- What is the difference between Western and Hunt Seat?
- What type of clothing and shoes should I wear?
- Are Hunt Seat and English the same style of riding?
- What is the age requirement to ride in UConn's summer riding program ? Do you make exceptions?
- If I rode last season in UConn's summer riding program, how do I determine which level to register for?
- What is taught in the beginner class? Will we get to ride?
- What do the following terms mean?
- Does UConn provide helmets and saddles? Can we bring our own?
- Can two riders sign up for the same time and split the lesson?
- Are classes canceled due to poor weather and how do we find out about cancellations?
- Do riders receive a refund if they miss a class due to illness or a schedule conflict? Can they make up the lesson missed?
- Do riders have to sign up for a full session or can they just attend a few lessons in a session and just pay for only those classes attended?
- If the lessons are only one hour, how much of that hour will riders actually ride?
- Where is the UConn Horsebarn Hill Arena?
- Are the lessons considered private? Or are they semi- private?
- How can I get on the mailing list for the next year?
- Can a rider register in all 4 sessions throughout the summer?
- Can a rider use the same horse throughout each session?
1. What is the difference between Western and Hunt Seat?
Most simply, the difference is in the saddle. Western riders learn a seated position and work in slower gaits. Western uses a saddle with a horn - the purpose of which is for a cowboy to tie a rope to when roping. Hunt Seat learns jumping position and posting at more forward gaits. Both styles of riding focus on the form and balance of the rider on the horse. With Hunt Seat, the riders eventually learn how to jump fences.
4. What is the age requirement to ride in UConn's summer riding program ? Do you make exceptions?
The minimum age is 11. If riders younger than 11 have had past experience an exception may be made only by the instructor. Riders need to be mature and tall enough to tack horses and fit on the saddle and into stirrups. Any exceptions need to be approved by the instructor before the first lesson. Contact the instructor at 860-486-3377 for further information.
5. If I rode last season in UConn's summer riding program, how do I determine which level to register for?
If you have been riding regularly since last summer there is a good chance you would be comfortable signing up for the same level as last year or the next level up. If you haven't ridden since last summer, it would be wise to repeat the last level you rode in last summer and to start-up lessons slowly. Use the first three week session as a refresher course.
6. What is taught in the beginner class? Will we get to ride?
Beginner riders in their very first lesson will learn to tack up; learn how to work around a horse and learn how to clean the horse. After the completion of three weeks of beginner lessons, riders will know how to walk, trot, and canter, depending on the number of lessons and individual development.
7. What do the following terms mean?
Lope: A long, easy swinging stride. It's an easy canter.
Leads: Term used to indicate the horse's leading leg in canter i.e. "right lead canter" or "left lead canter".
Diagonals: The horse's legs move in pairs at the trot. The left diagonal is when the left foreleg and right hind leg move, the right diagonal is when the right foreleg and the left hind leg move.
Canter: A smooth easy pace like a moderate gallop. Three beated gait of the horse in which one hind leg strides first (the leading leg), followed by the opposite diagonal pair and finally the opposite foreleg. Called the lope in Western Riding.
Trot: A horses gait in which the legs are lifted alternating diagonal pairs. A one – two rhythm.
8. Does UConn provide helmets and saddles? Can we bring our own?
Yes, we provide helmets and the tack necessary to ride, but it is recommended you bring your own helmet. Please leave your own saddle and tack at home. Our tack is fitted to each horse and using your own tack must be approved by the instructor.
10. Are classes canceled due to poor weather and how do we find out about cancellations?
Classes are not canceled due to poor weather because UConn can hold lessons in the indoor Horsebarn Hill Arena, but please call Alena's cell 860-377-3779 for questions on weather cancellations.
11. Do riders receive a refund if they miss a class due to illness or a schedule conflict? Can they make up the lesson missed?
No refund is given to riders who miss a lesson, but there may be opportunities available when a rider could make up a lesson in their current three-week session. The riding instructor would make this decision.
12. Do riders have to sign up for a 2 or 3-week session or can they just attend a few lessons in a session and just pay for only those classes attended?
Riders need to sign up for a full 2 or 3-week session at a time and pay for the entire session in advance. A deposit is needed in advance to reserve a space and payment of the remaining balance is made at the first lesson. We do not offer a "pay as you go" plan.
14. Where is the UConn Horsebarn Hill Arena?
The Arena is located on Horsebarn Hill Road at the UConn Storrs, campus on the east side of Rte 195. For more detail directions, visit our Contact & Directions page.
16. How can I get on the mailing list for the next year?
Email your name, mailing address, and email address to uconnhorseriding@uconn.edu to be placed on next year's mailing list.
17. Can a rider register in all sessions throughout the summer?
Yes, the riding lessons are structured so that a new rider can sign up as a beginner in the 1st 3-week session and if the rider feels comfortable after 3 weeks they can continue on and register for the advance Beginner Level. Note, if you are determined to ride in more than 1 3-week session you should register for each session in advance. We require a deposit of $75.00 to reserve a slot in each session. Deposits will not be refunded upon cancellation. Lessons fill up quickly.