farrel mcwhirter riding club brochure

www.redmond.gov

riding school

The essential joy of being with

horses is that it brings us in contact

with the rare elements of grace,

beauty, spirit and freedom.

- Sharon Ralls Lemon

1

Farrel-McWhirter Riding SchoolThe Equestrian Programs at Farrel-McWhirter have adopted a new format and developed a New Riding School. Our goal at the Farrel-McWhirter Riding School is to better serve the long-term equestrian needs of the community. Benefits include smaller class sizes that will provide more one on one instruction, more evenly skilled groups, enabling staff and riders alike to be focused on achieving goals and benchmarks.

The Farrel-McWhirter Riding School strives to develop the confident, assertive and sensitive rider. We believe that the rider of any age, ability or discipline can achieve successful horsemanship in a relaxed and supportive environment. We teach riders how to communicate effectively and develop a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. Our riders learn confidence, responsibility and independence through quality instruction.

The curriculum at Farrel-McWhirter Riding School has been developed to help each and every rider achieve their riding goals and master skills at their own pace. We are a multi-disciplined facility and offer English, Western, and Dressage instruction for ages 2 thru adult.

Our riding instructors are all very skilled and experienced and many of them have competed and trained in numerous disciplines such as reining, dressage, hunt seat, jumping, western pleasure, equitation, rodeo, collegiate equestrian teams, showmanship and driving to name a few.

Our horses and ponies are specifically chosen for their high level of training or trainability, well rounded skills and personable disposition. We have a wide range of equine sizes and skills to accommodate the smallest rider to an average size adult.

Our goal is to provide a valuable experience for the City of Redmond community that enhances their quality of life and to allow as many horse lovers to experience the wonderful world of horses at an affordable price.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing this beautiful facility and our fabulous four-legged friends!

Farrel McWhirter Riding School Staff

welcome

2welcome

3 CLASSES • AgES 2-5yrS

Ages 2-5 CLASSESPRESCHOOL PONY PALDo you have a young child who is already begging for a pony? Well, here is the perfect opportunity to foster interest in horses and build confidence without leasing or buying a pony. Register for this program and you and your child receive training from our riding program staff. Each program is two forty-five minute sessions teaching the basics of safety, grooming, saddling and riding. The class format provides your child ample opportunity to learn the basics, enjoy quality riding time and get to know and care for their new pony pal.

MY LittLE PONYThis class is the perfect one hour workshop introduction for your preschool age child to determine if they are ready for our regular riding programs. This class teaches basic safety, grooming and riding techniques with his/her parent. Half the class time is spent in the barn and pony yard while the other half is out riding on the trails.

4CLASSES • AgES 4-7yrS

CLASSES Ages 4-7

BEGiNNiNG PONY WORKSHOPThis class teaches the young, first-time rider basic safety, grooming, and riding techniques. The only difference between this class and the Parent/Child Pony Workshop is parental attendance is not required. Some pony classes depend on volunteer assistance. In the event we are short handed, parents may be asked to lead ponies.

PARENt/CHiLD PONY WORKSHOPThis class teaches the young, first-time rider basic safety, grooming and riding techniques with his/her parent. Designed to prepare students for Just Horsin’ Around I Western and English classes. The only difference between this class and the Beginning Pony Workshop is that this class is a parent/child class. One child per adult please.


Ages 4-7 CLASSES Just Horsin’ Around Series

RiDiNG LEvEL ASSESSMENtThis one time class is intended for new students who have previous riding experience elsewhere or are returning students who are not sure which class to take. Students are asked to demonstrate their skill level in order to accurately place them in our new riding school programs.

iNtRODuCtiONThis class is for the new young rider. Students learn safety around horses and the basics of grooming and saddling. During the mounted portion of lessons, students practice correct riding posture and reining technique. The goal of this class is developing good basic skills so riders can progress with confidence. This course is designed to be on-going, and may be repeated until students are confident in their basic skills and are approved by the instructor to proceed to Buckaroo level.

BuCKAROOThis beginner class is intended for riders with knowledge of basic safety and riding skills and granted instructor approval. Students gain a more detailed knowledge of their riding equipment and practice grooming and tacking up horses. Buckaroo level riders work on developing confident, correct steering at the walk and learn the basics of the sitting trot. The goal of this class is to retain correct riding technique while developing increased independence on and off the horse.

