Common Questions
What Do I Need Before Starting Riding Lessons?
We do require a properly fitted SEI or ASTM Certified Helmet to be worn by minors at all times while riding or driving a horse. The certification seal and all straps must be intact and the helmet must be under 5 years old. WE DO HOWEVER, have certified helmets in varying sizes and styles available for use, so you do not need to purchase your own, but are certainly welcome to use your own if you have one.
We also require all riders to ride in a boot with a slight heel, such as riding boots or paddock boots, which we are not able to provide, so they must be purchased. Shoes similar to the paddock boot can be purchased from department stores at a much lower price, just make sure they have a heel and that the heel is no higher than an inch.
Riders may ride in any pants that do not cause them to slip on the saddle or have buttons or other decorations on the pockets that could possibly cause damage to the saddle. Wind pants are usually not the best choice to ride in. We strongly recommend that once you are in lessons regularly that you invest in a pair of schooling breeches, with full seat or just knee patches.
NOTE: Many of our current students have found paddock boots and riding pants, as well as a variety of other riding clothing at the Salvation Army and Goodwill in brand new condition, for only a fraction of their original prices! You may also find these items new or used, in our Swap Shop.
Would You Recommend Starting With Half Hour Lessons?
Yes, if a rider is fairly new to riding or hasn't ridden in a while, they should start with half hour lessons. They're going to probably want to stick with half hour lessons for the first few months because they will be using muscles that they are most likely not used to using and they're going to feel it.
If the rider is under the age of 5 years old, I highly recommend starting and sticking with the Little Rider Lessons (15 minutes). A half hour is a long time to keep the attention of and teach a "little rider". The Little Rider Lessons include balance excercises and games to entertain and help them develop proper riding skills they will need later, while keeping riding fun and keeping their interest.
When we start lessons up every spring, we only offer half hour lessons for about the first month, to allow horses and riders time to get back into shape.
Do You Teach Adult Riders?
Yes, we teach children and adults. We even have a "Leave your kids at home", Mothers Riding Lesson Group starting up this year!
Can I Take Riding Lessons On My Own Horse?
Yes! You can either have your horse shipped to the farm for a riding lesson or I can teach you on your own horse at your home if you are within 25 miles of me, but if I am traveling I must be scheduled for a minimum of 1 hour and I have a travel fee per mile.
Do I Have To Have A Horse To Take Riding Lessons?
Not unless you want to take riding lessons at your own home. If you take on farm riding lessons, we currently have 4 lesson horses here available for riding lessons.
Do You Teach English Or Western?
English- Hunt Seat, Combined Training, and some Dressage, but we also do some Western games (Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, ECT,)
How Often Do Students Usually Take Riding Lessons?
Most current students take riding lessons once a week. Others take them every other week.
Do You Do Trail Rides?
Yes! More experienced riders, that have been riding here for awhile, are off the lunge line, and can effectively and confidently ride walk/trot in the ring are given the option to go for the occational trail ride.
Do You Do Tourist Trail Rides/Rent Horses?
NO. I'm sorry, we do not do tourist trail rides or rent horses out. However, children are certainly welcome to sign up for our scheduled horse camps.
