You're going to have so much fun! I love hunter paces because it seems like the horses enjoy them just as much, if not more so, than the riders. Just remember to stay relaxed and don't feel like you have to gallop the entire thing like some crazy folks will be doing. Heh.

 

When I was a senior in high school, eager to graduate and determined to do something with horses, I entertained the idea of going to Meredith Manor as well. Thank goodness my parents where knowledgeable folk and discouraged me from attending any type of institution that would not hand me a Bachelor's Degree on my way out. In 2007 I graduated from Delaware Valley College with a degree in Equine Studies (FYI at most colleges your actual diploma will say a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science

Yuck! Spooking is the worst. Here is what has been successful with my gelding who, like your guy, is the "occassional" spooker: First and foremost, ride him as normally as possible. If you start to make a big fuss out of his spooking then he will begin to think it's something to make a big fuss over and everything will just start to snowball. Never punish him for spooking - horse's naturally have a flight or fight reflex that they can't control. As I am sure you have already

I think she's beautiful! Her entire body looks very proportionate from head to tail. Her hindquarters look a little small in the first picture but not in the second, so I'm going to assume it was the angle of the shot. I really like her shoulder and you can tell she has some great muscling starting in her neck. Overall I think she's a really fancy girl. :) Have fun with her this summer!

The only thing I would add besides what other people have suggested is that you have references available... and then make sure you have them. The horse world practically survives by word of mouth. I know that I would never hire someone to work at my barn just by what they told me alone. I would definitely want other people to back them up and it makes you appear more professional. I think $8.00 would be a fair starting pay... we employ a college student every summer at our farm and they start at

As long as the dirt is compact and level, you will be fine putting down mats. That may not solve your problem though... the stalls will still collect urine (mats don't make it magically disappear, unfortunately!) unless you use an absorbent bedding like shavings or woody pet.

Wouldn't it be amazing if a $9,500 gelding took the first two races of the Triple Crown? I'll keep my fingers crossed for him!