Horseback Riding

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. While we offer a large array of services, there are two that are the most common by far:

(1) We teach horseback riding lessons to students who do not own their own horses. These students ride on one of our "school horses" and usually come one or two times a week to ride. Most of these students are working towards being more seriously involved in the sport, and will eventually own, lease, or shareboard a horse of their own.

(2) Riders that already own or lease a horse, and enjoy competing at horse shows. These riders are in a regular training program with their horse, involving lessons 2-3 times a week and additional, unsupervised practice rides an additional 1-3 times a week.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Look for experienced, certified riding instructors who have been in business at least 5 years and maintain a clean, organized business. Horses should look healthy and equipment should be well cared for and in good working order.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. The quality of horse and quality of instruction will determine how quickly and how happily your child progresses in this sport. You should always feel that the instruction is worth what you paid for it.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. How long have you been in business?
Are you insured?
Are you a certified instructor?
How many students do you have?
May I speak with some of your other clients?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Before you choose a horseback riding instructor, make sure that he or she is experienced in the industry, certified by a national organization, and fully insured. Don't be afraid to ask for references--one or two from current customers, and at least one from a past customer.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. My favorite part about my job is working with children. If I didn't teach horseback riding, I think that I would teach something else--perhaps school. My second favorite part of my job is working with horses--they are wonderful, kind, amazing creatures that try incredibly hard to please us. So getting to teach children AND getting to ride horses is really a dream come true. Plus, it's hard to be a self-employed teacher. ;-)

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I wish that customers spent more time investigating the barns and trainers that they choose to be their guide through the sometimes strange world of equestrian sports. Picking the cheapest, the closest, or the most beautiful farm will rarely provide you with the best experience. Instead, take your time and try to think out ALL of the different components that will make you and/or your child have a truly happy and successful relationship with horses.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Yes, all the instructors at Palladia Farm participate in educational opportunities such as clinics that are held throughout the Midwest as well as staying up to date by reading numerous industry publications.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. We offer 30-minute private lessons on school horses (that's a horse that is owned by Palladia Farm, Inc.) for $55 each and lessons on privately owned horses for $50 each.

Our full-service board is $1200 a month, and our self-service board is $950/month.

You can find more details and our full price schedule at www.palladiafarm.com.