Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please call the barn phone 813-920-9870. The horse will be tacked up and ready.. With the new covered arena, we can work in the rain and high heat without issue. Only severe weather and lightning postone being outside of the barn. We also have a lightning deflection system.

Many adults transition back to horses first by taking a driving lesson or two. Knowling how to drive a car, makes it an easy step to the carriage and provides the opportunity to refamiliarize themselves with the horses before getting back on again. Plus, it is relaxing and fun.

Most students ride once a week, that seems to maintain fairly good retention of skills. Especially, if the student stays physically active the other days of the week. Some students ride more frequently. Those riders that rode three or more times a week are typically those that own or lease a horse.

All monthly lessons, board, and training fees are due the first of each month. WCM manages every confidential customer account. The customer has several options for convenient payment. Clients may pay with cash or check, Venmo, or onsite card swipe/invoice, monthly recurring charges may be made through PayPal online (a PayPal account is not required).

We do not recommend purchasing a first horse for any beginner student. We recommend waiting until he/she is proficient walking, trotting, with some cantering. Novice riders lack the expertise to know what they really prefer in a horse. Once the basics are solidly established, then he/she can have preferences to which discipline, and what type horse will match him/her. We encourage having some advanced intermediate skills before considering a step up from the Academy level, and then we try to find a suitable lease option to grow the student for another year or so, until he/she is ready for the longer comittment and relationship of owning and caring for a horse. This is why we have many lesson horses with which to broaden the riders' skills as they learn the art of horsemanship. At some point, a saddle is recommended to increase proficiency, usually once the riders is cantering well.

No one has to show, it is a wonderful opportunity to compete at a comfortable level, i.e., locally, regionally, or nationally. For those that choose to compete on the show team, we also help with membership to USEF and the Varsity Letter program. We love to show and share the thrill of competition with our friends and clients, and everyone is always encouraged to come watch!

Guests and family members not in a lesson, can relax in one of the outside seating areas, use the free wireless internet, play tetherball out the backside of the barn, or sit ringside and watch the lessons. For the students, we are proud to offer opportunities to join a variety of youth organizations based on education, competition, and FUN - these include, our interscholastic WCM Riding Team, and the Florida Morgan Horse Association Tropical Trotters Youth Club, and the FL State High Point Program. There are meetings, events, and more - and students can do as much or as little as they would like.

The barn is closed Sundays. We schedule tours from Tuesday - Saturday throughout the year, unless we are away at a show. Give us a call or email and let is know when you want to come by and see what makes WCM a great place!

We are a full-service facility, that takes excellent care of our horses and students. The training program is unique to each horse and rider, but with the integral safety of both at the core. We are fully insured, the property is gated, with surveillance cameras, and WCM represents th highest standard in horsemanship. Horses are big animals and we stress education at every level. Other farms may promise the same quality of teaching, horses, and business management, but the only way to make the righ choice is to ask questions and get references.

If you are taking an evaluation lesson, or are not yet convinced of the student's committment to the sport, you can start the first lesson or two with more casual attire: long pants, and closed-toed shoes with a heel, and a certified riding/bike helmet, riding gloves, and a headband for long hair.. After the first month, we ask riders to purchase riding pants and riding boots, stirrup leathers and irons. JC Saddlery is our primary tack store in Tampa and the staff knows what we require for riding, you simply have to tell them you are with WCM. Do not shop online, as JC Saddlery will help you get exactly what you need. WCM sells the inexpensive riding riding gloves and custom headbands at the farm.

Call the farm or email one of the following for more information. Scheduling a tour and lessons: WCMScheduling@gmail.com. Questions about one of our horse camp programs: WCMHorseCamp@gmail.com. One of our helpful staff members will be able to answer any additional questions.