The Basics
Concord Equestiran Center is a full spectrum facility. We offer lessons on our own school horses as well as boarding and training programs for those with their own horses. Our approach in both the riding academy and the training program is comprehensive and methodological. This makes it very easy for enthusiasts to streamlessly transition from working on our horses in the riding academy to leasing and/or owning and participating in the horse shows as a part of our show team. For an overview of our program as well as an idea of the types of material a new equestrian should learn please download our acheivement booklet. Though we are serious about our program we are not about all work and no play! We encourage our students to 'hang out' and enjoy the stable atmosphere outside of their riding time. Those that are very dedicated may also be invited to participate in a work study program.
The Riding Academy
Our riding academy attracts riders of all ages and levels. If you are a parent exploring options for your child to get started as a budding equestrian it is likely that you have several questions. Please click here for a list of commonly asked questions. Also, the best way for you to get an idea about what our riding program entails is to read our Achievement Booklet. It may be difficult to comprehend for those unfamiliar to horseback riding but it will however give you a sense of how we use exercises to build skills and the types of knowledge the student will be learning.
The way our riding accademy works is very simple. We invite those that are interested in riding with CEC to participate in an introductory/evaluative lesson. Thse cost is $65 and the lesson last for approxiamately 1 1/2 hours. For all levels of riders this gives us an opportunity to offer a orientation of our stable, share our policies, go through our grooming and tacking up procedures, as well as conduct a 1/2 private lesson in which we go over the fundamentals for beginners or evalute experienced riders. Students are able to borrow all equipment, including a helmet, for the first lesson. Appropriate attire for the beginner is jeans and sturdy shoes. All those who wish to watch should also be wearing sturdy shoes.
After the introductory lesson we are able to suggest a plan for the rider. We utylize a mixture of exercises and games in group and private settings to help our riders become confident and knowledgeable in and out of the saddle. Individual programs are designedbased on the goals, personality and age of each rider. For those who wish to pursue a structured program we will follow the guidelines in the AchIevement Booklet. The booklet is based on the system we use to help riders succeed both as casual enthusiasts and as show competitors. For those who wish to experience a more casual development, our experienced instructors are also able to tailor lessons according to day to day feelings and goals. Most important to us is that we help all riders develop strong fundamentals that will serve to make their experience with horsemanship safe, simple and fun.
Leasing options may be available immediately or later on down the road as the student wishes to enhance their education by developing a relation with a particular pony or horse. Many or our student have moved on to experienceing the joy and rewards of owning a caring for their own horse/pony.
Training and Showing
We utilyze a balanced program to help our horses and riders develop not only the skills to succeed in the show arena but also better physical abilities and a deeper knowledge of what is happening and why. In addition to practicing both flat and jumping exercises in private and group lessons, every member of our show team works on the loungeline to help pinpoint and address problems with their position that hinder the perrformance of their mount. Additionally, if old enough, they will lounge their own horses to learn more about the horse's movement , confirmations and tendencies. Our trainers also create a program balancing the use of such training aids as the pesoa rig and/or long-lining as well as flat expercises to help the horses be the best athletes they can be. These techniques have proven very successful in helping clients whom have come to us with major obstacles, such as the inability to get their lead chancges, reach their goals. If this is all greek to you and you want to learn more then you need to visit us!
Through the above we have been lucky to offer clients who have come to us with their own horses an opportunity to 'step up' their riding and show experience. The advantage of being located here in Del Mar Horsepark is the multitudes of both county and A level shows that are held here Spring through Fall. Our students benefit not only from participating in these shows but also by watching and learning. As stated above, the training and showing part of our program is simply an extention of the fundamentals we develop starting in the riding academy. Whether a rider enters the training program through our own riding academy or if they come to us with prior riding experience we carefully go over and reinforce the fundamentals that we believe are the key to success whether competing in crossrails or at 4'.
Opportunities at Concord Equestrian Center
As noted above, repetition is crucial, especially as a rider decides that is in time to enter the show arena. We have lease opportunities available that give the rider the opportunity to participate in three to five lessons per week. We also have tons of experience in carefully matching riders to ponies or horses as they decide that ownership is the way to go. In very special cases we also consider participants in our program for working student opportunities.
At present we are also actively seeking an adult who has some experience to join the us in a work-study program that could progress into some work instructing and assisting with camp programs over the summer.