(404) 944-RIDE

Private Half Hour Session	$ 35	per lesson
Semi-Private One Hour Session	$ 40	per lesson
Private One Hour Session	$ 50	per lesson

Which Riding Disciplines Are Taught?  ENGLISH & WESTERN RIDING, HORSEMANSHIP

WESTERN RIDING & HORSEMANSHIP We certainly agree that loping a horse is quite enjoyable, and our students are anxious to get to that gait.  A balanced, steady, relaxed seat must first be achieved before students can safely lope.   Students normally achieve a correct western seat between the Advanced Beginner, and Novice Levels.  Here is a list of what the students need to be able to do in order to progress to the next level.  We teach some dressage along with the discipline basics, which gives the students a wonderful seat and foundation from which to build on. RIDER LEVEL CLASSIFICATION CHART - WESTERN RIDING & HORSEMANSHIP

WESTERN RIDING, HORSEMANSHIP Riding Skills Horsemanship Skills Beginner Skills with Weekly Lessons Learn to properly mount and dismount horse. Learn to hold the reins properly with two hands, and establish proper rein length. (Riding with one hand comes later.) Introduction to setting the horse’s head, and putting the horse into frame riding “from leg to hand” with two hands. (back legs stepping deep underneath themselves, back round, and neck out strait slightly lower than the withers) This will become part of the warm up as the student advances to the Advanced Beginner Level and beyond. Learn to steer the horse combing rein pressure and leg pressure. Learn the way to ask for a proper “Whoa.” Learn proper seat, and balance. Learn to find the proper stirrup length, and foot position in the stirrup. Learn to “Sit” the Jog with relaxed hips. Introduction to arena etiquette, including how to safely pass another horse on the rail. Begin working on steadying and softening hands, keeping heels down always, keeping shoulders square and keeping the body still yet relaxed. Introduction to backing a horse.  Introductions to the use of proper breathing while transitioning. Learn the Emergency Circle. Being able to ride a variety of beginner horses. Introduction to controlling a horse's speed and direction at a walk. Introduction to controlling a horse's speed and direction at a trot.     Learn to halter and lead the horse. Learn how to cross tie horse. Learn how to properly groom the horse, and pick the horses’ feet. Learn how to saddle the horse.  Learn how to identify basic parts of the saddle, the bridle, and the horse.  Learn to properly move the horse on the ground. Learn proper body language to convey leadership to a horse. Learn how to fit a bit properly. Understanding a horse's body language; i.e. ear pinning, tail swishing, and head tossing. Be able to tell by looking at a horse if something is wrong (i.e., lameness, possible illness, etc.)     Advanced Beginner Skills with Weekly Lessons Perfect backing the horse. Perfect proper hand position, height of hand, and rein length. Jog around the entire arena. ( sitting Trot) Walk/Jog transitions. Perfect using proper breathing while executing transitions. (Jog to Walk, Walk to Whoa) Learn to find proper stirrup length and foot position independently. Introduction to jogging without stirrups to achieve this. Lead horse to arena, enter gate, and mount horse unassisted. Begin to negotiate pattern exercises at the Jog. Jog over ground poles to perfect softening hands at different speeds while allowing the horse to have his head. Independently execute warm up including setting the horses’ head with two hands, and putting the horse into frame, while riding from leg to hand. Warm up also includes flexion exercises. Introduction to the Lope with the proper Lope Cue, and beginning to recognize leads. Introduction to Extension and Collection at the Jog. Learn to Jog the horse on a consistent bend on a 15’ diameter, first with two hands, and progress to one hand. Be able to ride a variety of more challenging horses. Introduction on how to use direct rein and indirect rein. Introduction to steering a horse while backing. Learn to post the jog with proper diagonals. Complete control a speed and direction at a walk. Complete control of speed and direction at a jog. Introduction to controlling a horse's speed and direction at a lope.   Learn to single tie a horse. Be able to tack, bridle and unbridle horse with little or no assistance. Name saddle and bridle parts.  Groom horse for show ring if student is a show student. Learn about horse care; i.e. vaccines, teeth floating, worming, etc. Recognize horse behavior and understand the "herd mentality." The importance of how to lunge a horse.     Novice Skills with Weekly Lessons Solid grasp of riding skills of a Beginner and Advanced Beginner rider. Independent warm up is expected. Perfect patterns at all gaits. Perfect Lope leads and be able to recognize correct leads. Rider should also be able to correct an incorrect lead at this point.  Navigate inside and outside the arena comfortably. Perfect riding from “leg to hand” while maintaining soft hands and an acceptable rein length. Perfect extension and collection using breathing, soft hands, and proper use of legs. Ride the jog without stirrups while maintaining a proper relaxed seat. Be able to ride the most challenging lesson horses. Perfecting direct and indirect rein. Control of horse's speed and direction should come independently. Learn hauch turns and side passing. Learn trail riding skills. Learn how to move a horse through "scary " obstacles".     Catch your mount unassisted in the pasture. Know names of common bits, why they are used, and how they work. The importance of why and how to lunge a horse. Be able to independently catch, tack, bridle, untack, unbridle, and turn out horse. Establishing leadership a must and how to achieve it. Learn a variety of groundwork/roundpen exercises. Be able to independently lunge a horse with join up.   Intermediate Skills with Weekly Lessons Mastered Beginner, Advanced Beginner, and Novice Levels. Independent warm up is expected. Jogging and transitioning seat begins to look easy and effortless. Loping circles and serpentines to perfect work on flying lead changes. Perfect awareness of leads, and foot positioning. Rider is mastering work with all aids and is gaining an independent seat. Keeping the horse on the bit, in frame, yet relaxed and willing becomes top priority. The rider's balance is superb and all the gaits are even and controlled.  Work on “turns on the forehand”, and “haunch turns” improves greatly, and begins to really come together. Sidepassing improves greatly. Move a horse's shoulder, rib, and hind using direct and indirect rein and weight shifting. Rider should be able to feel comfortable now.   Understand the functions of all tack and how and why they are used. Be able to work through behavioral issues of a horse on the ground, and under saddle.

