Giddy-Up! BCRA Monthly Newsletter - September 2022
It's Back to the Barn!
Hello Fall (and, hopefully, someday, cooler weather)! We have an exciting line up for the BCEC and the BCRA academy for this fall semester!
The theme for this month is Safety September! Throughout the month, we will address and revisit tools of safety while walking, riding, or working with horses in general. Whether it is to practice emergency dismounting, or going over the different kinds of obstacles a rider might face while in the saddle when a deer jumps out, the goal will be brush up on all of the above to ensure every student feels confident and prepared.
Upcoming September classes and opportunities for Academy students:
Save-the-Dates
Saturday, September 10th, 5:30 - 9 PM: Barn Owls
Treat yourself to a little Saturday night out, and drop off your equestrians at the barn for a few hours! Click here for more information: www.bellcanyonequestriancenter.com/barnowls. Spaces are limited, so sign up soon!
Sunday, October 2nd, 11 AM - 2 PM: Boo at the Barn
Kick off the Spooky Season with our second annual Halloween horse parade. We will be sending out a separate communication about this soon!
Classes
No classes on 9/3; no lessons 9/5 - Happy Labor Day!
9/10, 5:00 - 5:45 PM
Showmanship II
This class serves as a continuation of Showmanship I and covers halting, turning, backing, maneuvering, and working with the horse around obstacles. For those attending multiple classes this month, it is recommended to catch this one before attending the third class of the month.
9/17, 5:00 - 5:45 PM
Tack + Equipment Rerun: Saddle Up
This class covers parts of the saddle, how it’s built to fit the horse, related equipment such as girth types and different kinds of saddle pads, and when/why we use them. Tack cleaning basics and care for the saddle, stirrup, and girth will also be covered.
9/24, 5:00 - 5:45 PM
Showmanship "Show" Class
Must have attended Showmanship I-II or have earned required stamps to attend
Students will show off their skills and knowledge in this showmanship class, participating in friendly competition and a fun learning environment modeled like a mock show.
Opportunities
9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28
Wednesday Barn Rats with Grace
Come watch group lessons and hang out at the barn with friends and trainers from 4:30 - 6:00 PM - join in for extra grooming, tacking, or learning opportunities. Hang in the club house and meet other riders or help with jump crew in the arena at the end of lessons.
Trainers Train No signup needed! Ask Dakota and the team for weekly dates & times
Times vary. Sapling students are welcome to join this activity; a parent must accompany Sapling students at all times
Come watch our trainers train their own horses in a lesson with other professionals or as a group together and learn what they are currently working on with their own horses.
For classes and activities, sign up sheets will be on the board next to the Hitching Post (our clubhouse room).
Reminder: Proper Barn Attire
Please make sure to have your Equestrians wear their riding attire and bring their own helmets, paddock boots, etc. Ask your instructor if you need help deciding what to get! BCEC helmets will only be offered for new students for the first few lessons.
Reminder: Tuition Payments Go to Tara
Please remit payment directly to Tara in the Baymare Room. If the room is closed, there is a secure drop off slot for payments. Payments are DUE by your child’s first lesson of each month, so in order to make sure there is no disruption in your child’s schedule, please make sure to remit your payment on time! Please include your child’s name on the memo line. If you would like to set up automatic Square payments for tuition, please see Tara. Thank you!
Riding Academy Curriculum
We love to see all of our Equestrians bringing their journals to their lessons and taking their instructor’s written advice! If you still need a journal or a lanyard, please make sure you talk with your instructor about the Riding Academy binders and lanyards. Dakota will also continue to reach out to parents for our remaining conferences. Be on the lookout for texts from her to talk about your young rider and their goals and dreams!
Fall Lessons
We will be moving to more semi-private and group lessons over the semester. Talk with your instructor if you are interested.
Thank you for supporting the Bell Canyon Riding Academy and Equestrian Center Community during these busy fall days!
Happy riding,
The BCRA Team