Please contact Saebra if you have questions about Horsemanship Club. Saebra.p@HoofFallsandFootfalls.com OR call/text 623-326-7589
History & Horses is run in collaboration with Sophie R. of The Donkeys of the Heart. A portion of proceeds from this program will benefit this wonderful non-profit that provides Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Facilitated Mental Health through interactions with donkeys!
Program Begins February 1st
Registration Now Open!
Class Format
History & Horses is the Spring 2023 offering of the popular “Horsemanship Club” launched in 2022. This program provides a fun and safe opportunity to learn and practice fundamental horse handling skills as well as learn about how horses have impacted history! Instruction of history and equine topics are adjusted each class to meet the needs of the participants based on their age and horse experience. This is a groundwork only class which means there will be no riding .
Each class will include:
Barn Time
This may include activities such as cleaning stalls, preparing grain buckets, feeding hay, etc. This time keeps students moving and gives ample opportunity to talk about work ethic, teamwork, taking pride in your work, and communication skills.
Horse Time
Hands-on time with the horses improving the student's ability to safely work around and handle horses. Emphasis is placed on interpreting and giving verbal and non-verbal communication, confidence, leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking.
Education Time
A fun and educational HISTORY themed topic will be covered each class. Example topics fall in the categories of: Historical horses of the world (history & geography), horses in arts and culture (poetry, fables, movies, books, etc.), and more!
Important Information
LOCATION: North Phoenix area near 14th st. and Joy Ranch Rd.- COST: $195 per participant /6 week program
- AGE: This class is suitable for students of age 7+ as of September 1, 2022. Classes will be grouped by age (middle school, teen, adult)
- CLASS SIZE: Maximum of 6 students per class
- Taught and supervised by 2 instructors.
- Instructor : Student ratio of 1:3
- CLASS LENGTH: 1.5 hours minutes
- CLASS FREQUENCY: 1x per week
- BEGINS week of January 30th 2023
- ENDS first week of November 2022
- Horsemanship Club will be billed in full prior to the first class and is non-refundable. Invoices must be paid in full to reserve your student’s spot.
- Payment options:
- Cash
- Check- Make payable to Hoof Falls & Footfalls
- Zelle- saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com or Saebra’s cell
- Credit Card (3% online processing added)
- ESA- Hoof Falls & Footfalls is an approved vendor ($205 if billed using ESA funding)
- Classes missed by students will not be issued a credit, reschedule, or refund.
- Weather that makes the barn environment unsafe will likely NOT result in cancellation of a class. We have several backup lessons that can be moved into the tack room or another enclosed area.
- Lessons cancelled by instructor will be rescheduled by adding an addiotnal class to the end of the class session. This is rare but may happen due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or an emergency.
- Hair– Hair must be pulled back into a low ponytail or braid during the entirety of the lesson. Hair that is not pulled back can get easily caught on tack or equipment and may result in injury. Loose hair may also obstruct the vision of the student and cause safety issues.
- Pants– Long pants are required. Yoga and/or sweatpants material are highly discouraged as they can be slippery on a leather saddle. Jeans, khakis, riding pants, etc. are encouraged.
- Shirts– Must fully cover chest and abdomen. Overly big shirts are discouraged as it is difficult for the instructor to see the posture and alignment of student’s body through an extremely loose shirt. Lighter colored material is encouraged during warmer months.
- Shoes– Close toed shoes are required (closed toed= supportive sneaker, hiking boot, riding boot, etc. Converse, dress shoes, etc., are not acceptable “close toed” barn shoes.). Once students progress to trot work they are encouraged to wear appropriate riding boots AND half chaps. Please talk to instructor for more information.
- Half Chaps– Will be required for students once they have progressed to trot work. Check out the Ovation, TuffRider, or Horze brands. Students must wear half-chaps for trot lessons. They are welcome to keep them at the barn if they are worried about forgetting them at home (please label with name).
- Helmets– Helmets are required to be worn during mounted activities. Loaner helmets are available but students are encouraged to purchase their own if they plan on participating long-term in equine activities. Please see instructor for assistance in choosing sizing/brand before purchasing your own. Ovation is the brand of most loaners at HF&F.
- Jewelry– Dangly earrings may not be worn during lessons. It is highly recommended that stud earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. are not worn during lessons as they may break and or get caught on tack and equipment.
Tip: Helmets, half-chaps, and boots make a great birthday or Christmas present!
Meet the Instructors
Saebra Pipoly- Hoof Falls & Footfalls, LLC
Mrs. Pipoly holds multiple certifications through CHA and PATH Intl. for both traditional and adaptive/therapeutic lessons. She is a fully insured equine professional with a lifetime of equine experience, over 15 years instruction experience in both traditional AND adaptive/therapeutic lessons, and 10+ years instructing both online and in person clinics and college courses.
Sophie Ranier- The Donkeys of the Heart
Ms. Ranier has 30 + years experience training and competing with horses at the international levels. She holds a Masters degree in economics (University of Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne) and Bachelors degree in Philosophy and has a passion for sharing information about history, arts, culture, and of course equines with the next generation.
About Hoof Falls & Footfall's Lesson Program
Instructor Saebra Pipoly (click for bio, certifications, & qualifications) offers an “inclusive” riding and horsemanship program for students ages 4+. This program focuses on instilling and reinforcing a solid foundation of groundwork and riding skills so students can progress in a safe, yet challenging manner.
What is an “inclusive” riding and horsemanship program? An inclusive program offers groundwork and mounted lessons that may be considered either “traditional” or “adaptive/therapeutic”. Lessons may be labeled as “traditional” or “adaptive/therapeutic” for billing purposes but what you see in the barn are equine activities where students are learning, growing, and thriving alongside their equine partners! Saebra takes great care in adapting lesson content and delivery, tack, assigned horses, etc. to match how each individual student learns and progresses. CLICK HERE to learn more about the program.