Tara Equestrian

Lisa Sammartino has been riding, training, showing and coaching in the Okanagan for over 20 years. From a young age she began her career as an equestrian athlete, riding and training hunter ponies for Crossrail Farm. Since then she has been privy to some of the world’s best coaches, including Claudia Cojocar, Henk Glijn, Vicky Roycroft and George Morris. This education has finely developed her riding and coaching skills, which she devotes to all her clients.

In addition to this world-class equestrian education, Lisa has been privy to a great academic education as well. As a graduate of UBC’s Bachelor of Social Work program, Lisa declared her interest in the at risk youth in her community. She has now intertwined this into her coaching strategy, infusing self-esteem and personal growth exercises with the power of horses to produce the holistic well-being of her athletes.

Tara Equestrian is named in respect to the movie Gone With the Wind. In Gone With the Wind, the farm Tara is described as that from which Scarlett draws her strength: “you’re a part of it, and it’s a part of you”. Such strength is reflected in every rider. We draw our strength from our horses, our land and our families. Much like Tara, horses are our place to return when downtrodden. We soak up their power and their strength. Tara Equestrian is named to reflect the strength that horses provide and the magnetism that draws us to them.

Horseback riding is more than simply a sport or a hobby; it is a place of mind, a way of being from which we draw our strength.

Tara 3

Riding and Training

Lisa Sammartino has been riding and showing for 20 years throughout western North America. With her past and present horses, Lisa has captured ribbons across the province in the Hunter, Dressage and Equitation ring, including at ‘B’ and ‘A’ circuit shows.

In addition to a successful show career, Lisa has broke and trained ponies and horses, which were sold to various parts of North America, including Vancouver, Washington, Long Island and Florida. Many of these have gone on to have extremely successful show careers in very prestigious shows, including top prizes at the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit, Thunderbird Show Park and Spruce Meadows.

Riding:
$25 per schooling ride (time varies depending on horse)

Showing:
$10 per under saddle class
$15 per over fences class

Coaching

As a coach, Lisa specializes in beginner jumper, hunter and equitation riders. Her students have, and continue to perform successfully in local shows. From lead line learning and beginner juniors to the horse crazy adults among us, the only qualification you need to ride with Tara Equestrian is enthusiasm and a love for horses.

Beginner Riders (under the age of 8):
$25 for an hour lesson (includes learning about horse handling, grooming and tacking up) Pony and tack included.

Group Lessons:
$25 (time varies depending on number of riders in the lesson)

Private Lessons:
$35 for an hour lesson

Show Day Coaching:
$35 per day for coaching in Hunter/Jumper and Equitation classes.
Prices for regular clientele will differ.

*All riders are required to have an approved helmet and riding boots*

Leasing Ponies and Horses
A lease agreement for Crossrail Farm’s safe and beautiful ponies is available on request.

A lease agreement includes:

Use of pony or horse for one lesson per week. The lesson fee is not included in this arrangement. Lessons must be with one of the Crossrail Farm trainers (Lisa Sammartino or a visiting Coach).
Two additional practice rides per week.
Use of pony or horse for shows or clinics.
Use of tack owned by Crossrail Farm or Tara Equestrian, as well as the barn and riding ring.

Lease agreements are $100 per month. This price is based on the costs associated with keeping our ponies and horses sound, healthy and happy. All lease participants are required to have HCBC membership.

Clinics and Camps

“Fuzzy and Fresh” Spring Clinic:
March 27-28, 2010
This weekend is a strong way to start off Tara Equestrian riders for the 2010 season. It includes lessons on safety, horse care, tack and riding. This 2 day clinic is designed for riders with limited riding experience………………………………$75

Show Prep Seminar:
This day-long clinic will introduce riders to the different aspects of preparing for and participating in Horse Riding Competitions. One day sessions will be held for beginner riders and advanced riders. Lesson topics vary depending on level of rider. Beginner riders will learn about bathing, cleaning tack and show ring etiquette; advanced riders will learn about braiding, horse care and horse show expectations.

Beginner Riders………………….………………………………………………………$40
April 10, 2010
Advanced Riders………….……………………………………………………………..$50
April 11, 2010

Ladies Night
June 26, 2010
These “invite only” nights are intended for the women that ride with Tara Equestrian, as well as the very valuable “horseshow moms” (mothers of Tara Equestrian Athletes)…………………..………………………………….…....………$30

Athlete Development Camps
These sessions are intended to promote athletic training in Equestrian. These are available to advanced, competitive riders. Riding lessons, guest speakers, physical training and theory are included in the week. These are not traditional “Summer Riding Camps”; rather they are designed to provide professional training to enhance each rider’s physical and psychological abilities.
If using a Crossrail Farm leased pony……………………………………..….…..$850
If bringing own horse to board or need a pony……………..……………………$900

Pony Boot Camp
July 26-30, 2010
This summer camp is intended for younger riders. Participants will learn about horse care, riding and theory in a fun, hands-on environment. In addition to the equestrian topics taught by Lisa, guest speakers and field trips, there is a dedication to the emotional health of each athlete, specifically in the form of self-esteem building.
If using a Crossrail Farm leased pony……………………………………..….…..$300
If bringing own horse to board or need a pony………...…..……………………$350

Camps are available primarily to Tara Equestrian riders. However, other riders are welcome if they participate in a riding program with a coach. Please contact Lisa for more information on camps for athletes who are not currently riding with Tara Equestrian.