Bakersfield College’s horsemanship class teaches students how to ride and take care of horses. No horse, no equipment, no experience, no problem, the class instructors said. Everything necessary to handle, groom, and ride a horse is provided for the student, they said.
The class is taught by David Oakes who has been officially training horses for 12 years. “I enjoy seeing these kids get better, especially the ones that have never rode before,” said Oakes. “This course has been around for a little over 2 years. It emphasizes safety for horses and riders alike.”
Oakes teaches safety first then works from the ground up. “There is always an element of danger even if you watch everything that happens,” said Oakes.
A horse could step on, roll over, or buck a rider off, Oakes said. This class will teach the student how to handle such circumstances if they ever do occur.
Two separate classes are held on Fridays, one in the morning at 8 a.m. and one at noon. The class is popular and easy if the student pays attention to instructions, Oakes said. According to Oakes, there are 40 to 50 students enrolled in it.
“I rode horses when I was younger. My friend took this class last semester. It sounded fun, so I decided I would try it, too. It was a little scary at first, but I got the hang of it,” said Samantha Hulon, BC student. First-time rider Kenny Neira said, ” It was hard to pick up at first, but now that I learned the ropes, I like it.”
Oakes teaches his students how to catch, saddle, brush and take care of a horse. He also teaches his students the different riding styles, saddles, and disciplines.
“I’m a new horse owner, and I heard really good things about David Oakes, so I came out to learn how to ride and take care of my horse,” said BC student Karla Morris.
The class has 10 to 12 horses provided, so riders take turns with each other.
“It was wild when they first started, but it’s neat seeing the change from non-rider to rider,” Oakes said. “These kids are tested on equipment, safety, and ability. By the time this semester is over, these kids will be able to ride horses out on trails.”