Riding lessons are available to adults and children at the beginner through intermediate level.  Children should be at least seven-years-old and express a desire to learn.  Special needs students will be considered on a case by case basis.

Lessons are currently available any day of the week.  Lessons are taught year round.  During inclement weather the instructor will teach indoors (tack room, etc.) if an area is available, and work on such things as first aid, heart rate/respiration, grooming, clipping, braiding, conformation , cleaning and identifying tack, etc., etc.  Students should always come ready to ride because you never know.  

Both English (Balanced Seat) and Western riding styles are taught.   English saddle balanced seat lessons are something of a hybrid between the dressage position and forward seat.  It is the seat favored by Sally Swift, although she says, “Any good seat is a balanced seat.”   Balanced seat is one in which the stirrups are left a hole or two longer for flatwork—walking, trotting and cantering.  The theory is that the longer stirrups on the flat will give a better, deeper seat and allow better influencing of the horse’s way of going, that is, the smoothness of his gaits and the way he uses his body to cover ground.  This style of riding allows the rider to transition into other disciplines should they so desire.  I stress quality of riding and equitation, so that whatever a rider has done in the past or chooses to do in the future, their skills will only be beneficial. 

Western style riding lessons are available, however it is highly suggested that all beginners start with English Balanced Seat riding to develop a correct seat and not just rely on the larger Western style saddle as a riding "crutch."  As you become a more advanced rider, Western riding can later transition into divisions such as barrel racing, reining, trail and others including working with cattle, like cutting or team penning.

All lessons are conducted in a safe, comprehensive and informative manner, individually tailored to the student, and given with patience.  All students begin with private lessons.  When learning to ride, it is extremely important that the rider have the undivided attention of the instructor.  A rider needs to develop confidence, physical strength and coordination.  Private lessons allow this to occur, and minimize risk.  Safety is paramount!  Various exercises, teaching/learning aids, and occasionally games are used to help enhance the student's understanding, balance and abilities.

Each new student will be required to take an evaluation/ground lesson.  In this first lesson, new beginner students will not ride.  The ground lesson is an important opportunity to observe the student's ability to listen, desire to learn and level of comfort working around the horse.  The first lesson will focus on learning proper ground safety and handling skills, and will typically consist of the student being taught how to halter, groom, tack, and properly lead the horse. 

The beginner's second lesson will recover material from the evaluation/ground lesson, include mounting and approximately 20-30 minutes of ride time.  All beginners are started on a lunge line for seat and aid awareness and development.  Each subsequent lesson will encompass previously covered information and build from there. 

At their first lesson, the more experienced students will be observed haltering, grooming and tacking; and will discuss safety issues.  If they meet or exceed the expectations of the instructor, they will then be asked to ride so the instructor can see their skills and weaknesses.  This will enable the instructor to develop a customized lesson plan for those taking private lessons or determine if a group lesson is available to them. 

Once students have safely achieved the necessary skills, students will be required to brush and tack up the horse properly on their own time and to get to class on time ready to ride.  The length of the riding time will depend on the student's ability to do so.  The student's ability to progress will be directly affected by effort they put into each lesson.

Lessons are taught on your personal horses at your home or the facility of your choice.  School horses are not presently available for students that do not have horses of their own.  

Click here to download this printable Liability Waiver (Adobe Acrobat PDF format) for lessons taught at your property.  

Dress Code

 Students are required to wear long pants, hard-soled heeled boots and an ASTM/SEI certified helmet with a permanently attached chinstrap when riding.  The student’s other apparel in class may vary.  Close­fitting clothing is helpful because it aids in determining the student’s position in the saddle.  When the weather is cold, layering will be important to help keep warm.  However, ill-fitting clothing makes it harder to determine what students are doing and creates potential safety hazards.

 If the student has long hair, please pull it back into a low ponytail style or braid, so it is not hanging in their face and does not interfere with proper helmet placement.   

 Whips and/or spurs are allowed only with instructor's permission and are generally not necessary.  Should they be needed the instructor will provide the necessary equipment.  

