Finally (yes, it's been a couple of months!) the last part of the Horsemanship Level 4 requirements is demonstrating how to correctly put on and remove a horse blanket.
First take a look at these two videos, the first of Ali & Noah from Blanketing
I have included both of these videos because Ali goes into a bit more detail about the reasons for folding a blanket and shows leg straps; whereas the second video demonstrates removing the blanket, as well as a slightly better folding method.
I prefer to approach blanketing from the point of removing the rug first, then putting it on afterward. Here is what we are looking for in the assessment:
There are many terrible videos available on the internet, showing people throwing blankets over horses. Even if your horse is completely unconcerned with flapping sheets, please don't do that in your test! We want to see you putting on and removing the blanket in an organized, calm, and methodical fashion that would be safe with any horse.
If you’ve never been on a horse, or if its been a long time, here’s the place to start. When you arrive at the barn at 10am you’ll begin with a horsemanship lesson, familiarizing yourself with the horses and their tack, as well as how to groom, handle and tack them up. Then you will have a riding lesson, working through the requirements of Riding Level 1 — the prerequisite to most of the fun stuff we do on horseback!
Sundays 10am – noon
6 November – 11 December 2016
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
This course is intended for riders who have taken classes through the program and are comfortable tacking up their own horses. Riders should arrive at 9:30am to tack up and warm up their horses before starting their riding lessons at 10am, followed by Horsemanship Level 2 or 3 lessons at 11am
Sundays 10am – noon
6 November – 11 December 2016
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
If you have your Level 2 Horsemanship and wish to delve deeper into horse care including topics such as trailering, vet & first aid, bandaging, foot & shoeing and conditioning this class is for you.
Sundays 10:30am – 11:30am
6 November – 11 December 2016
cost: $130 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Kate Landels
This class is intended for independent riders who have achieved Level 2 or higher. Riders are expected to be tacked up and warmed up prior to class. Your own helmets, boots, and half chaps are recommended, as are safety vests for the occasional cross-country class, weather permitting.
Sundays noon – 1pm
6 November – 11 December 2016
cost: $200 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
You can sign up for these classes online, at the front desk, or by phone: 604 568 9907.
Jennifer Landels heads up Academie Duello's Cavaliere Program. She has been swordfighting since 2008, and riding since before she could walk. She started the program as an excuse to combine those passions.