We enrolled our kindergartener in beginner horseback riding lessons at Champion Farms in Spencer and were initially encouraged by the structured teaching style. The facility is also top notch! Unfortunately, our third and final lesson was extremely concerning.
During the lesson, the instructor was often several yards away on her phone while my child was mounted near an open gate leading toward the road. When the horse began moving, my father had to step in to prevent it from walking into traffic. Later, the instructor screamed at my child to back the horse -- a skill she hadn't yet been taught -- and yelled that "I don't know isn't an acceptable answer." She ended the lesson, saying she wasn't dealing with this on her dime, and told my daughter to dismount. My child dismounted in the middle of a field, visibly upset, and was then called a "sissy who needs to fall off her bike and scrape her knee a couple times." Throughout the incident, raised voices were directed at my child, my father, and myself.
Afterward, I received an apology regarding how my father was treated, with a comment that he was "there to watch, not interfere," despite the safety issue that required his intervention. There was no acknowledgment of how my child had been treated.
While I respect firm instruction, safety and respectful communication are just as important for very young riders. We chose not to continue lessons.
I hope this was a unique experience, but I share it so families can make informed decisions about what environment feels safe and appropriate for their children. read more
