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Stable Services |
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BOARD
Full
service board only. Horses are fed 2-3 times daily, depending on their
needs and the season. During the summer, horses are turned out on
pasture
at night and stalls cleaned daily. Fans (provided by the owner) are
left
running when horses are stalled. There is a fly spray system. In
winter,
stalls are cleaned twice daily. Horses are turned out during the day
and
blanketed at night. Stalls are 10' x 12'. There are four
pastures available. Three are connected by wooded hillsides; a fourth
is a large creekside field. |
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HORSEBACK RIDING
LESSONS
Merit Hill
Stables
offers English hunt (jumping) seat riding lessons to children over
eight
and adults. All students start in private lessons. When a student can
walk
and trot, and a suitable group is available, class lessons are offered.
Beginner through advanced training is available. All students learn to
care for horses from the ground up. Riders are
expected to groom and
tack
their mounts. Horse management skills and basic veterinary nursing
skills are
taught.Proper attire for
beginner
lessons is jeans and a top that will tuck in. Sturdy sports shoes will
suffice for the first lessons. A hard hat must be worn any time a
rider is mounted. Hard hats are available for use of new riders.
Lessons are
scheduled after school and work on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday. Classes meet once
weekly.
Practice time may be arranged between your lessons. As you become a
competent
rider, your lessons will change from teaching you to ride to coaching
you
and your horse. Activities available are foxhunting and trail riding.
Each
month we trailer away from the barn for a longer trail ride. |
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TRAINING
Training
is available for your horse as you begin a partnership or need
additional
help. Jumping and dressage (through second level) are the primary areas
covered during training sessions. Young horses are started over
fences. |
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CONDITIONING
Prior to
hunt season, horses are conditioned using interval training up and down
the hills on gravel roads. It takes six weeks to get a horse fit
to
hunt at full speed. The conditioning program includes pulling the mane
and trimming prior to the first hunt. |
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LAY-UPS
Lay-ups
are provided when needed. As a certified veterinary technician, I work
under the supervision of your veterinarian to provide daily medication,
treatment and bandaging as recommended for your horse. A small paddock
is available for limiting exercise. Longeing and hand walking can also
be arranged. |
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