Q? How long are the classes?
A. One class lasts between 45 minutes and one hour.
Q? What kind of horses do you have?
A. For beginners, we have trustworthy horses that have a lot of experience in working with riders of all profiles. They are safe and well bred, capable of eliminating fear even in the greatest
skeptic!
Q? What to wear?
A. Professional breeches are tight and contain a lot of spandex, so any other similar pants will be a
good choice. Jeans containing spandex, or wider jeans, are usually worn by hobby riders. Shoes
should have a heel of one centimeter.
Q? Is it possible to ride in ordinary jeans or tracksuits?
A. Yes. Plain, loose, or stretchy pants will do fine.
Q? Are running shoes allowed?
A. Running shoes are the most common choice of all beginners. Although it is prescribed by the riding rules that riding shoes must have a heel of 1 cm, when you come to Pegasos that is not necessary because we have additionally provided special stirrups (the part of the saddle into which the rider puts their foot) which have “baskets” that prevent the feet from slipping off the stirrups, thus completely eliminating the need for riding shoes.
Q? Is there any additional equipment?
A. You will get your protective helmet at the club.
Q? Does anyone ever fall?
A. Just as in learning to walk, ride a bike, skate, ski, and many other activities, falls happen! However, they are usually the fault of the rider – not the horse – as people usually think. Interestingly, falls most often occur when one has already learned the basics of riding and begins to question the limits and possibilities of the horse and oneself. During the first hours on horseback one rarely falls, although there are several experienced instructors on hand in case one does require assistance.
Q? So, what if I fall?
A. You get up! The horse is waiting for you calmly, so climb back into the saddle. The English saying “back in the saddle” comes from riding terminology and means to start again after facing a setback. The one who falls usually buys a round of cakes or chocolate…after all, life is sweet!
Q? Will the horse harm me?
A. Our horses do not strike or bite, do not step on, and do not throw their riders. They respect and love people, but demand equal treatment from us. E.g. our horses understand that we are much smaller and that they must not play with us or treat us the way they do each other – and we must learn the same lesson! A horse’s nature is very different from ours and we must avoid actions that frighten or disturb them. Mutual respect and appreciation of the diversity of our natures is the best way to have a safe relationship with horses.
Q? My child has special needs. Can he/she still ride?
A. Of course! Therapeutic riding is the specialty of our instructors. You can find all the information
under the “Therapeutic riding” tab and under the link for “Riders of hope”.
