Older People's Riding Club / BP Lesson Program

The OPRC operates similarly to the United States Pony Club (USPC), although there is no affiliation with this group. Our mission is to promote safe and enjoyable horsemanship through educational activities to anyone over the age of 21 no matter the discipline. (Non-riders are welcome too).

Barnes Paddock Riding Academy & OPRC

Assuming you have read our general information regarding riding lessons at Barnes Paddock - the OPRC will serve to enrich any standard riding lesson program. Often standard riding lesson programs are limited to time spent, and often horse care and stable management topics may be skipped over, and there may be very little opportunities for social interaction with other 'like minded' adult riders.

OPRC will also offer a an enriched educational experience to the existing Barnes Paddock lesson program by provided by their curriculum and ratings / testing system. Please read more about the OPRC in general and about their rating & testing system.

The 'Barnes Paddock' OPRC will be a chapter of the National OPRC and will have to have a member president, treasurer etc and will not be 'owned' by Barnes Paddock per se. Barnes Paddock will simply offer to provide services, resources, guidance and a facility.

APPLICATION PHASE

We do not yet have an OPRC started at this facility. We are currently outlining a program which includes application to the OPRC to have a chapter assigned to 'us', acquiring horses and equipment for use in the program for expansion of Barnes Paddock lesson programs in general and for use for non-horse owning OPRC members.

As we acquire more information from the OPRC we will be able to shape the program better. Currently, membership to the OPRC National Program is $10.00, and most 'chapters' tend to add on an additional $10 - $15 dues to cover office supplies and insurance coverage.

Members...

1. will receive a discount on lessons at Barnes Paddock, if they are active and in good standing
2. will receive a discount on boarding at Barnes Paddock, if they are active and in good standing
3. will be eligible for group educational classes at Barnes Paddock (not available to standard lesson students) in all horse related topics
4. will be eligible for practice riding time on lesson horses (not available to standard lesson students)
5. will be able to organize social outings and events as a group (not dependant on Barnes Paddock)

OPRC Riding Academy / Adult Lesson Program

All lessons will be given with the OPRC rating achievements in mind. Member students receive a discount on lessons / classes once they reach a D2 level. Member students can choose which 'classes' he/she wishes to participate in, and how often!

Starter Lessons (Non rated to D1) - Private 1 hr 15 minutes
Grooming, handling the horse on the ground around the stables, tack and equipment, general basic riding skills on the lunge line and/or riding arena $35.00 our horse / $30 your horse.

Intermediate (D-2 and over) - Private 45 minutes riding
(this assumes the D2 member will be adequately skilled to groom and tack up their horse) Advancing riding skills, combination of lunge line and/or arena riding. $25.00 our horse, $20.00 your horse.

Intensive Equitation Lunge Line Lesson- Private 30 minutes
To address strength, balance and flexibility . $14.00 our horse / $12 your horse.

Group Clinics, Hands On- 1 hour - 1 1/2 hours (available only to OPRC members)
Group clinics will address all kinds of topics and skills from ground handling, to general riding skills both in and out of the arena. Fun, informative and social! $25.00 our horse, $20.00 your horse (typically one topic per month, repeated twice monthly, repeat participation depending on available space). Auditing members always welcome (and encouraged)!

Barnes Paddock Lunch & Learn - once monthly / 1+ hour
Non riding, limited horse involvement. Typically a class room or barn yard session for a lecture, round table discussion, video etc, on horse care topics, riding and training theories. LUNCH INCLUDED! This is to supplement riding lessons and to prepare the member/student for rating testings. Prices vary but average/aprox $12.00 per person.

Rating Testings (scheduled as wanted/needed - an official OPRC activity)
Estimated fee approximately $10.00 and will include bringing in an outside examiner (often a > B level Pony Club member). Use of horse/tack not included.

Practice Riding / School Horse 'Lease'
Available to approved D2 and above members in active status, who take more than 2 lessons or classes per month. $12.00 per average riding session (1 hour), fees vary for use of horse to participate ratings, competitions, seminars/clinics away from the farm, trail rides etc.

Please see the General Lesson Info or Youth Club page for detailed information.