Skills the student must complete for this level:

• Know all brush names, their purpose and be able to groom horse unassisted• Mount and dismount without assistance• Maintain correct position at halt, walk and when turning• Walk and stop pony using correct verbal and hand cues• Perform a correct sitting trot with assistance• Accept constructive suggestions• Rein obstacle course correctly

BRONCThis intermediate class is intended for riders with a mastery of basic horsemanship skills and who are knowledgeable and confident in performing most ground tasks independently. Requires instructor approval. Bronc level riders build on correct reining techniques to work toward controlling the pony independently as well as correct riding at the trot and moving toward developing a posting trot. The goal of this class is to teach problem solving skills as students ride independently.

Skills the student must complete for this level: • Competent at all previous level requirements• Know all parts of the saddle and bridle and be able to saddle both English and

Western styles without assistance (excluding lifting saddle)• Ride off lead in the arena at the walk with confidence and proper rein aids

and position• Trot with assistance• Be able to acheive a 2-point seat

MuStANGThis advanced class is intended for riders who have mastered ground skills and are confident and capable of riding independently. Requires instructor approval. Mustang level riders work on navigating more complex arena exercises using and combining more sophisticated aids and developing the posting trot. The goal of this class is to apply and build upon skills in more challenging exercises and at the trot.

Skills the student must complete for this level:• Competent at all previous level requirements• Ride safely in a group (maintains proper distance, etc.)• Adjust stirrups without assistance• Ride off lead from start to finish including posting trot• Use combined aids (outside rein, inside leg)• Perform correct sitting trot without assistance• Perform correct posting trot on the lunge line


CLASSES Ages 4-7


Ages 8-12 CLASSES Junior Horse master Series

RiDiNG LEvEL ASSESSMENtThis one time class is intended for new students who have previous riding experience elsewhere or are returning students who are not sure which class to take. Students are asked to demonstrate their skill level in order to accurately place them in our new riding school programs.

iNtRODuCtiONThis class is for 8 to 12 year old students with little or no previous riding experience. Students learn basic horsemanship safety, handling, grooming and basic riding technique. The goal of this class is to prepare riders with a strong, correct foundation from which to advance into increased independence and more complex riding skills. This course is designed to be on-going and may be repeated until students acquire sufficient basic horsemanship skill to advance with instructor approval.

BARN APPRENtiCEThis class is an intermediate level for students with a solid understanding of the basic principles of horsemanship and who are still working to develop complete independence on and off the horse. Students practice tacking up their horses independently, work on riding independently at the walk and trot and develop the posting trot. The goal of this class is for students to develop the problem solving skills necessary to become confident and independent on and off the horse.

Skills the student must complete for this level:• Saddle English and Western unassisted• Ride safely in a group (maintains proper distance, passing, etc.)• Halter and lead a horse confidently and unassisted• Lead at the halt, walk and trot in arena with complete control• Post a trot with a consistent cadence (with some assistance)

BARN PROThis advanced class is designed to be an on-going class for students able to ride and handle horses independently. Students learn additional elements to care and keep horses, give their horse more complex aids in order to communicate more subtly and improve their technique in the posting trot. The goal of this class is to refine riding technique and apply the rider’s skills to more complex riding tasks.

Skills the student must complete for this level:• Competent at all previous level requirements• Adjust own stirrups• Ride off lead both inside and outside the arena• Use combined aids effectively• Trot unassisted using posting trot and/or sitting trot

JuNiOR HORSE MAStER tRAiL RiDEThis program is designed to reward those students who have completed Junior Horse Masters-Intro. Each participant works with their own assigned horse for the entire class. The trail ride through the forest at Farrel-McWhirter is a unique and invigorating experience. Sign up for any or all! Prerequisite: Junior Horse Master Introduction or previous riding experience.


CLASSES Ages 8-12

9 CLASSES • AgES 12+yrS

tEEN HOOFBEAtS- RiDE ON!This class is designed for the horse crazy teen or young adult. Come hang out and ride to your horse’s ‘hoof beats’. Receive professional instruction from our skilled instructors while getting exercise, relief from school stress and meet new friends including your new ‘horse buddy’.

