Riding Lessons
About Riding Lessons:
"The lessons are a mixture of fun and concentrated learning. The variety of horses helps me become a more experienced rider."
Jillian Blaine, freshman, major is undecided.
"The lessons are a mixture of fun and concentrated learning. The variety of horses helps me become a more experienced rider."
Jillian Blaine, freshman, major is undecided.
Otterbein's riding lessons are focused on developing both the horse and rider. Instructors integrate several different techniques and disciplines to create educated equestrians. The health, fitness, and balance of horse and rider are also stressed throughout.
Click here for directions to the center or contact us at 614-823-3020 with questions.
Guidelines for Riding Lessons
- All classes are held at the Otterbein Equine Science Facility. You must provide your own transportation and allow 10 minutes to and from the stables.
- A specially designed fitness test is required for all riding students. This test will be administered during your first week of classes. Call 614-823-3020 to schedule your test. Wear appropriate work-out attire.
- All riders are required to wear smooth-soled, over-the-ankle boots with a heel or they will not be permitted to participate. ASTM/SEI helmets are required.
- All riders must complete a liability waiver (adult waiver or minor waiver) and an emergency contact form prior to riding. Any student under the age of 18 must have both parents or legal guardians sign the waiver.
- Riders may register for group, private or semi-private lessons. See course schedule for available times.
- All groups have a maximum of five riders, and semi-privates have two riders.
- Event Team Members are encouraged to take one dressage and one hunt lesson per week.
- Otterbein Equestrian Team members are required to take two lessons a week, or one private lesson a week.
- Practice ride times can be scheduled for team members at the stables depending on horse and arena availability.
- Fees should be paid to the Department of Equine Science.
How to Determine Your Riding Level
Hunt Seat Rider
- Beginner 1: Students that have little or no riding experience.
- Beginner 2: Students that can walk, posting trot, and canter one at a time.
- Intermediate 1: Students that can walk, posting trot, canter comfortably in a group, and have some over-fences experience.
- Intermediate 2: Students that can canter and jump a 2'3" course comfortably on an unfamiliar horse.
- Intermediate 3: Students that have competed over fences at a minimum height of 2'6".
- Advanced 1: Students can canter a course of at least 3’ and adjust strides to the fences on an unfamiliar horse.
- Advanced 2: Students can jump an equitation and/or cross country course at a height of at least 3’6” on an unfamiliar horse
Dressage Riders
- Intermediate 1: Students can maintain a contact with steady hands and canters comfortably in a group.
- Intermediate 2: Students can comfortably sit the trot, perform basic lateral movements, and put an uncomplicated horse “on the aides”.
- Advanced: Students are able to put any horse “on the aids”, lengthen and shorten strides, sit the trot, and influence gaits with the seat on any horse.
*All beginner riders will need to register for a beginner hunt seat lesson.
