Wasatch Horse Introductory Program
(WHIP)
LET'S RIDE!
Interested in taking lessons at Wasatch Sport Horses? Great choice. We'd love to meet you!
Text or email Liz Hess, our lesson coordinator, with your full name, age, experience level, and email address to get started!
208.316.4855
lizcomerstudio@gmail.com
Here's what to expect:
After you text Liz you'll fill out your required paperwork and read our New Rider Orientation (below).
Then, we will schedule a mounted evaluation lesson to get to know you, and for you to get to know us.
You and your trainer will decide on a consistent lesson time (usually weekly or twice a week).
If you're interested in group lessons, based on your experience, we can help find an appropriate group for you.
BEFORE YOU MOUNT UP
PRIOR TO STARTING LESSONS, PLEASE READ/FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS
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Liability Release ✍🏼
You can sign and email it to us, or you can print and bring it to your evaluation lesson. -
New Rider Document 🗂
Please fill this out and either email it to us, or print and bring it to your evaluation lesson. -
New Rider Orientation 📚
(BELOW)
Make sure you read this one thoroughly! It will answer a lot of questions for you before you get started.
EMAIL YOUR LIABILITY RELEASE AND NEW RIDER DOCUMENT TO LIZCOMERSTUDIO@GMAIL.COM
NEW RIDER ORIENTATION
WELCOME!
We are happy that you are joining us.
Our lesson program is well-loved and generally very full, so we appreciate your patience and flexibility in finding ride times.
Below are some of our rider expectations to ensure you have the best experience with the horses, the trainers and your fellow students. If you have any questions or concerns, please let your trainer know.
Also, we have My Tack Room on the property where you can purchase riding gear, helmets, boots, horse tack, saddles, etc. They are open limited hours, but the staff is knowledgeable and can advise you on your purchases.
BEFORE YOUR LESSON
When you arrive at Wasatch Sport Horses, you will notice we are gated. The gate code is posted on the rail on your left. (2424#)
When you drive in, take the first right into the area marked for car parking. You will meet your trainer in the WHIP barn which is the building just north of the round pen. Your trainer may be finishing up another lesson so just hang out there. If you have any questions or trouble getting through the gate, please don’t hesitate to give Liz a call (208) 316.4855.
Each rider will be required to fill out a liability release form prior to interacting with any of the horses. (Find the liability release form in the section above). If you have not filled one out, please tell your trainer.
Each rider is required to wear a helmet and heeled boots. We have loaner helmets available in the barn, just let your trainer know. Parents, please ensure your child/ren comes prepared with coats, gloves, etc. It is hard for the trainers when they have to help the kids get dressed and takes away from quality lesson time.
Please arrive for your lesson in time to prepare and tack your horse. Typically, at least 30 minutes before lesson time. If you are a new rider and riding a lesson horse, your trainer will teach you how to tack your horse as part of your lessons. Your trainer will advise you when you can groom/tack your horse by yourself. Your trainer will also advise you when you can enter the arena and do a 15-minute warmup before your lesson start time.
The goal is to arrive in plenty of time to groom/tack your horse and do a 15-minute warmup before lessons start.
DURING YOUR LESSON
Your first lesson will typically be a private/evaluation. Your trainer will then be able to determine the next steps for you. Please support the trainer’s recommendations, as their goal is to teach you, but also to ensure your safety and the horse’s safety.
Listen carefully to your trainer. If you do not understand something or cannot hear, please ask them.
Be respectful of the other riders in your lesson. Watch them as they complete the trainer’s instructions. A lot of learning comes from watching the other riders.
Some lessons may not be on a horse. There is a lot more to horses than riding. Some lessons may be groundwork, including how to lead a horse, how to take apart and clean tack, how to wash a horse, etc. Additionally, sometimes lessons may end early or could possibly extend a bit. ur trainers are more focused on the quality of the lesson and how the riders are doing as opposed to a time limit. Most lessons will be about an hour.
AFTER YOUR LESSON
Put away all of your horse’s tack in the right location. If you are not sure, please ask. Please clean up after your horse, including sweeping the area you tacked up in. If your horse happens to poop during your lesson, please try and go back after your lesson and pick up. This includes the arenas or anywhere else on the property.
Communicate with your trainer! What is working for you, what isn’t. All of our trainers are amazing, and Wasatch is very lucky to have them, but it takes open communication for everyone to be successful.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Happy, positive attitudes go a long way and makes all the difference in your progression.
PAYMENT
Our current pricing is as follows:
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Private Lessons: $80
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Semi Private Lessons (2 people): $60
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Group Lessons (3-4 people): $50
Please bring a check or cash for your first lesson.