We offer Boy Scouts, along with all our clients a safe, fun, hands on educational experience. Our facility is open year round with a few options of activities, including merit badge achievement.
Per our most current resources, the current 2017 Scout Horsemanship Merit badge has the following requirements:
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All of the above SFS can easily provide for up to 27 participants, but we will need good communication, coordination and organization to achieve.
In order to safely and comprehensively perform the above requirements, a minimum of 2 sessions (1 1/2 hour each) will be needed, with a assessment at session 2 to determine if more sessions will be needed to fulfill all the requirements. The class size is usually 4-9 participants, youth and adult. If a larger group is needed, the riding portion is divided - 9 riders maximum in each group. In each session, everyone learns hands on how to groom, saddle up and lead their assigned horse/pony to the riding arena. Then, all learn how to handle, mount and ride safely along with building balance & coordination while maneuvering and communicating to his horse/pony. 1st regular session (1 1/2 hrs) will probably have 30- 40 minutes in the saddle. 2nd regular session should be a bit longer longer as long as the participants can be timely in their grooming, tacking and hands on preparation to riding. Lessons can continue to be scheduled to advance horsemanship as desired.
Another option is scheduling double session/s (3 hour blocks) on weekends or weekdays where available for 2-3 sessions (as long as I have a minimum of 4 participants) The current requirements are much less difficult and involved than previous years merit badges completed, (which took several 1 hour lessons) but is still quite a bit of skills to learn and information to absorb. I would be willing to try to accommodate in fewer sessions, which would be less costly as well, as long as safety and education are not compromised. If individuals are needing more lessons, we can plan accordingly to allow all to achieve the merit badge.
Our facility has a lighted outdoor riding arena, indoor riding arena, bridle paths, wooded trails (only available for intermediate and advanced riders), 2 bathrooms, wash area, 2 water coolers, seating and picnic area, and several well trained horses and ponies. The observation room is available to family and friends of participants to watch while riding indoors. Otherwise the outdoor grassy hill picnic area next to the outdoor arena is available for use.
All riders are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet, although adults can decline. Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. We have many helmets of every size available to use or they may bring their own helmet, bike helmets are okay. For those using our SFS helmets, a surgical cap will be provided to be worn under the helmet as a protective barrier. Participants need to wear long pants, dress for the weather and preferably have on footwear with a 1/2 flat heel. We also have lots of different size boots to borrow for those in need.
Please bring to the first lesson the filled out Lesson Agreement, Indemnity form and Emergency form from the SFS website.
Also, Please be sure if your Association has a separate form, be sure they receive their own required horse activity form filled out.
Price is $45 per rider for each 1 1/2 hour session.
Payment is made by check or cash at each session or in advance and can be dropped off in the black payment box outside the parlor near the bathroom in the main barn isle. If paying by cash please deposit in cash envelope provided next to the payment box with riders name on it and the date before dropping in black box. We have the ability to accept credit card payments, however there is a slightly higher fee due to the interest I am charged (for example- a $45 lesson is $48)
Sessions will need to be scheduled well in advance. A weekly lesson could work well, but with our busy schedule we may be limited on options. Some Monday and Thursdays at 4pm, Fridays at 530pm, and weekend sessions when available. The SFS calendar on the SFS website displays our schedule. Use the helpful key on the bottom of the page to better understand it. Changing to a "week" view is also helpful. The calendar is not interactive, but is a tool to use to help plan, request and schedule events. The calendar schedule is generally posted around the 15th of the month prior (around March 15th April will be posted) If a month is not posted, please feel free to make requests. Please email your request(s). Once we are in agreement, sessions will be posted on the SFS calendar.
Prior to the first Boy Scout session, you will need to schedule a tour with my husband Dean (262-210-7598) to familiarize yourself with our facilities, rules and policies before the participants arrive. You will be able to have all your questions answered then as well as important details and suggestions to help the event flow smoothly and be a great experience for all. He tours after 530pm weekdays and on the weekend when available, and often while I am teaching lessons. Please be sure to schedule tour well in advance to allow availability.
