Hoof Beats Welcome
Click to view this Hoof Beats Welcome Form in PDF format.
Welcome! We are so excited that you are joining the club! Below are a few guidelines and things you need to know as a member of the Hoof Beats Riding Club.
Membership Dues
Membership dues of $360 per month include the lease of a horse, and are due on the 1st of each month. They can be mailed or dropped off in the gray drop box mounted next to the bulletin board, at the north end of the arena.
Midweek rides
Midweek rides are meant to be practice time for what is taught in the weekly lesson, and to help you prepare for the next week's lesson. Review the lesson notes or ask the instructor if you need help with anything. If you don't have a horse during the week, or can't come to the farm, you can always practice with a friend and "ride" an exercise ball.
Riding days are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. You are welcome to come to the farm any time after 3:00 pm on those days. You must be picked up by 5:45. Please be sure to tell us when you're leaving. (Times are subject to change when there is no school.)
Lessons
Lessons are held every Saturday. Beginning Hoof Beats lessons are from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and Advanced Hoof Beats lessons are from 1:00-3:00 pm. Make–up lessons are Sunday by appointment, and must be scheduled in advance. In the unlikely event the instructor has to cancel a lesson, it will be rescheduled.
Freedom Farm Schooling Shows & Play Days
No charge for Hoof Beats students!
Required Supplies
You will need the following supplies:
- Riding helmet (clearly marked with your name).
- Boots – When riding in a saddle, boots with a heel are required, preferably paddock type boots. Sneakers or shoes without a heel are OK only when riding bareback.
- Grooming tools. We have plenty of grooming tools, so you can use the farm's tools. But if you would like, you can bring your own–clearly mark them, and the container you use to store them in, with your name.
- The equipment we use includes a carrot stick, halter, 12–ft line, 22–ft line, and a hackamore. We provide a halter and 12' line, and a carrot stick & string the first month, but after that you need purchase your own gear, or rent from us for $15 per month. Equipment can be purchased from Silver Dollar Quarter Horses. All equipment needs to be clearly marked. We have a color coding system that works well, so be sure to ask before you choose a color to avoid using one (or a scheme) that is already in use.
General Farm Guidelines
Please follow these simple guidelines to cooperatively keep the farm tidy looking:
- Pick up after yourself and your horse.
- Dump the wheelbarrow as needed (half full or more).
- Put all equipment away.
- Keep the classroom clean and tidy.
- Perform the chore that is assigned to you at the end of each day.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Mary Gallagher
Freedom Farm, Inc.
freedomf@olypen.com
Farm phone: 360-457-4897