Services
Board
Merit Hill Stables
is a foxhunt training stable. Board is provided as a service for our riders.
Our full service board includes feed and hay, turn out, blanketing in season
and handling for farrier and veterinary visits. 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 operation.
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 creek-side field.
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 jumping and foxhunting lessons are 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. As you become a competent rider, your lessons evolve from teaching riding
basics to coaching you and your horse.
Lessons are scheduled after school and work on Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday. Classes meet once weekly. Practice time may be arranged
between your lessons. “Haul in” lessons can be arranged.
Training
Training is
available for your horse as you begin a partnership or need additional help. Beyond
basics of flat work and jumping, we are able to introduce hunt horse prospects to
hounds and hunting throughout the year.
Conditioning
It takes six weeks
to get a horse fit to hunt at full speed. Before hunt season begins, horses are
conditioned using interval training up and down the hills. Weekly jumping
schools are used to tune up your horse. Our
four week conditioning program includes pulling the mane and trimming prior to
your first hunt.
Veterinary Lay-ups
Veterinary lay-ups
are available to any horse. 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 if limited
turnout is prescribed. Hand walking and lungeing can also be scheduled.
Other services
Grooming services
(mane pulling, braiding, clipping), shipping, vacation boarding are available
by prior arrangement.