FARREL-MCWHiRtER RiDiNG CLuBAre you 12 years and older, like horses and ponies and would like to learn more about them or enjoy sharing your knowledge and experience with others? If so, we’d love to have you in our club! The expert instructors provide extensive training so previous horse experience is not necessary. You earn free rides for your time spent helping with our programs. Members learn basic horsemanship along with teamwork and leadership skills. The club holds monthly meetings, elects officers and organizes equestrian and non-equestrian activities on a monthly basis. Riding Club annual membership (January - December) is $15, with yearly dues of $15 (includes a club t-shirt).

Ages 12+ CLASSES

offered Spring and SummervACAtiON CAMP 5-8 years oldNovice and Intermediate LevelsAttention, horse lovers!! In this pony camp students learn grooming, bridling and safety through classroom and riding time. Riding lessons are combined with fun daily activities such as crafts, trail riding and skills presentation for parents! English and Western riding techniques are taught. Bring a light snack and beverage each day.

JuNiOR HORSE MAStER CAMP 9-12 years oldNovice and Intermediate LevelsEach child will be assigned to one specific horse, which allows each rider to have more hands-on experience. In this four day camp, students will learn about grooming, bridling, and safety through classroom and riding time. Equestrian skill levels will be assessed to determine which level of training is required. English and Western riding techniques will be taught. Bring a light snack and beverage each day.

HOOFBEAtS tEEN CAMP 13+ years oldThis camp is designed for the beginner/intermediate level horseback rider. The camp focuses on building a strong relationship between horse and rider while teaching the fundamentals of horse care and horsemanship. Students are exposed to numerous riding disciplines including English (both huntseat and dressage) and Western (rail, trail and western games). Prerequisite: Junior Horse Master Apprentice level or current or past Riding Club member.

CLASSES • AgES 12+yrS 10camps

CAMPS

11 CLASSES • AduLtS

Adults CLASSESADuLt BEGiNNiNGHORSEMANSHiP WORKSHOPThis class is for the adult first time or ‘it’s been a long time’ rider. Learn basic safety, grooming, handling and riding skills. Designed as a two hour introduction to our other Adult Horsemanship programs, staff and horses. Choose either English or Western riding techniques. Come try it out and see if you want to venture into the wonderful world of horses! Participant’s weight and height are restricted up to 180 pounds and 6’0 tall.

ADuLt HORSEMANSHiP 101This class is designed specifically for the adult who always wanted a horse or just wants to get back into something they did in their youth. This program teaches the basics of all-around horsemanship including safety, grooming, handling, nutrition, health maintenance, English and Western tacking and riding techniques. Each student has their own horse. Come join the fun and learn how to care for, ride and simply enjoy the world of horses! Participant’s weight and height is restricted up to 180 pounds and 6’0 tall.

ADuLt iNtERMEDiAtE HORSEMANSHiP SERiESThis class is designed for the adult horse enthusiast who has completed our Basic Horsemanship 101 program or has recent equestrian experience. This program is ongoing. We build on your basic foundation of all-around horsemanship including safety, grooming, handling, nutrition, health maintenance, English and Western tacking and riding techniques. Each student has their own horse for 4 lessons per month. Come join the fun and further your basic knowledge of caring, riding and simply enjoying the world of horses! Participants weight and height is restricted up to 180 pounds and 6’0 tall.

12CLASSES • AduLtS

CLASSES Adults

ADuLt tRAiL RiDEThis program is designed for the recently experienced adult horsemen. The trail ride through the forest at Farrel-McWhirter is a unique and invigorating experience sure to be the best part of any day!

YOGA ON HORSEBACKWhat could be better then horses and yoga? Come discover the dynamic parallels between yoga and horseback riding. Work on building a better awareness of self and your new equine companion. We’ll explore the link between yoga and riding to improve not only your riding skills but also your overall well-being.

Through yoga poses and breathing techniques, learn how to improve balance and body alignment. Experience the union of body, mind, spirit and horse. Prior riding experience or our Adult Beginning Horsemanship Workshop or 101 class is required. Participant’s weight and height are restricted up to 180 pounds and 6’0 tall.

