Junior Class Lesson Times and Dates

JUNIOR CLASSES INFORMATION

Junior Classes are taught by Tara Gamble.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

The Junior class is for more advanced riders.  A skill check ride or recommendation by the Coach is necessary to ensure you have the skill base needed to succeed in this new class. The levels taught are:

  • Junior - Both Western and English Flat:  Confident at walk and jog/trot, posting, standing/two point position. Has done some loping/cantering. In this level the rider will continue to develop their seat and improve their control and position in order to move towards more advanced maneuvers.  Confident to catch, groom, tack and turn out.
  • Advanced Junior - Western and English Flat or Jumping:  Displays a secure seat and rides with control at the walk, jog/trot, lope/canter.  Ability to ride all three gaits without stirrups and is working towards more advanced equitation and horsemanship goals which may include jumping courses. 

When registering, you will be able to register as a Junior, but will not be able to choose the time for your class. Tara will be grouping the classes together and you will receive an email indicating which class you will ride in.

For your lessons, please note:

  • You will be required to catch, groom and tack your horse prior to the lesson (with parental supervision until 16 years) so you will need to be 30 minutes early for each lesson.
  • If you are more than 10 minutes late twice you will not be able to continue and no refund will be issued.
  • Give yourself 15 minutes after the lesson to untack, groom and turnout your horse.

ASSESSMENT LESSON

Prior to registering for a spot in Tara's classes, participants will take an assessment lesson. These are being scheduled for September 8. This is a private 30 minute lesson that can be scheduled by emailing operations@birchbayranch.com. There is a $65+GST fee to book this lesson (it is non-refundable/transferrable). The purpose of this assessment lesson is for Tara to slot you into a class (either Beginner or Junior level) that will give you the most success. It will also give you a chance to meet your coach and see her teaching style. 

What to expect for an assessment lesson:

  • You will be asked to groom and tack your horse (15 mins.).
  • You will ride for 30 minutes while Tara asks to show what you know.
  • The ride is one on one with Tara.
  • You will only need to do the assessment lesson one time. Once you are slotted into a Junior class, you will be able to continue with Tara as your coach without taking additional assessment lessons.

Email operations@birchbayranch.com to request an assessment ride.

 

REGISTER HERE for Junior Lessons

cancellation policy:

If you Cancel:

  • 30+ Days from the start of your lessons - payments are fully refundable.
  • Less than 30 days from the start of your lessons - payments are transferable to another session - non-refundable.
  • after one lesson has been completed we will decide what is to be done on a case-by-case basis.

 

If we cancel:

Alberta weather reaches very high and very low temperatures throughout the year. With this in mind, we do have a procedure in place to guarantee the well-being of our students, teachers, and horses:

  • If the weather is below -25, an email will be sent out before 2 PM on the day of classes to cancel. It will clarify in the email whether this lesson will be reimbursed or rescheduled.
  • If the weather is above 25, an email will be sent out before 2 PM on the day of classes to cancel. It will clarify in the email whether this lesson will be reimbursed or rescheduled.
  • In the event of severe weather, an email will be sent out before 2 PM on the day of classes to cancel. It will clarify in the email whether this lesson will be reimbursed or rescheduled.