or to schedule a lesson:
615-319-0583 (Cell Phone)
or by E-Mail
Nicole.Schifando@wku.edu
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Our Horse Training Philosophy
Here at Hunter Ridge Farm we know how important it is for horses to be started correctly from day one!
Niki has successfully trained many of her own young horses and has started many more under saddle. She is currently starting three young horses of her own.
Niki believes in a calm and gentle approach in training and starting a horse. Her approach includes techniques from many well known horse people such as: Monty Roberts, John Lyons, Linda Tellington-Jones, Anne Kursinski, Charlene Strickland, George Morris and Lendon Grey.
Always starting from the beginning up Niki goes back to basics with each horse and first achieves what is known to Monty Roberts fans as 'Join-Up' which aids her work with the horse. Then it's on to the lunge line. The process evolves from there depending on the needs of each filly or colt.
For older and more seasoned horses Niki works with them according to their training needs and the requests of their owners.
Since each person rides and trains horses in different ways it is sometimes hard for owners to understand the way their horse works after training. To solve this problem Niki works with both the owner AND the horse to help build an understanding parternship between them and open the lines of communication.
Niki believes in 'starting' and not 'breaking' horses. She works hard to make sure that everything the that the horse encounters is introduced in a friendly, gentle and non-threatning way. Training is done in such a way that it will not stress the horse mentally or physically.
Sessions are only done three times a week for young horses and the time, while we strive for an hour each session, may vary according to what the horse can handle. Training is a long process which takes time and Niki is careful not to rush a horse through. Her approach is tailored for each horse. She spends time grooming and getting to know the animal and his needs before any training work takes place. She wants to feel comfortable with them and she wants them, most of all, to be comfortable with her.
While we do not offer boarding on a regular basis sometimes we will allow clients who have horses in training with us to board here. Prices will vary according to the work that needs to be done.
Niki is very selective about the horses she trains and prefers young 'unbroken' horses. An evaluation of the horse will take place before they are accepted into her training program. She will only work with horses that she feels are level headed and who have some potential even if it be just for a trail horse.
We cannot give prices since prices may vary for each horse.
To contact Niki with questions or to set up an appointment:
615-319-0583 (Cell)
or by Email at:
HunterRidgeFarm@aol.com
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