FAQs

What is the best age to start my child in riding lessons?

This depends upon the interest level of the child. Our horses are so gentle that pre-schoolers can learn to ride without fear. Don’t push your child, but if he/she is interested, NOW is the time to begin.

What’s so great about horses for kids?

Many parents tell me what an important role horses have played in their children’s lives. They give the child self-esteem and focus. Working with horses provides a healthy outlet for kids in today’s world. Horses can provide a stabilizing influence and help your child develop confidence, compassion and problem-solving skills, among others skills and traits that can be applied to other areas of everyday life!

How much progress can I expect to see?

In the first ten lessons, a student age seven or over generally learns to post the trot. Within the next 10 lessons, an adult or older child generally learns to ride the canter. However, every rider’s progress is different. Riders possess differing levels of confidence, coordination, ability to follow instructions, strength, flexibility, sensitivity, perseverance and may also have unique goals that will influence their rate of progress.

What equipment do I need?

Students will need:

Boots with high tops and heels. Paddock boots are good for the growing child.

Gloves. You don't need to buy expensive riding gloves - inexpensive knit gloves are fine.

Riding pants. It is important to wear close-fitting stretchy pants like jeans, breeches or knit leggings.

Riding helmet. We require all children to wear ASTM-approved equestrian helmets and strongly suggest adult riders wear a helmet as well. We have a limited number of helmets for use by our students but you may wish to buy your own.

My child wants us to buy her a horse. What do you think?

You should first enroll your child in lessons to see if he/she is really interested. Give it a year. By this time, your child will have ridden a variety of horses and developed skills. We also recommend leasing a horse before you buy one. This way you can further determine your child's levele of commitment and also look for a horse that matches his/her growing skill level.

Can my child learn about the responsibilities of horse ownership?

We teach basic horsemanship and horse care as a part of all lessons, but our Horse Camp is the best way to learn about horse care and the work associated with owning a horse.

Do you recommend private or group lessons?

Private lessons are essential for all new students to allow us to evaluate skill level and identify and address any gaps in prior training. When students can safely and confidently ride independently, they can enroll in semi-private or group lessons.

Do you give riding lessons to adults?

Adults represent about one-third of our students at any one time. Riding is an unbeatable stress-reliever and great exercise! We have private and group lesson times devoted to the needs and interests of adult riders - whether they are beginners learning to ride for the first time, former riders wanting to get back in the saddle, or experienced adult riders wanting to develop and advance their skills.

What do you do in the very first lesson?

We cover a lot in the first lesson. You will learn:

Catching: how to catch the horse, put on a halter and lead him into the barn.

Basic horse safety: how to approach the horse, how to halter and lead him.

Grooming and care: how to put the horse in cross ties and do some very basic grooming

Tack: you'll learn about different types of saddles and bridles, how to select the right saddle for the rider and how to tack the horse.

How to mount properly, adjust the stirrups and sit correctly in the saddle.

Generally the first lesson is confined to the walk in the indoor arena. We teach the rider how to follow the horse’s movement with his hands, seat and legs, how to use these three “aids” in rhythm with the horse to influence the horse, to regulate his speed, to turn him in straight lines and circles. Adult riders may also learn a few steps of the leg yield.