How long are lessons?

Lessons are scheduled for one hour, however it is common with beginner riders for lessons to run a little bit long as they grasp new concepts. It is best to plan to be at the barn for around an hour and a half. 

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How long does it take learn to ride?

Riding lessons are designed to be taken on a ongoing basis, similar to piano or other sports (gymnastics, dance, etc.) over the course of many years. Even advanced riders continue to participate in lessons because every rider has room to continue growth and development of their knowledge and abilities. Continuing in lessons once mastering the basics is important because more competent riders are clearer in their cues and easier for horses to carry. This leads to overall happier and healthier horses.  

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What is the minimum age requirement to begin lessons?

The minimum age requirement to begin lessons with us is three years old. 

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Do you work with adults?

Yes! We have a robust group of adult students of all levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors. 

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Do I need to have my own horse to start riding lessons?

No, we have several safe and experienced school horses available for riders of all levels to use during their lessons. You can even meet them here!

 

 What do I/my child need to wear to riding lessons?

All riders must be properly dressed in barn attire; including an ATSM/SEI helmet, closed-toed shoes with a two inch heel, and long pants. We do have school helmets that students that do not yet have one are welcome to loan for their lesson. Gloves are recommended.

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Are shows required?

No, participating in the show team is not required. We have many students who just ride for fun! There are many benefits outside of competition that students enjoy including exercise, confidence building, and relaxation. 

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How many students are in a lesson?

Lessons are semi-private, so we have two regularly scheduled students in each lesson. On occasion, there will be a third student in a lesson. This is so a student that has a makeup may join another lesson of a similar level to complete their makeup. 

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How will I know how to describe my/my child's riding abilities so they are placed in a lesson group appropriate to their level?

Please use our handy "levels system" to let us know how much riding experience you or your child have!

Beginner 1 – No experience or only experienced with trail rides/one time rides

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Beginner 2 – Walk and sitting trot, reverse & circle without slowing at walk and trot, halt, hold two-point jumping position at walk and trot, trotting poles, BREA Tadpole Level

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Beginner 3 – Posting trot, trot crossrails, knows learning posting diagonals, knows figure 8's and serpentines, BREA Tadpole Level

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Advanced Beginner 1 – Walk, trot (posting and sitting), and canter, knows canter leads, can circle at canter, jumping courses at 12″-18″, introduction to riding on the cross country course, introduction to riding on the contact, BREA Intro Level, students at this level and above can groom and tack independently

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Advanced Beginner 2 – Walk, trot, and canter in a group in the arena and on the cross country course, simple lead change, canter courses between 18"-2' in the arena and on the cross country course, developing the ability to ride on the contact at trot and canter, introduction to lateral movement and lengthening gaits, BREA Green Level

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Intermediate 1 – Walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop/gallop in a group in the arena and on the cross country course, canter courses of 2'3" in the arena and on the cross country course, solidifying the ability to ride on the contact at trot and canter, developing ability to ask for lateral movement and lengthening gaits, BREA Advanced Green Level

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Intermediate 2 – Walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop/gallop in a group in the arena and on the cross country course, jump courses between 2'3" and 2'6" in the arena and on the cross country course, can ride on the contact at trot and canter, can ask for leg yield, shoulder fore, shoulder in, rein back, and counter canter, BREA Beginner Novice Level

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Advanced 1 – Jump 2’ 7″ courses in arena and on cross country, regular leg to hand contact in dressage, knows and can execute: shoulder fore, shoulder-in, shorten/lengthen strides at trot and canter, leg yield, rein back, counter canter with bend, flying lead change on an educated horse. BREA/USEA Beginner Novice Level

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Advanced 2 – Jump 3’ courses in arena and out on cross country, regular leg to hand contact in dressage, developing haunches in/out and half pass, BREA/USEA Novice Level Eventing

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Advanced 3 – Jump 3′ 3" courses, can execute consistent leg to hand contact, Training Level eventing, First/Second level dressage

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Do you offer trail rides, one time rides, or birthday parties?

No, at this time we do not offer trail rides, one time rides, or birthday parties.

 

Can I just stop by to see and pet/feed the horses?

No, with the exception of current boarders, all visitations are by appointment only. For those interested in services, such as riding lessons or boarding, we do offer tours of our facility and lesson observations. If you are interested in scheduling a tour to view our facility and meet the instructor please 

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For more information, please check out our policies page.  

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