FAQ
Q: Do you sell gift certificates?
A:Gift certificates are available for all occasions, Give the gift of a memory! Fill out the "Contact Us" page to receive a brochure with rates.
Q: Can I come out and see the barn before starting lessons?A: A barn tour is required for all people interested in lessons. Viewing the facility, meeting the horses, and receiving all necessary paperwork is included. All barn tours must be scheduled in advance--owners and instructors cannot leave their students to visit, and guests are not allowed to wander around the stable.
Q: Do you offer “open riding”, "trail rides", or "horse rentals"?
A: Natural Beginnings Riding Lessons does not offer “open rides”, "trail rides", or "horse rentals". All riding is done under the supervision of an instructor, and in the format of a lesson or program. No open field rides are available. If you are interested in a group activity, please see the A Day With Horses™ program on the Programs page.
Q: Are you open year-round?
A: Natural Beginnings is open year-round; there are indoor and outdoor arenas, plus a heated classroom. Lessons are only canceled due to extreme weather, or when temperatures reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit or under 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: What happens if I can’t make it to a scheduled lesson?A: If you give 24 hours advanced notice, you will receive a make up for the missed lesson. Less than 24 hours results in a forfeited lesson; instructors cannot be expected to find someone else to fill that spot in that little time. Lessons canceled for weather are always rescheduled as make ups.
Q: Do you offer group lessons?
A: All lessons are private and individualistic; you have one-on-one time with the instructor. Regular group lessons are not offered at Natural Beginnings Riding Lessons. Please see the Day With Horses™ and the Pepperoni Ponies Fan Club® program on the Programs page for group activities.
Q: Do I have to wear a helmet?
A: Yes, all students are required to wear a helmet. Natural Beginnings can provide helmets for one time rides or for students just starting in the lesson program. Regular students are expected to purchase and bring their own helmets to each lesson.
Q: Is there a weight limit?
A: Horses can carry approximately one-quarter of their body weight. Buffy, the largest lesson horse, weighs approximately 1,000 lbs. That means that she can carry roughly 250 lbs, 10-20 lbs of which will be in equipment such as the saddle, saddle pad, etc.
Q:Is there an age limit?
A: There is no age limit-no matter how many years old (or years young!) you are! The only difference that age makes is what program you are placed in. Typically, ages roughly 0-5, 6 are Runt Riders™, ages 6-12 are Junior Riders, and ages 13 and up are Senior Riders.
Q:Where can I find prices for programs at Natural Beginnings?
A: Fill out the "Contact Us" page, or give us a call at (810) 412-6299 for information on prices and availability.
Q:Do you teach Natural Horsemanship techniques?
A: Yes, Natural Beginnings does teach some basic natural horsemanship techniques in the regular lesson program. At special request, any student can have lessons dedicated to learning natural horsemanship techniques and bond with a lesson horse or their own horse. For more information on what Natural Horsemanship is, visit the "Getting Started Links" page to find a link to the Parelli Natural Horsemanship website; a DVD introducing natural horsemanship is available to watch in the barn classroom.
Have a Question that was not answered here? Fill out the "Contact Us" page for an answer!
Please call (810) 412-6299 with any
questions that you may have.
Serving Genesee County from
Davison, Michigan.
