Frequently Asked Questions

There are 3 key values we hold to our rider's apparel here at OCRA.

First is safety. Second is class. Third is comfort. This means riders are expected to wear full length bottoms to prevent chafing or scraping.  A belt is recommended but not required. Tops must cover the stomach and chest completely. With the exception of cold or cool weather, large hoodies or oversized sweaters are not recommended for riding lessons- As this prevents trainers from being able to see the lines of the body. We pride ourselves in encouraging our riders to dress with pride and poise without sacrificing comfort!

Standard hunt seat riding apparel consists of breeches, riding boots, and a helmet. If you are not ready to invest, jeans and a sturdy, heeled boot will suffice. All riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet. Other types of helmets (e.g., bicycle) are not permitted. Riders are welcome to borrow our helmets at the barn. Long hair must be pulled back into a low ponytail. 

Tank tops and open-toed shoes of any kind are strictly prohibited. 
 

We love welcoming new students and beginner riders! For your first lesson, we recommend arriving about 30 minutes in advance so we can get to know each other, go over the rules of the barn and teach you how to tack up one of our fantastic school horses for your lesson. Please be sure to bring:

1. Proper riding attire.

2. Completed release form.

3. Lesson payment. 

We also recommend bringing water and sunscreen, especially in the warmer months. We have a refrigerator in the common area to keep your beverages cold in the summer heat. 
 

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We schedule our lessons through a booking system designed for riding schools like ours.  Reach out to us for more information or schedule your lesson via our user-friendly booking system!

For new riders, shows, and events we currently accept cash, checks, and Venmo. Please write all checks payable to On Course Riding Academy. We do not accept credit cards outside of our booking system. 

All riders must be at least five (5) years old.

OCRA punctually attends horse shows all over the state, and even out of state. We offer the opportunity for our students to come to NIHJA (Northern Illinois Hunter Jumper Association) shows with our school horses from February to September. Our IEA Show Team is also a fantastic option for riders of all levels in grades 4-12. We also host several schooling shows throughout each year, where our riders are invited to compete in a less formal, low-stakes setting. 

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Showing is the best outlet for riders who are looking to ride competitively. Like any competition in most other sports, the show ring is where you can showcase your personal progress as a rider AND your horse's progress. Although showing can be hard, we strive to teach our riders that showing is extremely educational and show days with OCRA are flooded with knowledge. We show in the name of self-improvement, comradery, good sportsmanship, confidence and FUN!

Shows are held during the school year starting in September, with postseason shows in March through May for those who qualify.

Just like any other sport, horseback riding does come with its risks. However, the odds of a dangerous incident are very low. Safety is our top priority, so we strictly implement all horse handling best practices. We have some of the most trustworthy schoolmaster horses who have taken care of our riders––from young children to older adults––for many years. On the other hand, riding has so many excellent benefits:

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- Exercise for the body and mind

- Increased confidence

- Community and socialization

- Horsemanship, responsibility, and care