Session and Scheduling FAQ

How and when do I schedule my child for a FTYR session?
Our season opens in April and runs until mid-November.  Scheduling for April begins on the 15th of March or the next ranch business day. Scheduling for subsequent months begins on the 15th of each current month. You need to call the ranch office to schedule with us at 925-413-1947.  We continue this pattern every month during our open season.  We do occasionally have cancellations and do not mind if you call each week to see if our schedule has any openings.

We also recommend that you check our website calendar for events and closure dates to assist you in your scheduling plans.

Who needs a completed release form to be on ranch grounds?
Everyone!  Because of the unpredictable nature of horses and ranch life, you and each person you bring is required to have our current release form on file or completed first thing on arrival.  Release forms must be renewed at the start of every year.  Anyone who does not have a current/complete release form cannot be allowed involvement in our activities and programs.

Do I need to stay on the property during my child’s session?
Yes. Though parents are free to rest at the small barn or stay in their car in the parking lot, we require that parents or guardians stay on the property during their child’s session.

Where do I go and where do I park when I come to the ranch?
The ranch property is back set off the main public road (Dagnino Road) the gravel road leading to the ranch is a right of way through another’s property.  Please follow the posted speed limit.  Be sure to keep your eyes open for children and animals. 

Will my child ride during his or her session?
There may be times when your child will not ride during his or her session.  According to the staff member’s discretion or the child’s wishes, they may take part in any number of alternate activities during their session including ranch chores, crafts, games, etc.

FTYR aims to offer mentorship, ranch-style activities, healthy friendships and horse rehabilitation involvement free of charge to the youth in our community.  Our riding lessons are a conduit towards these goals.  Although we aspire to help your child become a safer rider who understands and cares for horses, our main goal is not to produce “accomplished” riders.  If this is your hope, we would recommend scheduling your child for riding lessons at a traditional stable.

What should my child wear to sessions?
Our season opens in April and runs until mid-November.  The weather in North Livermore can be very different from that in town. We can be subject to windy conditions, and at times a ten degree shift in temperature.  We recommend paying close attention to the clothes your child wears to his or her session.  Layers are a great idea.

            Required Attire:

Remember:

Suggestions for HOT weather:

Suggestions for COLD weather:

How often can I expect my child to be scheduled at FTYR?
If there is availability in our schedule, it is our goal to start the month with every child scheduled twice.  In addition to this, if we have cancellations and/or low sign up rate, parents can check the schedule availability inbetween their children’s original sessions.

What happens if something comes up and we cannot make it to a session?
We would appreciate a call at least 3 days in advance to allow us enough time to give another child an opportunity to adjust their schedule for that appointment.  However, we understand unexpected schedule changes do occur last minute.  If this is the case, please call the ranch office as soon as possible.

Can I bring my children’s friends to the ranch to play and watch while my child rides?
Your children’s friends are welcome to the ranch.  However, you must bring a completed release form in their name to our offices before the child will be allowed to be involved in ANY activities at the ranch.  Remember that their legal guardian MUST be the one to complete the form.  Please call our office if you have any questions about the release forms.  We will be happy to assist you.

While the visiting child is here, please be considerate of the children that are currently taking part in a session by allowing the staff member’s attention and guidance to be focused only on the child they are working with.  As the adult bringing additional children, you are responsible for them during their visit.

Do you offer any additional meetings for families outside of your horsemanship program?
Yes!  We regularly hold Ranch Fellowship gatherings. If you would like more information on any of these upcoming events, please talk to one of our staff members and check out our calendar.

How can I learn more about the ranch?
If you would like to know a little bit more about the ranch and how we got started, feel free to sign yourself and/or your family up for a tour. You can schedule through the office by calling 925-413-1947.

Can I volunteer at the ranch?
Please see the volunteering at the ranch page or contact the ranch office by phone at 925-413-1947 or at info@ftyr.org if you are interested in being involved on a volunteer basis and we will set-up a time to meet with you and send you a volunteer application.