2009 Safety Clinic Guidelines

1.         Each youth is required to bring their own tack and horse.  It is strongly recommended that Youth bring the horse and tack they plan to use for the coming horse project year.  Riding helmet and proper riding attire are mandatory.

2.         Parents are encouraged to audit the educational safety clinic with their youth.  Please feel free to ask questions.

3.         Parents will not be allowed to assist the youth while taking the written test or during the skill test in any way unless invited to do so by the instructor.

4.         Youth and parent/s should plan spend the entire afternoon so their youth can complete all requirements of the safety clinic.

5.         The Greenhorn and Wrangler safety clinics will run concurrently.  Everyone should be unloaded and checked in by 1 p.m.

6.         The safety of all participants and the welfare of all horses will prevail at all Horse Project events. The horse project leaders will dismiss a youth, if in their assessment a situation becomes unsafe or inappropriate.

7.         Youth will be given an assigned riding class night based on their current riding ability.  Monday night riding classes is for Greenhorns and will focus on beginning horsemanship.  Wednesday night classes is for Wranglers and will focus on more advanced riding.  Youth assigned a Wrangler riding level will be able to do a majority of the following skills:

·         Ride with the safety of yourself and others in mind at all times

·         Able to pick up a jog or lope within 1-3 strides

·         Recognizes the correct or incorrect  lead within 3-5 strides and corrects it if necessary

·         Maintains a steady gait without allowing the horse to break gait

·         Maintains control of their horse at all gaits

·         Stops their horse within 1-3 strides from all gaits

·         Backs their horse without hesitation, preferably breaking at the poll

·         Able to move their horses front end, barrel, and hindquarter in any direction readily  (hindquarter pivots, side passing, & front quarter pivots)

·         Is able to flex horse

·         Willing to learn and try new skills

8.         Horse Project Leaders will be assigning a riding class night according to the current riding ability of each youth.  We understand that conflicts with schedules may occur.  If prior arrangements are made, an alternative lesson plan and leader will be scheduled for a rider that was originally assigned to Monday night class, but needs to attend Wednesday night class due to conflicts.