Frequently Asked Questions:
-Where are you located?
Our school is located at Rogers Ranch, 916 E. Sorenson St. Mesa, AZ, 85203, near the intersection of McKellips Rd. and Horne. Mobile lessons and training are available to most East Valley cities for private horse owners who do not board at Rogers Ranch. MAP
The directions are:
From the North Loop 202:
Exit at Country Club and head south.
Turn left (east) on McKellips.
Turn left (north) at the light on Horne.
Turn right (east) on Sorenson.
916 is located on the north side of the road.
Enter on the FIRST dirt driveway on the west side of the property and park facing the horse trailers on the right.
From the East US 60:
Exit at Stapley and head north.
Turn left (west) on McKellips.
Turn right (north) at the light on Horne.
Turn right (east) on Sorenson.
916 is located on the north side of the road.
Enter on the FIRST dirt driveway on the west side of the property and park facing the horse trailers on the right.
-What disciplines do you teach?
Our areas of expertise include Hunter Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Equitation, Arabian/HA Sport Horse, Recreational Horsemanship and introductory Dressage. Although we focus primarily on Arabians and Half-arabians, our program is open to all breeds.
-What equipment will I need for lessons?
You will need a water bottle, jeans or breeches, boots with a heel and minimal tread, and an ASTM-SEI approved equestrian helmet. Bike helmets are prohibited. School helmets are provided although most students choose to purchase their own. See www.statelinetack.com for affordable schooling helmets.
-What are your hours?
We try our best to be flexible, so please call and we will find a time that works for you. Please realize that after school hours and Saturdays can be very busy, so spaces may be limited. We do have a lighted arena, so it is possible to schedule night lessons.
-Is there an age limit for students?
We teach students ages 5 through adult.
-Are lessons private or in a group?
In order to progress safely in a timely fashion, all new students will be placed in private lessons. When the student is confident and controlled enough, he or she may join a group with students of similar age and ability. Groups will be no larger than 4 students unless there is more than one instructor present. It is recommended that show students ride in group lessons to gain confidence, independence and skill in managing arena traffic.
-If I cancel a lesson, will I still be charged?
We request the consideration of a 24 hour notice if you must cancel your lesson. If you give less than 24 hours notice, we must charge half of the lesson cost, and if you give no notice you will be charged full price. We will do our best to reschedule a make up lesson when you cancel to avoid these charges. The phone number for cancellations and rescheduling is (480)343-6999.
-What if the weather is bad?
Unless you receive a call, your lesson will not be cancelled. We have the facilities to teach ground as well as mounted lessons, and we encourage students to understand that there is more to horsemanship than simply riding. Ground lessons will also occasionally be integrated into the lesson program even without foul weather if the instructor deems necessary, and cover everything from equine management skills to show grooming to basic veterinary care. It should also be noted that the first lesson for new students is always a ground lesson so that they learn to tack up as independently as possible and gain confidence around the horses.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash or check. You may pay by the lesson or prepay for a block of lessons, but please remember that if you are not up to date on payments we cannot schedule any more lessons until the balance is paid in full. Checks can be made payable to Kelli Metcalf.
-Can I join the show team?
Shamrock Horsemanship is for both recreational and competitive students. If you are interested in showing, talk to your instructor and she will help you decide if showing is for you. We compete at local schooling shows as well as A-rated shows. These include the East Valley Arabian Horse Association Mini Circuit Open* Shows, The Valley of the Sun Arabian Horse Association Open* Schooling Shows, The AZ Pinto Horse Association Open* Schooling Shows, The Flagstaff Beat the Heat Arabian Show, the Saguaro Classic Arabian Show, and others. Please see the Rates page for show fees.
*Open means that these are all-breed shows.
-What will I need if I want to show?
If you are showing hunter, you must have breeches, a show shirt, a hunt coat, a hair net, gloves and a velvet helmet or helmet cover. Field boots are highly recommended and required for rated shows.
If you are showing western, you will need show pants, a slinky and vest or a show shirt, belt, gloves, a western hat or velvet helmet cover, a hair net and western boots. Chaps are highly recommended and required for rated shows. You will also need a saddle blanket to match your ensemble.
If you are showing sport horse in hand, you must have khaki pants, a white polo shirt, boots, gloves and a whip.
If you are showing sport horse under saddle you may have the hunter attire listed above OR a dressage coat, white breeches, show shirt, stock tie, velvet helmet, hair net, dressage boots and gloves. Do not purchase dressage attire unless you will be showing in dressage tack.
*Note: Although school tack is available for use, if you intend on competing regularly we recommend looking into purchasing your own show tack. See State Line Tack for information and affordable equipment and show clothing.
-Can I show a school horse?
School horses are available for students to show, but please keep in mind that you may not be able to compete at every show if you are using a school horse as everyone deserves to get a chance to get out in the ring when they are ready, and our horses can only do so much. If you are planning on competing frequently and at higher levels, we can help you find a horse to lease or purchase.
-I think I am ready to purchase a horse. Can you help me?
For an industry standard 10% commission, Shamrock Horsemanship can help you find the right horse to suit your needs.
-Can I use your trailer?
Our 2 horse, straight load, bumper hitch trailer is available for rent. Rates vary, so please call for more info. If we trailer your horse (or our horse that you are showing) to any local shows, the round trip fee is $30.
-I would like to place my horse in training with Shamrock Horsemanship. What does this entail?
Shamrock Horsemanship will customize a month by month training program to suit both you and your horse's needs. Whether you choose a package of training sessions together with riding lessons for you, or solely training sessions for your horse, we can help. Our training options cover everything from light schooling/exercise sessions with your equine companion to preparation for A class competition for your show horse in all of the disciplines listed above. Please call for more details on starting your horse on the road to success with Shamrock Horsemanship. Remember that mobile training is available for your horse at your facility if you are not a boarder at Rogers Ranch.
Links:
East Valley Arabian Horse Association
American Riding Instructors' Association
American Paint Horse Association
Certified Horsemanship Association
United States Equestrian Federation