Students, who do not come to their lesson in appropriate required attire, will not be allowed to ride!

Paddock boots (pictured right), a low ankle style, are the most common type and most appropriate for learning to ride.  The boots may be zippered, lace up or pull on.  Most children find zippered boots to be easier to apply.

Requirements of Students

Scheduling, Payment & Cancellation Policy

Scheduling for all lessons will be made directly through your instructor.

It is highly suggested that children should ride at lease once a week for retention and continuity.  Otherwise, it is similar to riding the first time every time.  Young adults and adults tend not to fall into this category, therefore, modifications can be made if necessary.

Payment for your lesson is due before the lesson starts (in person or mailed).  If you miss a lesson, a make-up lesson may be scheduled.  EXAMPLE:  Susie gets the flu, or Tommy is going on Summer vacation with the family.  If your lesson is prepaid, any rescheduled lesson must be made up within 30 days or the lesson credit expires.  Make-up lessons are not guaranteed, but subject to availability.

If you will not be attending your lesson, it must be confirmed by email, or by phone 48 hours prior to your lesson time.  Considerations need to be made for the lesson horses regarding how often they are used weekly and availability of the instructor.  If you do not contact your instructor via email or phone it is assumed you have agreed to commit to the lesson for that week.

In inclement weather always assume that we will be riding/teaching, unless you have been contacted via email or phone by your instructor personally.

If you contact your instructor the day of the lesson, or there is a no show there will be a $25 fee and no make-up will be offered.  If you miss two lessons in a row at your regular scheduled slot, the lesson slot may be permanently forfeited unless prior arrangements have been made.

General Barn Rules

A Word About Safety

Students should always use their head, think carefully what they are doing, watch out for oneself and for others, take others into consideration.  Horses may seem gentle, and they usually are, but they also usually out weigh us by at least 1000 lbs., and do not know their own strength.  Always use caution and do not wait for the first accident to happen before realizing the importance of caution around horses. 

But remember, if you ride for long enough, you are going to have a fall, have your toes stepped on or probably both. Those things happen to everyone, eventually.  Falls don't have to be scary or dangerous.  When you ride, you are relying on your balance to keep you astride, as well as the balance of the horse under you, and that takes practice.   

Most of the time, a horse is a willing creature.  When we work quietly and calmly, using our heads, most horses are delighted to oblige us.  Then, we can learn to use our basic horsemanship both on the ground and under saddle to develop partnership, respect, trust, and communication between horse and rider.

Match Horse to Rider Ability - Throughout our riding careers our skills are constantly improving. Novice riders need to stick with calmer, more experienced horses until the necessary riding skills are achieved. If you wonder that you may be “over mounted,” you probably are. Consult with a riding instructor BEFORE purchasing a horse. She/he will help you find a horse that is matched to your current skill level.

Always Wear A Helmet - Always wear a properly fitted ASTM/SEI certified equestrian riding helmet. Equestrian helmets are different than bicycle helmets, as they are designed for impact to the back of the head, as opposed to front or side injuries which bicycle helmets are designed for. The majority of head injuries from horse riding accidents are to the back of the head.

Check Your Tack Regularly - Make it a habit to give your tack a thorough safety check every few weeks. Look for worn leather and fabric and rust and pay particular attention to fasteners, such as Chicago screws. This is also a good time to recheck that the bit is fitting properly. There should be no space between the bit and the corner of the mouth and no more than two creases in the corner of the mouth. Bit fit can change as leather expands and contracts over time.

Stirrup Safety - Wear a boot with a good heel to keep your foot from slipping through the stirrups. Not being able to get your foot free during a mishap is a terrifying experience and can result in the rider being dragged. As an additional precaution, you can prevent dragging accidents by using a safety stirrup, such as peacock stirrups, break away stirrups or Toe Stoppers. Toe Stoppers are a stirrup attachment that prevent the foot from slipping through that can be fitted to any stirrup style.