FAQ
1) What should I wear when I ride?
Dress appropriately for the weather, and for riding horses. Long pants, fitted shirt, and boots with a small heel. No Crocs, sandals, open toe shoes and no shorts. Also, wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. A clean, white shirt says "Wipe dirty snot here!" to a horse. Parents are encouraged to wear closed toed shoes as well!
2) What type of riding do you teach?
For lead line and beginner lessons, western riding is taught. All riding disciplines cover the same basics at the beginner level, and once a more advanced level is reached the student is encouraged to explore other disciplines. For more advanced riders, hunt seat and jumping instruction is available. Recommendations for instructors in other disciplines can be made to the student if he or she decides to pursue other avenues of riding.
3) Are drinks or snacks provided, or available for purchase?
Bring snacks and drinks with you, they will not be provided, and are not available on site at this time.
4) Will I need to sign anything before riding or attending a horsemanship class?
Signed registration and waivers of liability are required for anyone participating in any class. Minors will need to have a waiver signed by parent or guardian on file with the Instructor. Paperwork may be downloaded from the website or picked up from the Instructor at class time. You might also take a moment to familiarize yourself with the AZ Equine Activity Liability Law. 5) Can I leave my child for a riding lesson or horsemanship class and pick him/her up afterward?
Parents are required to be on site with children under 16 at all times, unless prior special arrangements have been made.
6) What do I do if I can't make it to the scheduled lesson?
Because the lessons are scheduled by appointment only, the more notice you can give the better. No-shows are strictly discouraged. Please call the Instructor or email with as much advance notice as possible. Horsemanship classes require at least 36 hours advance notice of cancellation in order to receive a refund of the deposit. 7) Can I bring my dog to the barn?
No pets allowed at the barn, please. Our insurance strictly prohibits dogs.
8) What forms of payment are accepted?
Cash or checks are accepted at lesson time, and debit or credit card payments can be made online at the web site, using PayPal. You do not need to have a PayPal account to make a credit card payment.
9) Are there regular lesson times on regular days that I can just show up to?
There are no set lesson days or times, and each lesson is made by appointment with the Instructors, seven days a week. Horsemanship classes are scheduled when there are students interested in participating, and are scheduled on demand.
10) How do I get started in a riding class at Tiny Tots/Desert Trails?
To begin riding with us you need to call or email and set up an appointment to meet with an Instructor, and for a tour of the facility. You will talk about your short and long term goals, whether you have ever ridden, or have any horse experience, and then schedule your first lesson. All beginner riders are required to complete a Basic Horsemanship Class before participating in riding lessons. 11) Do you offer horse boarding, sales, or training?
Tierra Bonita Stable does offer boarding on a limited basis. Contact us to see if there is space available. We sometimes offer horses/ponies for sale, and will take in a horse or two on a consignment basis if there is room in the barn. Contact us for rates and information. We are currently accepting a limited number of horses in training. 12) Can I ride my own horse, or do I have to ride a school horse?
Riders may choose to ride a school horse for lessons, or use their own horse on a haul-in basis. Haul-ins are allowed for lessons only, and the arena is not available for casual riding outside of lesson times unless your horse is boarded with us.
13) Are lessons held rain or shine?
Lessons will be rescheduled due to inclement weather (excessive heat, wind, thunderstorms, or rain) at the discretion of the instructor, because the arena is uncovered. If you have a question regarding whether a lesson will be held as scheduled, please email or call the Instructor before your class time if you have questions about whether class will be held.
14) Can I just show up for an advertised horsemanship class?
Horsemanship classes require pre-reservations with at least a 50% deposit. A 36 hour cancellation notice is required for a refund. Class space is limited so all the kids get plenty of hands-on and riding in the allotted class time.
15) Even though I'm riding western, do I have to wear a helmet?
We require that all riders under 18 years of age wear a helmet anytime they are on a horse. Adults are encouraged to wear a helmet, but it is not required. Loaner helmets are available in several different sizes, but riders are encouraged to purchase an approved riding helmet if they will be continuing in regular, off-lead riding lessons.
16) Do you only teach small children, as the name Tiny Tots suggests?
Although our main focus in the past has been on teaching kids the basics of horsemanship and riding, all ages are welcome and lessons for all ability levels are available. We have introduced a new facet of the program geared toward older children and adults called Desert Trails Horsemanship. Same great instruction with a new name!
17) Do you have any weight limits for riding the horses?
Each horse and pony at our barn has a weight limit that it can carry, both for the comfort of the horses, and the overall safety of horse and rider. We do have to limit the top riding weight at about 200 pounds, which is the heaviest our largest horse can carry comfortably and perform at its best.
18) Do you teach lessons during the summer heat?
Yes! We will continue teaching over the summer, however teaching times are limited to the very eary morning and early evening until dark. Both Instructors will be available for lessons, and lessons spots are on a first come, first served basis.
Any questions not listed here that you may have, please use the contact us form and ask.
