Lessons
We offer horseback riding lessons to anyone of any level or age (6+) at our small, quite, private farm. We do not go to competitions but enjoy working in the arena, fields, and trails. Our lessons are catered to your goals, and can get you started even if competing some day is your goal!
All students will be required to wear proper helmets and footwear (boots with a minimum 1 inch heel).
1 group lesson/week - $40/lesson ($160/month)
1 private lesson/week - $50/lesson ($200/month)
2 group lessons/week - $300/month
2 private lessons/week - $380/month
Lessons are 1 hour long and include grooming, tacking up, and riding, as well as general horsemanship. Students should expect about 20-30 minutes after their lesson to untack and cool out their horse. Once the rider (or parents) are comfortable tacking up on their own, the student may come 30 minutes before their lesson to get ready, and have one hour to ride.
All services are subject to HST, not included in the pricing above.
Each student will be guaranteed one make-up lesson per month, after that we cannot guarantee another time slot.
Lesson cancellation requires 12 hours notice to have a make-up.
It is important for students and friends/family at the stable follow basic safety standards:
No open-toed or steel-toed shoes (eg. sandals)
Do not feed the horses without asking
No dogs please, but if you must bring them with you please notify me and keep them on a leash at all times
No running in/around the barn
Anyone riding or working with any horses must sign a waiver
Some FAQs about our lesson program:
How long is the program/how much do I have to commit?
There is no specific length of time that you need to commit to riding, which is great if you just want to give it a try! The first lesson is paid separately and you can choose to continue after. Then lessons are paid for at the beginning of each month for one month (4-5 lessons) of riding. I’ll work with you to find a time slot that will work for both of us that you then commit to each week that month (see policy for make-up lessons above). You choose before each month whether you want to continue the following month, so you can ride for one month, three months, or forever! (Seriously, you could get hooked for life)
When do lessons start?
There is no specific start date, you start when you’re ready!
Do lessons run all year?
While many larger schooling barns are able to offer year-round lessons, we do not have an indoor arena so lessons will run until the end of October, possibly November if the weather cooperates. Lessons start up again in May. An indoor arena is on the wish list so hopefully some day we will be able to offer lessons year round!
What happens during a lesson?
Lessons are one hour long and include learning how to handle your horse, groom, and tack up. This takes roughly 20-30 minutes, and the remaining time is spent riding. New riders will spend time learning how to properly sit in the saddle, steer, and get a feel for a trot. As you progress, our lessons include cantering and jumping if that is something you are interested in. Once you/your child are comfortable grooming and tacking up on your own, you may show up 30 minutes early to your lesson to get your horse ready by yourself, then your hour lesson will be dedicated to riding time.
What do I need to bring for a lesson?
You/your child will need a helmet (bike or similar is fine to start but you will need a proper riding helmet if you choose to continue), as well as boots with a minimum 1 inch heel (most rain boots are fine, many people ride in their blundstones), and always long pants, never shorts.
Can I bring treats for the horses?
Absolutely! Horses love apples, carrots, and sugar cubes, as well as treats that can be purchased from Feeds n Needs, a Co-Op Country Store, or tack shop. However please always ask before feeding any horses as they may have dietary restrictions.
Can my friends/family come to watch?
They certainly can! However everyone must wear close-toed shoes (no sandals) to be around the horses.
What time do lessons run?
Currently I am running lessons Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, and I am able to be flexible to find a time that works for both of us.
Where can I park?
As this is my home, there is limited space in the driveway. There is room for 3 cars, but then please park on the road to avoid blocking any other students in.
