Academy Program
Students who wish to test their newly-acquired skills may choose to participate in Academy Classes at local horse shows. This is an entry level program supported by the saddle seat show circuit in most areas across the country. The key to this program is that you do not have to own a horse or in most cases even own your own equipment. The show attire is basic and all of this is intended to be an easy and affordable way to see if this is a sport and hobby that you want to pursue further. We describe this program under the Youth Riding Program in this website under the Lesson Horses page (Click on Aim for the Starts Phase 1 button). The important thing is this program is also available to you adults as well.
North Wind Stables’ staff provides a supportive introduction to the exciting world of showing horses at this beginning, entry level. All Academy riders compete within their own age and ability groups on lesson horses of any breed. In many areas there are annual High Point Awards you can work towards at a state, regional and national level. While you are not required to be a member of ASHA (American Saddlebred Horse Association) to participate in this program we encourage everyone to be members of a local ASHA charter club and the national organization. The charter clubs offer annual High Point awards to those riders that show locally and participate as much as they can. Get involved!
So if you have been bringing your kids to lessons for some time and you really have the itch as well to ride ask us about our discounted parent lesson fees. Start there with a goal of being on NWS's Academy Show Team. Whether it is a bucket list item or a life long dream do not wait any longer. Stop by and see us and audit our lesson program to see if it meets your needs!
Ask for references. Here is a testimonial from one of our families that has been in this program.
"My daughter has "ALWAYS" loved horses. It is just one of those unexplainable things. On weekends we would try a different stable or equestrian center searching for the perfect riding program that fit us. We didn't know exactly what we were searching for ....until one weekend we visited North Wind Stables and our journey ended. We became part of a "barn family" and it didn't matter what are ages were or what our riding skills were at the time. Over time we have found that we like associating with this great group of people, learning from the best trainers that teach all around horsemanship and my daughter and I are both happier for it." L.G.
Our 2014 Academy Show Schedule:
Children's Benefit Horse Show, Dream Park Gloucester County NJ, April 4-6, 2014
New York Breeders Horse Show, State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY May 15-18, 2014
Pink Ribbon Classic Charity Horse Show, Sun Beau Valley , Ravenna, OH, June 19-22, 2014
Syracuse International Horse Show, State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NJ June 25-28, 2014
CT Summer Classic (w/ NWS Kids Camp option), Big E, W. Springfield, MA July 31- Aug. 2nd, 2014
Quentin Fall Classic & MAFF Regional Academy Finals, Quentin Riding Club, Quentin, PA Sept 5-7
National Academy Championship, Miller Coliseum, Murfreesboro, TN Oct. 31- Nov.. 2nd, 2014
What does it cost? Other than your travel costs you have two main expenses to show horses; 1. First are your entry fees and stall shavings paid to the Show Office and 2. the charge by your Trainer that makes it all happen. Our Trainer All IN fees are significantly discounted for an entry level experience to compete at the above shows.
Our Academy All In Rate is $400 per show for local shows (NJ and PA) and $500 for regional shows in NY and MA. These fees include the rental of a lesson horse, Day Care charges, hauling the horses to and from the show, share of trainer expenses and coaching fees at the show. This year as a promotion the Pink Ribbon Show will be priced as a local show.