13 schooling shows

SCHOOLING SHOWS

other riding programs

We offer one or more Schooling shows during the spring and summer quarter as a benefit for our Riding Club and as a community building event for local horse owners. The shows are designed to promote continued teamwork between horse and rider and to prepare for the upcoming show season. We offer English, Western, over fences and some fun game classes.

CuStOMizED LESSONSThe Farrel-McWhirter Riding School is excited to offer customized lesson plans to meet your scheduling needs. Our customized program allows students to enjoy the benefits of horseback riding without the scheduling headache. You pick the day(s) or times and we will work to accommodate your request based on staff and horse availability. We offer safe, fun and quality instruction for beginning and intermediate riders, ages 2+. Lessons are taught by qualified instructors on our exceptional school horses or bring your own horse.

PARENt-CHiLD HORSEMANSHiP WORKSHOP A truly unique class that allows participants to spend quality time with their child and to mutually enjoy learning about the basics of horsemanship. Class meets twice for 2 hours. Small class size. Limit one child per adult. Ages 7+.

HOMESCHOOL HORSEMANSHiP SERiESDesigned specifically for the ‘horse crazy’ homeschool student ages 7-16 years, this program teaches the basics of all around horsemanship including; safety, grooming, handling, nutrition and health maintenance. English and Western tacking and riding techniques are taught. Each student has their own pony. Come join the fun and learn how to care for, ride and simply enjoy the world of horses!

14inStruCtorS

INSTRUCTORSAli HullAli grew up in Carnation, WA at Carnation Racing Stables, a thoroughbred race training center. From an early age, Ali had the “horse bug,” She enjoyed riding her Welsh/Arab pony “Sandy” through the fields and on the race track as a child. Still active in the race horse community today, Ali went on to train in a variety of riding disciplines. She competed in 4-H and Dressage as a youth, and rode for the University of Washington Equestrian team for Hunt seat and Stock seat Equitation Rail. In 2005, Ali went to the Intercollegiate Nation-als in Sunbury, Ohio and took 9th in Division 3 in the Nation for Hunt seat Equitation on the flat. Today, Ali is currently in Dressage training with her Thoroughbred Gelding, “AM Brief-ing”. She enjoys trail riding in the back country, teaching her wonderful students, and of course the occasional gallop on the race track!

Krista PreszlerKrista received her first pony at the age of 5, and this stubborn little pony helped open many doors to the horse world. Krista became a member of Pony Cub, 4H and FFA. She started sharpening her skills at breed shows showing POAs, Arabians and Quarter horses, both Western and English. Krista also enjoyed the high speed aspects of horse events, competing in high school, rodeo and professional rodeos. When finishing up her schooling to become a Chemical Dependency Counselor, Krista competed and won the title of Miss Rodeo Washington. She spent this time traveling around the county promoting the sport of rodeo. Krista enjoys giving people of all ages the opportunity to feel the excitement and freedom of riding a horse. She hopes to see you at the park!

15 inStruCtorS

INSTRUCTORSBarbara PodeszwikBarbara grew up riding in Europe under the instruction of Olympic level Dressage and Hunter trainers. Currently, she competes and holds numerous titles in “A” system and state level in various disciplines including hunter, western, show hack, and driving. She has helped teach many riders that now compete at the same level successfully. Barbara is a huge fan of the outdoors and spends most of the year at competitive rides or riding along the Pacific Crest trail.

Sara RichardsonSara Richardson recently moved to the Seattle area, relo-cating from Michigan. She has been active in the horse and 4-H community since childhood. Sara grew up competing in primarily Western Pleasure and showmanship, and now enjoys trail riding as well as a bit of reining. She was also an active 4-H leader while in Michigan where she enjoyed working with the 4-H kids to improve their riding and horsemanship skills in many disciplines. Sara is anxious to explore Washington’s beautiful scenery and trails on horseback and is very excited to be a part of Farrel McWhirter.

Linda Costa Linda has loved horses all her life and has been a happy horse owner for 12 years. She loves to trail ride with her daughter and friends as much as possible. She has been teaching rid-ing programs at Farrel McWhirter for 4 years. Linda helped create and improve programs for teens and adults at the farm. When teaching, Linda ensures that students learn and improve their skills while having fun in the relaxed, natural environment at Farrel McWhirter Park.

