Philosophy:
In the Equest Hunter lesson program, we provide individual attention to students of all skill levels. It is our goal to teach students not only to ride and care for horses, but the fundamentals of true horsemanship. Our students learn about equine behavior, anatomy, nutrition, and veterinary care. We believe that teaching consists of two parts: the How and the Why. Students do not just learn how to do something; they learn the principles behind why they are doing it. We believe this provides the strongest foundation for developing horsemanship. Students will learn the importance of hard work, independence, safety, and teamwork.
Our program encompasses the entirety of riding, horse care, and barn management. Students are with an instructor, and are responsible for their horse throughout the entire lesson, from saddling to cleaning up. We emphasize proper horse care from beginning to end.
Lessons are available to students of any age, at any level. However, we recommend they be at least six years old for purposes of safety. If you have a young child that is interested, however, we offer individualized sessions for children who are not yet ready to take the reins by themselves. Call the barn for more information.
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It is important to know that learning to ride does not happen overnight. It does not happen in a week, a month, or a year. Developing horsemanship and riding ability is a lifelong journey. It is our goal to get our students started on that journey. We believe in building a strong foundation in the basics of riding, making sure each student has mastered certain elements before moving on to more advanced skills. Too often barns overface students, presenting them with tasks or challenges before they are ready. We take our time in developing our students, paying attention to finesse and small details, which ultimately creates a much safer, more confident, more effective, and more humane rider. The student creates a partnership with their mount, and learn a degree of control and discipline not afforded by other "speed lesson" programs. For example, we do not have a set number of lessons before a student starts to jump; each student is different and our program adapts to the needs and abilities of the individual student. Count on a beginner student getting six months to a year of regular lessons before they begin taking on jumps. This creates a safer, better rider in both the short and long term.
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STUDENT OPTIONS
1. Part-time Student - one lesson every two weeks
2. Regular Student - one lesson a week
3. Full-time Student - 2 or more lessons a week
(Full-Time incorporates a higher degree of equine care and stable management)
Note: Only Regular and Full-time non-boarding students may ride in horse shows.
PRICE
Individual lessons:
On a lesson horse- $50 (1 hour)
On your own horse- $40 (1 hour)
We welcome haul-ins (trailering your horse to the farm for lesson). Just make sure to bring a copy of your horse’s up-to-date coggins & vaccine record with you.
Our instructors will also come to your own farm. Off-site riding lessons will have an additional fuel charge, according to mileage.
Call the barn for more information: (804) 694-4875
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