Some Practical Information for Riding at Villa Stabbia.

Physical restrictions:

Age - Absolute not a restriction. Riders of ALL AGES participate here! Many of our clients have gotten into horses at an older age (45 - 55 - 65+) and enjoy every moment in the saddle. Horse riding has something to offer everyone. Minimum age for lessons is however 4 years old

Weight - riders cannot exceed 80 kg (176 lbs).

Riding Outfit:

Helmet - Compulsory for all riders to wear

Shoes or Boots - Preferably some good sturdy shoes with a strong sole and a 1 to 1.5 cm heel. For beginners first time in the saddle, normal track shoes will do. The centre has leggings available in almost all sizes for protection of the legs.

Protective vest - Must be worn by all up to 18 years of age, recommended for all. Compulsory for all when jumping.

Trousers - long (not knee-length), loose or elastic so even sitting on the horse, they do not feel tight.

Helmet and vest can initially be borrowed from the centre, though it is highly recommend that riders get their own helmet if riding regularly.

Evaluate your Horseback Riding Ability

Level 1 - Beginner: Starting from a rider-to-be that has not been on a horse yet up to the rider that is able to stop and turn the horse whilst the horse is walking. Steer the horse round obstacles (like a tree) and have tried trotting as well as having been introduced to raising to the trot.

Level 2 - Novice: Rider is able to walk and trot whilst controlling the horse round obstacles. Steady in raising to the trot.  Able to trot over small jumps up to 30 cm whilst raising to the trot. Introduced to sitting trot and started to do control transitions. Might have been introduced to canter

Level 3 - Novice/ intermediate: Walk trot and canter with no assistance. Be able to do relatively smooth transitions. Confident with a controlled amount of speed. Walk and possibly slow trot bareback with assistance. Hack out in group confidently. Might have started some lateral work.

Level 4 - Intermediate: Walk trot canter and gallop with no assistance. Usually smooth transitions. Walk trot and slow canter bareback. Working in arena with lateral work and turns. Started to train horses but with assistance. Confident with most horses. Hack out alone or in a group confidently. Is willing to take occasional risk with new situation.

Level 5 - Intermediate/advanced: Controlled walk trot canter and gallop. Smooth transitions. Walk trot canter and gallop bareback. Confident in lateral work at all gaits and able to train horses. Confident with most horses.  Hack out alone or in a group confidently. Is willing to take risks with new situation. Willing to ride difficult horses.

Level 6 - Advanced: Controlled walk trot canter and gallop. Perfect transitions. Walk trot canter and gallop bareback. Confident in lateral work at all gaits and able to train horses and other riders. Confident in all gaits and always fully in control.  Able to jump. Hack out alone or in a group confidently. Will to take risks with new situation. Confidently rides difficult horses.

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