Training and Lesson Programs

TRAINING PROGRAM

The Training Program at High Tail Acres, LLC is individualized to meet each horse's/pony's unique requirements for success.  Deidre Henry and Darla Wright are experienced and successful trainers and instructors.  We strongly believe in a rotation of training exercises, so as to avoid boredom, especially in the more mature horse/pony.  In the young, green horse/pony, each desired phase of training is done with patience, kindness, and reward.  Repetition of the newly acquired skills is very important in the training process of the young horse/pony.  The training techniques include long lining, riding, driving, bitting, lunging, and hand walking, balanced with proper nutrition and relaxation.  Patience, along with practice, equals success.

Please call or email for more information.

Stalls are available for training horses.

Farrier:  Sandvil's Anvil-Mike Sandvil & Jenna McCarthy & Walter Janes ~ Veterinarian: SRH Veterinary Services ~ Dr. Noble and Dr. Orcutt

Equine Dentists: Gary Saccocia Sr. & Gary Saccocia Jr.

LESSON PROGRAM INFORMATION

     The Lesson Program at High Tail Acres, LLC is individualized to each student, taking into consideration the student's age, ability, previous experience, and maturity.  The staff at High Tail Acres, LLC stresses the importance of safety and every precaution is taken to provide the student with a positive learning experience.  We feel that it is very important for the student to commit to at least five one-half hour private lessons.  This time schedule will result in a progressive knowledge attainment of the basics. 

     The first lesson will be of an introductory nature and will address any questions the student may have.  The student will work side by side with the instructor and learn the importance of proper grooming before the riding lesson.  The student will be introduced to the tack and equipment used during the lesson.  The first lesson will include the proper mounting and dismounting techniques, rein handling, and proper body position.  If you have previous experience  your first lesson with High Tail Acres, LLC will be an evaluation of your knowledge and experience.  During this early stage, learning the basics is gradual, yet progressive, and must be attained in order to proceed to more interesting aspects of learning to ride.  Each lesson will begin with a repeat of the previous lesson to insure that sufficient knowledge has been attained to proceed.  This is a confidence-building stage, as well as a stage in which the horse/pony and student learn to trust each other.  As the student becomes more comfortable and confident in his/her ability, the student's accomplishments will become more visible.   As the student progresses in his/her horsemanship skills the student and parent will develop goals.  Together we will discuss your goals and a plan will be set forth for the student's future in the exciting "world of horses."

Click here for Lesson Student Application and Information Sheet

PLEASE CALL THE BARN WITH CANCELLATIONS - 978-465-4142

We do not offer trail rides

MONTHLY LESSON SCHEDULE

*Updated -12/26/11

Private = Scheduled lesson Open = Available lesson spot N/A = No lessons given at his time

STARTING January 1, 2012 Tuesday groups will be held EVERY OTHER Tuesday.

We offer four different groups held every other Tuesday

**Click here to check the calendar for which Tuesday you ride

Adult group- must have the ability to walk, trot and canter

Advanced junior exhibitor- must have the ability to walk, trot and canter

Advanced walk and trot- For those in our show or academy programs

Intermediate Walk Trot to Canter - For junior exhibitors interested in Winter Tournaments

*NEW in January- Wednesday group for walk, trot to canter riders for those interested in our show or academy programs

PLEASE NOTE: IF THERE ARE NO "OPEN" SPOTS PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL WITH THE BEST DAY AND TIME THAT FITS YOUR SCHEDULE AND WE CAN PUT YOU OR YOUR CHILD ON THE WAITING LIST.

Reserved for Birthday Parties = Birthday parties held Sundays 3-5 pm

Newburyport Youth Services Program = held Sundays 1:00-2:00 October-February

FUN SHOWS, U.P.H.A. WINTER TOURNAMENTS, ACADEMY PROGRAM and HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAMS

We offer the U.P.H.A. Chapter 14 Winter Tournament and Academy Programs, along with individualized lease programs. We also offer show/academy student preparation clinics, summer horsemanship programs, barn fun shows and other day horsemanship programs throughout the year.

    Tournaments are winter schooling shows held monthly from November through March held at different host barns. The Winter Tournament Finals is held during the U.P.H.A. Spring Premiere Horse Show in April. Students  qualify by showing in at least one winter tournament.  All students enrolled in the lesson program are encouraged to participate.  Riders are not required to lease horses for the winter tournaments.  All shows have a qualified judge and medallions are rewarded to all participants.  Host barns provide good, warm food for all who attend. U.P.H.A. offers an opportunity for students who compete in at least two tournaments to win an award with an essay writing contest. Students can win a scholarship for anything horse related.

Essay questionnaire

New for the 2011-2012 season; tournament participants have an opportunity to win $100 scholarships as well as a prize for parents.

HTA Fun Shows

     HTA Fun shows are held twice yearly. A Summer Fun Show is held in June followed by a cookout and a Fall Fun Show is held in September. These are informal shows allowing students to demonstrate the skills they have learned in their lessons. It also gives students an opportunity to set and achieve goals. All students in the lesson program are encouraged to participate. We also have a "class" that parents, friends and family can participate in! 

Academy Program

     The Academy program is an introduction to the world of showing horses.  Most students involved lease a lesson horse for the show season and attend the horse shows that have academy classes. Horse ownership is not required to participate in this program.   An Academy Championship is offered at the Twin State Octoberfest Horse Show giving these riders a goal to work towards.  Required equipment and riding habit is necessary in order to compete.  We will help you with ordering or by providing you a location to purchase the riding habit.

Summer Horsemanship Programs are offered three weeks out of the summer.  They offer children ages 5-13 a variety of learning opportunities.  They run from 9AM-2PM Tuesday through Saturday. Students ride twice daily and also have classroom-like theory sessions.  They do hands-on activities with the horses as well as a craft project.  A small horse show is held on Saturdays of camp to show parents their child's' progression.  These are highly successful programs and fill up very quickly.  Day programs and Adult programs are offered through the year as well. Dates are posted on the Calendar page.

For more information on these programs please see Dawn, Deidre or Darla.

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