“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.” Winston Churchill

How old do you have to be to take lessons?

  We usually start with kids age 5 and up.  If the child knows their left from right easily, can pay attention for 30-45 minutes and can follow a set of 3 directions in a row (for example- to turn left you need to: use your left rein, apply your right leg and turn your head to the left) then they are ready to try riding!

Do you offer a free session to just come see, talk to you and see if it something s/he may be interested in?

Yes coming to meet us, our horses and have a tour of our farm is free. Call us to set a time to come visit!

What do I need for lessons?

  1.)  Paddock boots which are boots with a flat sole, and ½ inch heel designed specifically for riding.  Please note: We do not expect you to have the most expensive boot; we only ask that you come prepared to ride, wearing some form of paddock boots.

  2.)  Comfortable pants that you don’t mind getting dirty! Jeans are fine as long as they provide some flexibility. However, breeches or jodphurs are designed for riding and comfort at the same time.

  3.)  A helmet specifically designed for horseback riding. Bicycle helmets are not designed to withstand the impact of a fall from a horse. The state of New York has passed legislation requiring youths to wear helmets at all times while riding.  The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) requires that the helmet must be ASTM/SEI certified with harness fastened while mounted on their horse.  Helmets are provided and may continue to be used if a student does not want to buy their own.

  4.)  Half Chaps are optional. They protect the lower leg from rubs or pinches from the stirrup leathers. These can be found in either leather or suede and are also available in colors for kids!

  5.)  A SMILE! The most important part of taking horseback riding lessons is to remember to smile and have fun! 

All of these items, except the smile, can be found at a local tack shop like Empire State Tack or a CountryMax Store or Tractor Supply Store.  You can also find them at statelinetack.com or doversaddlery.com.  Smiles are provided by YOU!

 Do you do lessons in winter?  Is the barn warm?

We do lessons all year round. The barn is fairly warm and we have an indoor arena that is warm in the sense that it blocks all natural elements, like wind, rain and snow. As with any outdoor activity in the winter, you’ll need to dress warm with gloves and hats and layers. But once we get moving in the lesson you warm right up! 

How long is the lesson and what does it typically include?

The first lesson is a private lesson in which the instructor assesses the rider’s abilities.  After that they may stay in private lessons or move to a semi-private or a group lesson, depending scheduling and ability.   A typical lesson is one hour and includes brushing the horse before and after the ride, learning how to saddle and bridle, and riding (at the student’s level of ability). Some lessons also include learning how to do what we call "groundwork", where they learn how to move a horse around from the ground and they see how the horse moves according to how we move.  At the end of the lesson, we do expect that they are available to stay a few minutes to untack and brush their horse down.

Can I bring a treat for the horses?

Yes! Most of the horses enjoy apples, carrots and peppermint candies.  But please ask before giving a horse a treat until you get to know him.

Do you offer Gift Certificates?

We do offer these with the students name, the giver and any amount.  A gift certificate is a wonderful gift idea for birthdays and the Holidays!

Why Ride?

Because horses touch our hearts in a way that no other animal does.