We offer English riding lessons to adults and children at the beginner to low intermediate level. Beginner classes are taught in the basic centered riding style. Once the basics are mastered, we offer hunt seat, jumping and dressage classes. Riding outside the ring is offered as part of our lesson package after riding skills have been evaluated.

We primarily use our Norwegian Fjord horses for lessons. Although technically large ponies, they are substantial enough to carry almost any adult without difficulty. Fjords are a gentle and quiet breed of horse. They are well suited for lessons as they can carry a beginner child for a leadline lesson or jump a 2 1/2 foot course for an adult at the intermediate level.

Lessons are taught in small groups up to a maximum of 5 riders. Out typical group size is 3 riders and all group lessons last 1 hour. If a rider signs up for a group lesson and is the only rider attending the lesson that day, they receive a 30 minute private lesson. Private lessons are more intense than group lessons.  Group leadline classes for children age 6 and younger are available. We do not provide private leadline lessons.

Why group lessons? At the beginner and low intermediate level, learning is best achieved by watching others being instructed as well as by receiving instruction oneself. Also riding is a sport typically involving multiple horses and riders so that learning how to ride with others is an important aspect of horsemanship.

We do offer package prices which allow students to buy a series of lessons but not commit to a specific time period for taking the lessons. For example, the younger children in leadline may find a weekly lesson overwhelming but do better taking a lesson ever two or three weeks. The package plan also eliminates the need for make-up lessons. Our only requirement is that you use your package within 6 months of purchase.

Skill Level:

Leadline - (Generally for children ages 4 - 6) Parent or other adult must lead child. 30 minutes. Depending on the child’s progress, we will offer an “advanced leadline” which allows for some off-line work in the 30 minute format.

Beginner - For the basic beginner rider who can ride without being led. Learn to walk and trot. Children and adults. 60 minutes.

Beginner Plus - Builds on beginner skills, learn to canter. Children and adults. 60 minutes.

Advanced Beginner - Builds on beginner plus skills. Trot and canter as a group. Low jumps. Children and adults. 60 minutes.

Intermediate - Builds on advanced beginner skills. Ride inside and outside the ring. Jump complex courses. Children and adults. 60 minutes.

Lunge Line - a private lesson where the rider works with an instructor who works with the horse and rider on a lunge line; student must be enrolled in group lessons. 30 minutes.

Private lessons - Private lessons are designed to meet the specific goals and needs of the rider; student must be enrolled in group lessons. Child or adult, 30 minutes.  We only offer a very limited number of private lessons.

Lesson Prices

Leadline:

Single Lesson           Discount Package

$25 per lesson          4 lessons for $80

Beginner, Beginner Plus, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate:

Single Lesson            Discount Package

$30 per lesson           4 lessons for $100

Lunge Line and Private Lessons

30 minute lesson - $40