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Jump to Registration : : Schedule & Rates : : Riding School Horses : : What to Wear
The Palladia Farm Riding School allows both children and adults to begin or expand their knowledge of all things equine. The Riding School takes a wholistic approach to riding, covering all aspects of horse care and horsemanship, as well as the actual riding skills attained from time spent in the saddle. The group dynamic of our Riding School adds an enjoyable social component, allowing students to develop friendships with other horse lovers while they learn about the animals.
As with many other sports, you register for one "session" of Riding School at a time. Each session lasts 8-10 weeks and costs $500. We offer several different classes each session. The class that you sign up for will meet every week at a certain day and time. For example, we currently offer an intermediate class on Saturdays from 10am-noon and an adult-only class that meets on Sundays from 10am-noon. If you miss a week, you can make it up with another Riding School group. Riding School Sessions are loosely divided by age and ability, with a wide range of riders that include six year-old beginners, sixty year-old adults, and fifteen year-old competitive riders. There is a place for everyone in our Riding School.
Students learn to groom and tack their horses, how to use different grooming tools, and how to assure that their horses are in good health. They learn how to evaluate proper fit of the saddle and bridle, as well as how to adjust the tack when necessary. Other topics include equine history and evolution, basic first aid, how to wrap a horse's legs, how to pull a mane, how to use the clippers, how to give a horse a bath, and identifying the numerous breeds and colors of horses.
Riding School students then ride their horses together as a group for 30-45 minutes. The students need not ride at the same level--there is always plenty to learn by watching others ride and progress. The group dynamic allows for plenty of social interaction, where friendships and mentorships develop among students. Students receive quality instruction while riding, covering warm-up exercises, stretching, bending, basic dressage patterns and instruction in beginning jumping.
If you have looked at other riding schools, you are undoubtedly wondering why ours is so different. Here are some of our thoughts about riding schools and why our program is unique. If you appreciate our approach but are unable to participate in one of our Riding School classes, please contact Margaret at (773) 220-2193 or margaret@palladiafarm.com and we can work something out.
**If you are interested in riding school, but these times don't work, please contact us. We would be glad to add another session if there is interest.**
Classes are offered: |
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Beginner Riding School:
Saturdays, 10am-12pm
Intermediate 1 Riding School:
Saturdays, 1-3pm
Advanced Riding School:
Sundays, 10am-12pm
Intermediate 2 Riding School:
Sundays, 1-3pm
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Classes are offered: |
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Beginner I Riding School:
Saturdays, 10am-12pm
Intermediate Riding School:
Saturdays, 1pm-3pm
Advanced Riding School:
Sundays, 10am-12pm
Beginner II Riding School:
Sundays, 1-3pm
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Our riding school horses are the best in the business. They are sound, fit, and athletic. Each is capable of competing--and winning--at A-rated shows in the midwest. They are also safe and quiet enough to teach a beginner rider's first lesson. Click on a horse's name or photo for more information about each one.
Gato
2002 Black Hanoverian Gelding
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Lucy
1992 Bay QH Mare
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Nick
1990 Bay TB Gelding
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Philip
1997 Black Dutch WB Gelding
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Skippy
2002 Liver Ch Welsh Gelding
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Our riding school horses are available for lease to participants in our riding school. If you wish to become more involved with horseback riding, including more advanced jumping and showing, leasing one of our school horses could be a useful alternative for clients who are not ready to buy a horse. Please talk to Margaret for more information about leasing, buying, or showing.
Long Pants. Either heavy jeans or special riding pants called "breeches" or "jodhpurs." Thin or baggy pants quickly bunch up between your leg and the saddle, creating painful rubs. Special riding pants are designed to avoid this discomfort. Many riders prefer the added protection and grip provided by wearing chaps or half-chaps over their breeches or jodhpurs. You can find jodhpurs at Dover Saddlery ($40) and many other stores, as well as locally at Ann Hubbard's Tack Shop, phone: (847) 234-7080, located on Route 43 between 176 and 137 in Lake Bluff; or at the Libertyville Tack Shop, phone: (847) 362-0570, just west of Milwaukee Rd., on route 137 in Libertyville.
A shoe with a low, square heel. Paddock boots, designed especially for equine activities, provide the best protection for the feet as well as the most comfort while riding. They can be obtained relatively inexpensively from many online stores. You can find paddock boots at Dover Saddlery ($45), or paddock boots at Ann Hubbard's Tack Shop, and the Libertyville Tack Shop.
A properly fitting, ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet. Your safety is our number one priority. The better a helmet fits, the more protection you have in the event of a fall from the horse. As ASTM/SEI approved helmets can now be purchased for as little as $40, they are readily available to all riders. You can find ASTM/SEI approved helmets at Dover Saddlery and other venues online, at Ann Hubbard's Tack Shop, and at the Libertyville Tack Shop.
To sign up for the Palladia Farm Riding School, you need to complete and return to us:
- Registration Form. You can now Register Online for Riding School! Or if you would rather, you can download and print a copy of the Riding School Registration Form and return it, signed, with your payment.
- Palladia Farm Liability Waiver. Download and print, or bring with you the first day of the session. Per our insurance company, no one will be allowed to participate in any riding school activities on or off the horse without a liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Deposits will not be returned if you cannot participate because you did not return a Liability Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Payment. Full payment is due two weeks before the start of each session. Please bring or mail a check for $450/$500 per session. I'm sorry, but at this time we do not accept credit cards. Please note your slot will not be held in our Riding School program until your payment has been received. Payment will only be refunded if we are able to fill your slot with another student.
Register Now Online
Download Printable Riding School Registration Form
Download Liability Waiver
Palladia Farm, Inc.
c/o Margaret Clayton
1040 Victoria St.
Antioch, IL 60002
Please note this is NOT the address of the farm!
Questions? Just call and ask. (773) 220-2193 (Margaret's Cell)
Or email info@palladiafarm.com
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Copyright © 2008-2009 Palladia Farm, Inc. All rights reserved. Content may not be used without prior, written consent.
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