Frequently Asked Questions
Do you give trail rides?
No, unfortunately we do not have access to any trails nearby. If you’re looking for a place that can provide horses for guided trail rides let us know and we can make some recommendations for you!
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How do I sign up for a lesson or visit?
Send us an email, message us on Facebook or send us a text message and we’ll help you setup an appointment. Please only call as a last resort, we unfortunately are not always by the phone when we are out teaching or riding. If you do call please leave a voice mail or we will not return your call.
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When are lessons available?
Lessons are available Weekdays from 8am to 8pm and Saturdays typically from 8am – 3pm. Lessons are first come first serve so if you want specific days and times please book them in advance.
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Why aren’t you answering my calls?
If you don’t leave a message we will not call you back. Emailing, texting and messaging us works best. If you do call please leave a message, we will not pick up the phone during lessons or when we are with a client or otherwise preoccupied on the farm. Typically it takes us longer to respond to calls and voice mail than it does to messages and emails.
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Do you teach English or Western?
We teach all English disciplines, and specialise in Dressage, showjumping and Eventing.
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What should I wear to my lesson?
Something you don’t mind getting dirty in. A mid-, quarter- or long-sleeved t-shirt or polo shirt. Riding pants (yoga or any other type of stretchy pants are okay as long as they cover your leg all the way to your ankle and don't have any studs or buttons that could damage our saddles). Socks and narrow-toed shoes with a 1-inch heel or lower. No open-toed shoes or dresses. Your clothing shouldn’t be movement-restrictive but it shouldn’t be so large that it makes it hard to see the outline of your body which makes it hard to evaluate your position in the saddle properly. Wear a fitted jacket or vest with a hood or a sweater and a pair of gloves when it’s cold.
If you are getting into more regular lessons, we recommend that you invest in your own helmet, boots, jodhpurs, and chaps.
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Where can I get riding gear?
We have a few local equestrian stores that can help you find the right gear you need:
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Canterbury Saddlery Yaldhurst
Saddlery Warehouse
Canterbury Equestrian
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Let them know we sent you!
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Can I just stop by and visit?
No. Maris Equestrian is a private family farm and we do not have an open-door business. Visitors are by appointment only. Unexpected visitors will be turned away as It is not fair to our clients to interrupt their lesson or take time away from their instruction to talk with you. It is also a safety concern for persons who are unattended on the property as we are a working farm with other livestock.
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Is this is the right place for me to take lessons?
You won’t know until you schedule an appointment to come out and meet the instructor and horses. We welcome prospective visitors to come to meet us, see what the place is like and watch how other people and the animals are treated but you must have an appointment. If you can watch a lesson at various barns to see how the students and instructor interact with each other and how the horses behave when they’re being ridden. Are the students engaged and actively learning? Are they asked to reflect critically and does their instruction vary based on skill, comprehension and other personalized needs? Does the horse fit the rider’s abilities? Are students constantly falling off horses or getting hurt? Is the instructor asking them to do something beyond their skill level? Advancing students too quickly is a huge contributing factor to riders getting injured. Make your own decision and don’t be afraid to try out other places.
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How long until I can start jumping?
If you want to jump we start out with lots of ground poles and jumping position and lower leg exercises before moving on to cavalettis and small cross rails. Jumping depends on each person’s physical capabilities and learning styles and natural abilities. Typically it takes 6 months to a year for the average rider who takes lessons once a week to start the basics of jumping. Developing the muscle strength to properly hold yourself in the saddle without being thrown forwards or backwards isn’t an overnight learning process.
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Can I sign up for weekly or bi-weekly lessons?
Yes we can accommodate anyone, whether you want to ride once for fun or come out regularly. If you’re planning to come out on a regular basis we encourage you to purchase a pair of riding pants, chaps and boots. You may also be interested in purchasing a helmet however we have helmets available for you to use.
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