Stephanie Gallardi Welcomes You

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GETTING STARTED
Lessons may be scheduled with Stephanie by calling or texting 406-471-3858 or emailing stephaniegraves1221@yahoo.com If you are new to horseback riding, you will often start with at least one private lesson to become familiar with the lesson routine.   Once a new rider is competent with handling their horse on the ground and basic riding at the walk, we encourage riders to join group lessons.
If you have previous riding experience, your first lesson will be a private Evaluation Lesson.  It will consist of a barn orientation, tacking/untacking procedures, and a brief riding evaluation to help determine which class level would be the best for you.  Evals are $60. From here, Stephanie will recommend a riding group or set up private lessons with you. 
Private or Group? We encourage riders to join our group lessons for several reasons:  1.  It’s more fun riding with a group!  2.  Learning happens during direct instructor interaction and by watching other riders; and 3.  It is more cost effective.   Private lessons are great for students wishing for one-on-one instruction.  All of our lessons, private or group, include tacking/untacking the horse, about 30-45 minutes of mounted and/or unmounted horsemanship instruction in the arena or on the trail, and some barn chores.
Riding Levels 
Pony Pals (ages 1.5-6 years old. ):  These 15-30 minute lessons use games and riding exercises to help young riders develop balance and become familiar with horses.  .
Level 1 (generally ages 7 and up; ground handling and aids at the walk):  Students learn basic ground handling of the horse, general horse/barn/arena safety rules, grooming, tacking and untacking, and how to use the basic aids to direct the horse at a walk.  Usually these are private lessons, preparing students for group lessons. 
Level 2 (beginning trot):  Riders now learn how to ride in the arena with a group, start identifying footfall  and start developing rhythm at the trot. 
Level 3 (trot and beginning canter):  Riders should  be able to tack/untack independently or with minimal help.  Now riders solidify the trot:  sitting, posting on the correct diagonal, and two-point.  They also begin learning the basics of jumping and start the canter.
Level 4 (canter and jump): This is where riding courses and showing can start. If riders want to  show they need to own or lease a horse. Lesson horses will not be available for shows starting 2021. Stephanie would be happy to assist in the horse purchasing/ leasing  process. There are fees associated with this process. 
LESSON FEES

Private Lesson (1 rider; 60 min lesson) $60
Group Lesson (2-4 riders; 60 min lesson) $50

30 min Pony Pal Lesson $30
15 min Pony Pal lesson: $20

Cash, check or venmo is the preferred method of payment. 

CANCELLATION/MISSED LESSON POLICY
Cancellations must be made at least 4 hours prior to your lesson time or your lesson will be forfeited.  
There are generally no make ups for missed lessons. 
Lessons cancelled by Stephanie due to instructor unavailability or inclement weather will either be rescheduled or will be credited to the student’s next month.  No refunds will be given.
Cancellations may be made by calling or texting your instructor at 406-471-3858
PROCEDURES FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER
We are thankful to have a covered arena so that lessons can generally carry on despite the weather.  Plan for your lessons unless your instructor calls you to reschedule.
Montana weather is very unpredictable, Cancellations due to extreme weather conditions may be waived from the 4-hr Cancellation Policy.


LESSON PROCEDURE
Stephanie teaches total horsemanship from the ground up. Toward that end, we teach our students how to prepare their horses for their lessons and how to clean up afterward. 
Do not handle horses without first checking in with your instructor.  Do not mount your horse until your instructor is ready.
After your ride, you will untack your horse, unless another student is waiting to use your horse in the next lesson.
Parents are welcome to drop their children off or stay, but instructors do prefer that parents give instructors the courtesy of teaching uninhibited.
We encourage our students to participate in the schooling shows and other events hosted off site.   These are great ways to “show off” learned skills and discover strengths and weaknesses in student riding.  Ask your instructor about upcoming events and how to prepare for it.  All events will incur extra fees. 

WHAT TO WEAR
Approved riding boots, jeans or breeches, and helmets are absolutely mandatory for all lessons, including Evals. 

For your safety, no tennis shoes, hiking boots, or “equestrian style” fashion boots once your rider starts trotting, though we recommend proper riding shoes from the beginning.  No sandals or open-toed shoes are appropriate ever, and lessons may be forfeited if proper riding shoes are not worn. 
GENERAL INFO
PAYMENT: Payment is due in full by the beginning of each month
CANCELLATION POLICY:Cancellations must be made with your instructor at least 4 hours prior to your lesson time or your lesson will be forfeited.


GEAR
HELMETS
Like many sports, a helmet is a simple thing that can prevent a lot of headaches (literally!).  While it may seem silly, a bicycle helmet won't cut the mustard; it's gotta be ASTM certified for horseback riding.  Horse riding helmets come in a variety of colors, styles, and fits.  It's kind of nice to try one on before you buy to make sure you like the fit.  We have a few options to try at the barn. 
BOOTS
Next to helmets, riding boots are one of the best safety features a rider can own.  A 1" heel helps to keep the foot from sliding through the stirrup, the smooth sole slides easily in the stirrup, and the solid toe helps protect tender toes from misplaced horse feet.   
English riders will usually need half chaps as well to protect their legs from getting pinched by the stirrup leathers.  Or, for more proper wear for rated shows, English riders will often purchase tall boots, instead of half chaps and paddock boots.  

BREECHES
While many of us enjoy riding in a nice pair of jeans (Western riders might not be caught dead in anything but!), riding breeches/tights often are less restrictive and quite a bit more "proper" for English riders, in particular.

WINTER GEAR
In Montana, we get cold and muddy during the fall/ winter/ spring  –  but that doesn't stop us from riding!  However, it is much more pleasant to ride when you're warm, we find it a bit frustrating when students can't concentrate because they're inappropriately dressed for the weather.   Toes and fingers are usually the first to freeze, so a good winter riding shoe and glove are essential.  I love PVC boots (not rubber boots) such as Muck Boots (though be careful of soles that are too grippy), and of course there are some fabulous higher-dollar paddock shoes.  Long-john, good coats, and/or winter overpants are also a great investment for dedicated riders.