Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia
 
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Riding lessons teach the rider to have better balance and control. The rider's goal may be just to learn to ride for pleasure, or to go to shows, jump, do a dressage test. Riding is fun, teaches coordination and concentration, and is great exercise for healthy people of all ages.

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Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Kelly MacDonald is a Certified Coach 1 who teaches all of the English disciplines.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Our students ride for recreation and in competitions. They range from 6-68 years young.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

We teach riding skills in small groups, matched in age and ability. There is an excellent selection of well-trained horses and ponies and our staff will guide you from novice to advanced, with care and expertise.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Throughout the year, activities include scheduled practice rides, schooling shows, Christmas, March break, and summer camps, evening and all-day clinics.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Ask about our GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ALL OCCASIONS.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Students can follow a program to receive official Equine Canada rider levels after written and practical testing.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Weekly riding lessons are available for children ages 6 and up, and adults.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Groups for kids and teens are usually available after school and on Saturdays. Adult lessons are available on weekdays and Saturdays to accommodate most schedules including shift work.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Our lessons run year 'round.
Our many adult students enjoy the supportive, friendly environment.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

What to wear:
• All riders must wear a proper riding helmet. While we have some helmets in stock, it is recommended that regular riders purchase their own helmet after the first few lessons.
• Riders must bring and wear low-heeled footwear, with a defined heel- 1/2''- 1 1/2". A smooth sole is preferred.
• If the rider doesn't have breeches, we recommend that riders wear pants with some stretch i.e. leggings, sweat pants, yoga pants.
• Gloves are also recommended.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Beginners will learn to groom, tack, untack the horse and to ride at the walk and trot. The first three lessons will be learning in-stable skills. Riders will then be asked to come earlier to prepare the horse on their own. The instructor will meet the rider in the stable at the appointed lesson time and continue teaching from point reached. (i.e. if the rider groomed/saddled the horse, but cannot bridle, the instructor will continue from that point.)

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Once riders are skilled in getting the horse ready unaided, the entire lesson time is devoted to riding. At first all riding is taught privately on the longe line. (A longe line is a long rope by which the instructor controls the horse.) This is the safest way for novices to learn.

Creekside Equestrian Center Inc., Antigonish, Nova Scotia

After students have mastered their balance at the walk/trot, they learn to steer/control the horse and then will "graduate" to group lessons. Getting into the saddle quickly depends on how well students learn the in-stable skills. (Extra, free grooming/tacking lessons are offered on Saturdays to boost students along with in-stable skills).