This program is based on Pony Club and Certified Horsemanship Association Standards which both hold safety a high priority. It promotes mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, sportsmanship, moral judgement, leadership and self confidence (Harris, S. E. 1994). Students begin by taking private lessons to learn about horses from the ground through safety, grooming, tacking and handling exercises. Mounted lessons start with learning how to sit properly, hold the reins, stop, start and turning the horses. Once the student can comfortably and safety steer the horse, group lessons are started if preferred. A balanced seat is taught which is then developed into a more specialized riding style (for example dressage, western, saddle seat, hunt seat, etc.).
Instruction is available for ages 2 and up with age appropriate curriculum . Students begin with on the ground grooming and tacking lessons. Mounted riding begins with connected and balanced seat lessons. Once certain skill sets are achieved, students may move into a variety of different disciplines including dressage, eventing, jumping, hunt seat, western and trail/endurance.
Class Information
Times: This depends on instructor and current enrollment. In general, most days, afternoons & evenings can be signed up for.
Group Lesson Schedule
Group Lesson times vary so please contact us for the most up to date schedule. Beginners are required to take private lessons until they have certain skills. Once they have been approved by their instructor, students may enroll in group lessons. Please contact Burbank Riding Academy to get more information about available group lesson times.
**Private lessons and more advanced levels available at other times, please inquire**
Apparel: Safety is an extremely important part of the riding program. As part of this commitment to safety, riders are required to wear ASTM/SEI approved headgear at all times while mounted, long pants and a shoe or boot with a smooth sole and a heel. Gloves are also a good idea to help prevent blisters or rubs on hands. Depending on the weather, layered clothing and riding gloves are recommended. Riding pants are highly reccommended as it helps keeping the thigh and calf from getting pinched from the stirrup leathers.
Enrollment: Group lessons need to be signed up for (in blocks of 4 or 5 lessons) by the end of the previous month. Group lessons paid by the lesson will be charged a sur-charge. All completed paperwork (Release forms and information sheet) and tuition is due before the first lesson. Private lesson fees are paid for prior to the lesson and scheduled at least a week prior. Please see the FEES page for pricing. To register, print out and complete the Registration Form (click to open) along with payment(check made out to Burbank Riding Academy) to Burbank Riding Academy c/o Christine Burbank, 83 Mull Avenue, Sinking Spring, PA 19608. To get more information, please call Christine: 610-413-1542 or email christine@burbankridingacademy.com.
Cancellation & Refund Policy: If the lesson is cancelled, the instructor will inform the students at least 2 hours prior, if possible and will reschedule the riding session. 2 Hours cancellation notice is required otherwise you will be charged for the lesson. Last minute things do happen so we will allow 3 occurrences before you will be billed. If you miss a group lesson, you can schedule one ½ hour make-up lesson, but it must be before the end of the month. Additional missed lessons during that month will be forfeited.