16general info

General InfoWhat to Wear• Pants covering the knees are

required.• Closed toed shoes or boots with a

heel are required.• An ASTM certified helmet must be

worn while riding; we have some available if you do not have one of your own.

• No skirts, shorts, skorts, Crocs or sandals may be worn while riding.

Rules• All riders’ weight and height is

restricted up to 180 pounds and 6’0 tall.

• In the event we are short handed, parents may be asked to lead ponies.

• Make-up rides for missed session are not offered (unless class is cancelled).

• No substitute riders are allowed once registered.

• No hand feeding of treats to horses.• No drop in rides or lessons; all

programs are by pre-registration only.

Arena Use• Animals must be under control at all

times; no loose horses in arena. • The arena must be shared by drop

in users unless reserved in advance. Redmond Parks Dept. programs have first priority for arena use.

• Dogs not allowed in arena or off leash anywhere in park.

Refunds/WithdrawalsMore than 7 days before start date = 90%Less than 7 days before start date = 50%Cancelled class = 100%

We may cancel a class or session based on severe weather conditions such as high winds, thunder and lightening, or heavy snow. If we cancel the class we will either offer a makeup class or issue a refund. We do not do makeup classes for any other reason.

Park InformationPamela McMahonProgram Coordinator & Facility Manager425-556-2309

17 pArk hiStoryhow to rEgiStEr

how to register

ONLiNEUse the Online form to obtain a PIN

and Client ID number, update or add to your family account info. Access will be

granted within one business day.

Visit Redmond Parks & Rec Online. Have your PIN, Client ID, and credit card handy and follow the directions.

PRINT a receipt -- there may be additional camp information.

*Some camps have specific registration processes,

please see class description for more info.

CALLVISA/MasterCard ONLY! $10 Minimum

Phone: 425-556-23008am-8pm, Mon-Fri

Fill out registration form before calling

Refund PolicyYour satisfaction in our programs is guaranteed. If you are not completely satisfied with any

class or program, you may request a refund in writing prior to the completion. Email requests may be sent to [email protected]. Withdraw seven or more days before start date and receive a 90% refund.

Withdraw less than seven days before start day and receive a 50% refund. Cancelled class = 100% refund.

iN PERSON8am-8pm, Mon-FriRecreation Office

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center

16600 NE 80th Street, Redmond, WA

MAiLFirst come, first served

Send form & payment by check or credit card to:

CITY OF REDMONDParks & Recreation Department

MS: ORSPKPO Box 97010

Redmond WA 98073

OR FAXVISA/MasterCard ONLY! $10 Minimum 24-hour convenience. Fax: 425-556-2303

Please print clearly

18pArk hiStory

park HISTORYThe Charles Hutcheson family, who journeyed from Tennessee, homesteaded the property in 1890. At the turn of the century the Peterson Sawmill, one of the largest in the area, was located here. Notched stumps still remain as evidence of the site’s logging history. Frances McEvers, granddaughter of Charles, lived on the farm as a young child and called this a “magical place”.

In the 1930’s, the McWhirter family of Seattle purchased the property for use as a summer home. Mrs. Elise McWhirter was an avid horsewoman who raised and trained her horses here. Visit the Museum to learn more about the history of this unique park.

In 1971 the City of Redmond learned that the late Elise Farrel-McWhirter had bequeathed the 68-acre parcel of land to the City for use as a park. Several years were spent improving the site, made possible by a Bond Issue and a grant from the State of Washington Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. METRO and the Cascade Orienteering Club were instrumental in developing the trails and amenities. Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park opened to the public in 1978 and remains open year-round for your enjoyment.

www.redmond.gov

riding school

DIRECTIONSMain Parking Lot:

From the intersection of SR520 and Redmond Way, go 1.25 miles. Turn

right on Novelty Hill Rd. Go .25 miles, turn left on NE Redmond Rd. Go .5

mile. Park entrance is on your left and is well marked.

Arena Parking Lot:From the intersection of SR520 and

Redmond Way, proceed north on Avondale Road for 1.5 miles. Turn right

on NE 116th Street. Go .5 mile. Turn right on 196th St. NE. Go .25 mile.

Park entrance is on your right.