Riding Lessons

All Lessons focus on general horse safety, catching, and handling of your horse on the ground and in the saddle. We offer instruction in Western and English beginner riding. 

Lessons offered for beginner riders ages 6 years and up to adults.  Small classes with lots of one-on-one attention.

JUNIOR RIDING PACKAGES (6-8 years old)

Junior Students are introduced to the world of horses!  These lessons are an introduction to horses and designed to build confidence in being around horses. How can we be safe when around horses? Why do horses spook? How do we tell when horses are happy or mad? Why do we need to be gentle with horses? 

Classes are taught using an older, quiet horse, typically a smaller pony. Riding times will be at most 20 minutes per lesson of 1 hour in length. All riding done is lead-line. Students will help the instructor with all that is involved with riding a horse - catching, leading, brushing, saddling, and picking feet. Up to 3 students in a class, and every student has their own instructor helping them.

Junior Riding Lessons DETAILS:

• Lessons given in Packages
• Total of 5 Lessons and 1 Show Day per Package (Spring and Summer)
• Lessons are 1 hour in length, up to 20 minutes in the saddle
• Weekly Lessons
• Group Lessons of up to 3 students/Class
• All instruction is in the Small Dressage Arena

PRE-INTERMEDIATE RIDING LESSONS (9-10 years old)

Pre-Intermediate Students are instructed in basic horsemanship. Each class includes one-on-one assistance with brushing, saddling, leading, and riding their pony. Riding time will be approximately 20-30 minutes per lesson of 1 hour in length. We firmly believe in building a strong foundation on the ground with the horse. This is very important before getting in the saddle to improve the student’s confidence with horses and to help build trust and relationship with their mount.

Pre-Intermediate Riding Lessons DETAILS:

• Lessons given in Packages
• Total of 6-8 Lessons per Package
• Lessons are 1 hour in length, 20-30 minutes in the saddle
• Weekly Lessons
• Group Lessons of up to 4 students/Class
• All instruction is in the Small Dressage Arena

INTERMEDIATE RIDING LESSONS (11+ years old)

Intermediate Students who can ride independently are encouraged to improve their skills while learning new skills. Lessons are focused on improving balance in the saddle and connection with your horse while riding. Goals will be set with the students at the start of the riding season and worked on reaching by the end of the year.

Intermediate Weekly Riding Lessons DETAILS:

• Lessons are 1 hour in length (1 hour in the saddle)
• Students are expected to catch and saddle their own mount prior to their lesson and put their horse away after. Please plan to schedule in 20-30 minutes before and after your lesson-time to do this. Staff and volunteers will be available to help students until they become more familiar with these tasks.
• Weekly Lessons
• Group Lessons of up to 4 students/Class
• Instruction is in the Small Dressage Arena and the Large Sand Arena

SENIOR RIDES (15+ years old)

Senior Riders who can ride independently are encouraged to improve their skills while learning new skills. Rides are focused on improving balance in the saddle and gaining better connection with your horse while riding. This is an opportunity for you to spend some time in the saddle and to do what you love, while building confidence as a rider! Whether you haven’t ridden for years but want to get back into riding, or you ride regularly and want a fun evening to connect with other riders and your horse, this Ride is for you! Horse owners who would like to ride their own mounts are welcome to bring their own horse.

Senior Weekly Rides DETAILS:

• Lessons are 1 hour in length (1 hour in the saddle)
• Students are expected to catch and saddle their own mount prior to their lesson and put their horse away after. Please plan to schedule in 20-30 minutes before and after your lesson-time to do this. Staff and volunteers will be available to help students until they become more familiar with these tasks.
• Weekly Lessons
• Group Lessons of up to 4 students/Class
• Instruction from various instructors in the Large Sand Arena and the Cross-Country Area. 

Lesson Specifics:

• All lesson students and riders are expected to wear long pants, ASTM-approved safety helmets, and boots with heels when riding (helmets must be provided by the students. We have some boot sizes available to borrow if needed). 
• He Loves Me Stables will match students with lesson horses and may have to change mounts during the session to find the best match for you!
• He Loves Me Stables will contact you if your lesson must be canceled due to bad weather, dangerous conditions, or other reasons.
• Full payment for the riding package is due the first lesson day.
• NOTE: We are not able to reschedule missed lessons. Our prices cover the entire riding package, regardless of missed lessons. In the case of cancellations due to weather, we will try to reschedule the entire class.