Driving Lessons & Equine Safety

Children naturally love horses. Give them the gift of learning something that isn't on a computer, sitting in front of a TV or stuck in their ears.

DRIVING LESSONS & EQUINE SAFETY

for children with Napoleon & Penny

$20 pr hour. E-mail for details & directions

Equine Safety & Beginning Pony Driving Lessons for children ages 8-12. Parents are welcome to stay for lessons. Lessons will include Safety topics, common sense approach to horses both big & small, as well as tacking up and learning the basics of harnessing and driving a pony. Lessons are taught at my home between Bluntzer & Orange Grove. Multiple Child Discounts, $5 off each additional child in same group. Parents it is recommended you purchase safety helmets prior to attending class, we are not responsible for accidents. No open toed shoes. Maximum of 3 children pr lesson.

SINGLE CHILD LESSONS run 1 hour

MULTIPLE CHILD LESSONS will run about 60-90 minutes

Children misbehaving will be timed out and lesson fee forfeited.

VISIT NAPOLEON'S VIDEO ON YOUTUBE AT: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bepLwTG0lKQ

Napoleon wants you to have a fun & safe time around horses. Take a moment to read some basic safety & rules below. Napoleon also recommends donating time or money to Equine Rescue Groups listed below the Basic Safety .

WARNING: UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 87, CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE), AN EQUINE PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN EQUINE ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES.

BASIC SAFETY & RULES

Whether you are learning to handle your first horse, or just enjoy leaning over the fence watching, learning a few safety precautions will prevent accidents and injuries. The calmest horse or smallest pony has the potential to hurt someone if it is startled or scared. These recommendations may help you avoid kicks, trampled toes, bites, drags, or run-aways. If you are just starting out, you may feel a bit overwhelmed at all you need to remember. But quickly safety rules become habits, just like looking both ways before crossing the street.

Horses are NOT like dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are predators. Horses are considered PREY animals. As prey animals a horse's ability to react quickly and out-run a predator was key to their survival in the wild. This instinct remains strong in domestic horses.

You should never: Wind lead ropes, reins or lunge lines around your hands, arms or body

You should never: Stand directly behind your horse no matter how much you trust him or her. Why? A horse can kick you and seriously injure or kill you when he is scared or upset.

You should never: Put your hands on the wheels of a cart or buggy.

Horses are considered prey animals. When a horse is scared his primary means of protection are to KICK, STOMP, BITE or RUN to save himself.

You should never sneak up on a horse, this can spook him. Always begin speaking to him before approaching his personal space from at least 10 feet away so he knows you are coming near him.

Feed treats from buckets or tubs. Horses can very quickly become greedy and mistake fingers for carrots. If you must use your hands, use an open palm with fingers closed.

Wear sturdy shoes or boots with a heel that will protect your feet if your horse or pony steps on them. No sandals or thin shoes!