Answers to all your questions.
What is the Riding Simulator?
The Simulator is a 2019 RDA Dressage Model manufactured by Racewood Simulators in the UK! This is a highly technological piece of equipment that is fully interactive with sensors in its body that allows it to move and respond to a rider - just like a real horse! While the rider focuses on achieving a correct, balanced seat and accurately timed aids, the simulator gives in the moment feedback!
What level & age of rider is best suited for the simulator?
Ages 8 to 88 and ALL LEVELS from beginning to advanced riders can benefit from the simulator!!
The simulator can help beginning riders with simple fundamentals such as:
~ Walk
~ Trot (sitting or rising)
~ Canter (left or right lead, simple and flying lead changes)
~ Rein back
Advanced riders will benefit from being able to focus on their balance, seat and posture while performing:
~ Gaits within the Gait (ie. working and medium walk, trot and canter)
~ Flying Lead Changes
~ Leg Yield
~ Half Pass
~ Shoulder-In
~ Passage, Pirouette and Piaffe!
With several different teaching modes, the simulator allows riders to focus entirely on one component of their riding, ride full dressage tests, go for a quiet hack ... and even create a printout of your riding to take back to your instructor!
(Children under the age of 8 will require prior approval to ride. Please contact to discuss.)
The simulator can help beginning riders with simple fundamentals such as:
~ Walk
~ Trot (sitting or rising)
~ Canter (left or right lead, simple and flying lead changes)
~ Rein back
Advanced riders will benefit from being able to focus on their balance, seat and posture while performing:
~ Gaits within the Gait (ie. working and medium walk, trot and canter)
~ Flying Lead Changes
~ Leg Yield
~ Half Pass
~ Shoulder-In
~ Passage, Pirouette and Piaffe!
With several different teaching modes, the simulator allows riders to focus entirely on one component of their riding, ride full dressage tests, go for a quiet hack ... and even create a printout of your riding to take back to your instructor!
(Children under the age of 8 will require prior approval to ride. Please contact to discuss.)
What are the benefits of using the simulator vs. a real horse?
Because equestrian sport depends on a living, breathing animal ... it is nearly impossible for a rider to focus exclusively on themselves! The beauty of the simulator is that he never gets tired and his gaits and movements are not only realistic, but consistent in their rhythm and tempo. This allows riders to take as much time as they need practicing a particular skill or task until they achieve an increased level of ability!
Can a rider with mobility issues use the Simulator?
Riders must have the strength and flexibility to safely mount the simulator and be able to sit upright in the saddle while the horse moves in life-like gaits. We provide an appropriate sized mounting block and riders are encouraged to take their time getting into the saddle. Riders who are recovering from surgery, illness or injury are encouraged to obtain clearance for riding the simulator from their doctors and physiotherapist. Full disclosure of any and all medical conditions is required when filling out our Medical Form & Waiver prior to a scheduled session (forms will be emailed at time of booking).
can a Rider with Cognative Limitations use the Simulator?
The short answer is yes .. but it is important to note that for safety reasons, all riders must be able to understand and follow simple directions when using the simulator. If you are unsure whether the simulator is suitable for a particular rider, please contact us to discuss the specifics of your individual situation.
Can the simulator help with a fearful or unconfident rider?
Absolutely!!! The Simulator is steady and consistent in his gaits and will never spook! Shannon has spent years helping riders overcome fear and regain confidence in the saddle with live horses. But the simulator takes that one step further by creating a quiet, supportive environment for riders to take the time to reestablish their confidence!
Do i need to bring my own instructor?
No. Shannon South operates the Simulator and will guide you through your session.
Can I bring a Guest to my session?
Yes. One (1) guest is welcome to attend with each paid session (no children under the age of 12 can attend as guests without prior permission). All guests must be respectful of the student's learning and the instructor's time and attention. We ask that all guests sit quietly and save questions until the end of the session.
Do i need to bring a saddle?
No. The Simulator has its own saddles that must be used by all riders.
Does the simulator use an english or western saddle?
Currently we only have the English saddle available for use on the Simulator! This saddle is a general purpose dressage that does not have a deep seat or knee blocks and both English & Western riders find it very comfortable. We are busy sourcing a Western Dressage saddle that will work with the sensors on the Simulator and will make it available as soon as possible.
can i bring food or drink to my simulator session?
We permit beverages in closed bottles or cups but they must be kept in the seating area of the Simulator room and not near the Simulator itself. We kindly request that food be left in your vehicle and enjoyed before or after your session!
how long is a session?
Each session is booked for an hour - approximately 45-50 minutes will be spent on the Simulator. Please arrive on time for your session as there may be a session booked immediately after you!
How do i book a session?
Click on the button on the main page to use our online booking system!
what if i am needing an appointment time that isn't available on the booking calendar?
If you need an evening or weekend appointment and you aren't finding a day and time that works for you, please email me and we can arrange something that works for you!
Do you accept bookings for groups?
Yes!!! Please click on the "Packages" tab and scroll down for the information on booking your group!
what if i need to cancel my session?
Minimum 48 hours notice is required for all changes or cancellations of booked sessions and can be done through the booking feature on our website or by email or phone. Failure to do so will result in a $50 cancellation charge AND all future sessions will require a deposit at the time of booking. NOTE: during Covid19 restrictions, no cancellation charge will be issued to anyone who needs to cancel because they feel unwell or have been in contact with a confirmed covid patient.
what if i am unable to attend my session due to weather?
We understand that Mother Nature does not always cooperate! However, weather will only be considered reason for last minute cancellation from November 1st - April 30th. Sessions impacted by weather will be immediately rescheduled to a mutually appropriate date.
what do i wear to my session?
The Simulator lives in a temperature controlled room that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow you to ride without restriction. Boots with a heel are required!! Clothing & Boots must be clean and dry - so bringing appropriate footwear to change into prior to riding the Simulator is important. Helmets are not required, but please feel free to wear one if you prefer.
what forms will i need to fill out prior to my session?
Standard industry forms including a Liability Waiver and Medical Questionnaire will be provided to you to be filled out prior to your session. Please NOTE: all information is kept confidential and is solely for the purpose of ensuring your safety while riding the Simulator. Your information will never be shared with any other person, business or entity. Forms are only required prior to the first ride on the Simulator and will be kept on file for future sessions.
what is the cost of a session?
The 2019 rate for a single session is $85.00 + HST.
what methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, e-transfer, debit and credit card. Payment must be made at time of session.
can i take photographs or video recordings of my session?
Please ask for permission at the start of your session. Stills or video footage are for personal use only.
why is the simulator's name "marmite"?
Marmite is a sticky, dark brown spread that is made from yeast extract that has a distinctive, powerful flavour, which is extremely salty. The distinctive taste is represented in the marketing slogan: "Love it or hate it." Marmite is prominent in British culture and is a popular name for black or dark brown horses residing in Britain! The name "Marmite" is a tribute to the simulator's British roots and Shannon's keen interest and passion for the British culture! But his nickname has quickly become "Mighty"!!
IS THERE A WEIGHT LIMIT FOR THE SIMULATOR?
Yes ... the weight limit for the hydraulics and mechanics of the machine is 225 lb.
