“The class is going to be run as a beginner introductory class, so regardless of if anyone has any riding experience everyone will be treated the same on a beginner level,” said McCall, the University of Alabama equestrian coach.
Students in McCall’s class will ride the same horses she uses with the equestrian team. The $600 course fee includes all necessary equipment and horse rental for the entire semester. Colleen Geary, a clinical instructor for the department of kinesiology and basic physical education coordinator, said the 15-week course is well worth the extra course fee.
“I hope the students take away from this class not only that [horseback riding] is a good way to stay physically active, but it’s a great way to learn about horses and get to ride for the first time,” Geary said.
Amy Phillips, a senior majoring in biology, has been riding horses on and off for the past 14 years. After joining the equestrian club last year and competing at a beginner level, she said she wanted to take McCall’s class to learn more about horses.
“I grew up around horses, but I never really had any formal training,” Phillips said. “I am taking this class because I want to learn the basics that I might have missed earlier in life. Horseback riding is a sport that absolutely builds on the basics, so they’re very important.”
Although the class will not compete in competitions, McCall plans to give her students mock competitions to test what they have learned over the semester. The midterm and final exam will be based on students’ overall knowledge of horses including horse care and proper form. McCall said she wants students to both learn to care for horses and also discover a love for ?horseback riding.
Phillips said even for students who have ridden before, the class offers a good opportunity to brush up on skills and get in ?valuable practice.
“I know how to ride, but the little things that you learn on the ground are so important in building a relationship with a horse,” she said.
