We are pleased to offer a riding and ranch learning program especially for the students of VCCS!
A weekly two hour horsemanship and riding program for ages 5-17.
Each week, we gather, do our chores together and prepare to ride. Everyone learns to groom, tack and ride. While some are riding, others have time to snack, connect and help care for the animals.
At A Lotte Horses, we believe everyone should have an opportunity to love horses and animals. We have 26 horses and ponies, chickens, pigs, cats, dogs, rabbit, rats, tortoises and more!
VCCS assists in coordinating transport.
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Join us for a one time introductory lesson!
If you decide to join as a weekly rider, $12 will be credited towards the semester fees.
Program Structure
Upon arrival at A Lotte Horses, VCCS students visit the animals, review safety tips and rules, perhaps play a connecting game and find their assigned group for the afternoon.
Chores – we muck as a group, and often make special food for the horses, fill waters, etc.
Prep – All riders learn to halter their pony, groom their pony, and appropriately tack their horse/pony to ride.
Ride – we ride in two groups, each beginner rider riding for approx. 30min.
When the students are not riding, there are other animals to visit and things to do – they might graze ponies once they know how to safely handle them, they might help with the afternoon chores, they might visit with our other animals – rats, pigs, chickens, rabbit, dogs, cats, hedgehogs, tortoises. They also might relax, watch their partner ride and make huge strides learning through observation. They also might learn to clean saddles & bridles, and use their hands for a wide variety of useful and real ranch tasks.
Skills Gained
Riding horses and working on a ranch builds core stability, confidence, stamina, interpersonal relations, team skills, patience, humility and much more, and it is a LOT of fun! Once our riders reach full independence, they often become volunteer helpers or Jr Apprentices. This is a natural progression in their learning which empowers them to teach and help others. They can also continue riding! The journey beyond gaining independence is quite an adventure, and riders continue to progress and grow their skills in the finer aspects of dressage, jumping and horsemanship. Some even become Junior Trainers.
Leadership Opportunities
The more you know, the more you can help! Sometimes, we might have a young person who knows a lot, and they are teaching other older kids what they know. There is a profound respect and tolerance that comes from us sharing our skills this way. Kids learn not to judge each other, but to give and receive learning and support one another with enjoyment.
Program Staff
Our program staff consists of expert trainers and state credentialed or Waldorf credentialed teachers. Support also comes from our team of young helpers, who have experience, and gain leadership skills while helping beginner riders.
See staff profiles here: https://www.alottehorses.com/about
Student Requirements
All school age students are welcome. Participants are expected to be communicative, interested in horses and willing to take direction. Riders learn to muck, groom, tack, ride at the walk, steer, trot and canter. Learning to ride is a very individual journey, and each rider progresses at their own pace. Riders are required to wear long pants, boots and a helmet. Everyone attending must also bring water, a snack, a sweater and a positive attitude.
Dates & Program Cost
$68 per lesson if riding weekly for the term, booked in advance.
Wednesdays 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Weekly, Jan - June in alignment with school calendar.
Our classes are fully outdoors.
VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
Direct VCCS program inquiries to alottehorses.web@gmail.com or 805 410 2854