has anyone taken this PE? I have had some riding lessons and am wondering if this class is a good one to take. Also how much are the extra fees and is there a recomended teacher to take it under or is there only one choice?

[Edited on March 15, 2006 at 6:51 PM. Reason : :]

3/15/2006 6:48:55 PM

i'm in that class now. i've ridden western my whole life so hunt seat was a little different, but as long as you're comfortable on a horse you'll be fine, especially since you've had lessons. but it might be boring if you've had lessons. we just did posting the diagonal, and some people still can't even get their horse to trot. basically everyone is at different levels. the extra fees are $290. there's two teachers, and from what school tool on here has said, they're both really good. i have lynn smith, and she's really nice.

3/15/2006 7:00:00 PM

what exactly do the extra fees cover? Is there any way that you can get them reduced by purchasing something on your own or are they fixed?
How advanced are you suposed to get? Are you going to learn how to actually jump or just ground stuff?

[Edited on March 15, 2006 at 8:22 PM. Reason : sp]

3/15/2006 8:21:16 PM

it's basically like taking lessons there, so the cost is for as if you were taking lessons. except it's cheaper than their normal prices. it's at macgregor stables, meets once a week and you have to get transportation out there. nah, i don't think you can get it reduced because there's not really anything you bring. they provide helmets and all tack, and the horses. you just need a pair of boots with a little bit of a heel. i'm not sure about how far we'll get. there's a second level riding class that i'm hopefully taking next semester that will probably be more advanced. i really doubt we'll get to jump, because seriously some people are just getting down trotting.

3/15/2006 8:59:42 PM

Okay, I've been riding for 14 years and signed up for this class. On the first day the instructor sat down and told me the class was beneath me. I dropped it. The first level all you do is groom the horse, learn about tack, and maybe get on a few times. The second level gets to ride a bit more, but nothing more than riding over polls. I honestly think this class will bore anyone with any experience riding. And the extra fees are $$. You'd be better off just taking lessons for awhile.

In response to the above, the teacher told me explicitly that they never do more than post over polls. No jumping.

[Edited on March 15, 2006 at 9:47 PM. Reason : edit]

3/15/2006 9:46:09 PM

nah man, the second class we were on them and at least walking. i've got riding experience, too, but i missed being around horses. it's boring sometimes, but i like riding. it's a good break from other classroom classes. i'm kinda wondering how many people will sign up for the second level. and no jumping?

ps, i <3

3/15/2006 10:28:07 PM

I took the second level during my first semester here. I'd been riding for hunter/jumper 12 years then and despite the class being "below me" I wanted to take it anyway.

I ended up having a lot of fun just because I could ride horses for a grade.

And we did jump for at least the last month of the class, along with flying lead changes, etc.

I'd recommend it.

3/15/2006 10:32:39 PM

i have riding experience and took the second level, which i thought was fun. you do end up doing a lot of the basics (we did some low jumps toward the end) but i just took it as an opportunity to work on my equitation, which i feel can always use work. and i doubt you can get the fee reduced because i think it just covers the use of the horses and one of macnair's instructors. also, you can take the second class without the first if you have a little riding experience (i.e. can walk/trot/canter without any trouble). i really liked that i got to ride during the day instead of at night which is when most of macnair's regular group lessons are held. if you like being around horses, you'll probably enjoy it no matter what and you'll get an A!

[Edited on March 16, 2006 at 8:37 AM. Reason : .]

3/16/2006 8:22:58 AM

ok I can't take this class or the second level this semester because of other classes. But what do you have to do to get into the second level class? Do you have to actually go out there and pass a riding test or something?
thanks for all of the info

3/16/2006 9:50:16 AM

She told me to jsut sign up for it and she'd sign me off, dunno?

3/16/2006 9:58:28 AM

Yeah, I just signed up and on the first day of class, told her what experience I had and it wasn't a problem.

3/16/2006 11:17:54 AM

thanks again all of you for the info.

3/16/2006 12:50:48 PM