ENGLISH/HUNTSEAT People always ask why our English students aren't typically permitted to jump until they achieve the Intermediate rider level.  Here is a list of what the student needs to be able to do in order to progress to the next level.  We teach some dressage along with the discipline basics, which gives the students a wonderful seat and foundation from which to build on.

ENGLISH/ HUNTSEAT	Riding Skills	Horsemanship Skills
Beginner Skills with Weekly Lessons	Learn to properly mount and dismount horse. Learn to hold the reins properly, and establishing proper rein length. Learn to steer the horse. Learn the way to ask for a proper whoa. Learn proper seat, and balance. Learn to find their proper foot position in the stirrups. Learn to trot and post the trot with proper diagonals. Introduction to the half halt. Introduction to arena etiquette, including how to safely pass another horse on the rail. Begin working on steadying hands, keeping heels down always, keeping shoulders square and keeping body still,  yet relaxed. Introduction to backing a horse. Introduction to the use of proper breathing while transitioning. Learn the emergency circle. Being able to ride a variety of beginner horses. Introduction to controlling horse's speed and direction at the walk. Introduction to controlling horse's speed and direction at the trot. Learn the jumping position.  Learn riding from “leg to hand.”	Learn how to halter and lead horse. Learn how to cross tie horse. Learn how to properly groom the horse, and pick the horses’ feet. Learn how to saddle the horse. Learn how to identify basic parts of the saddle, the bridle, and horse. Learn to properly move the horse on the ground. Learn proper body language to convey leadership to a horse. Learn how to fit a bit properly. Understanding a horse's body language; i.e. ear pinning, tail swishing, and head tossing. Be able to tell by looking at a horse if something is wrong (i.e., lameness, possible illness, etc.)
Advanced Beginner Skills with Weekly Lessons	Perfect backing the horse. Perfect proper hand position and rein length. Posting trot around the entire arena. Walk/trot transitions. Perfect using proper breathing while executing transitions. Learn to find proper stirrup length. Lead horse to arena, enter gate, and mount horse unassisted. Recognize correct diagonals at the trot. Negotiate pattern exercises at the trot. Introduction to flat work in preparation to jumping. Trot ground poles posting, and in the jumping position. Perfect the use of the half halt to be applied to the warm up, and while “gearing down” the horses in the different gaits. Independently execute warm up including two-point on rail and flexion exercises.  Introduction to canter with the proper canter cue, learning to recognize correct leads.  Learn to ride with a direct rein from elbow to bit, for extension and collection. Learn to trot horse in a consistent bend on a 15’ diameter in arena corners. Introduction to the extended walk and the extended trot. Being able to ride a variety of more challenging horses. Complete control of horse's speed and direction at a walk. Complete control of a horse's speed and direction at a trot. Introduction to controlling a horse's speed and direction at a canter. Smooth rein collection and lengthening between gaits. Introduction to steering a horse while backing.	Learn to single tie horse. Be able to tack, bridle and unbridle horse with little assistance. Name saddle and bridle parts. Groom horse for show ring if student is a show student. Learn about horse care; i.e. vaccines, teeth floating, worming, ect. Recognize horse behavior and understand the "herd mentality." The importance of how to lunge a horse. Independently execute warm up including jumping position on rail and flexation exercises.
Novice Skills with Weekly Lessons	Solid grasp of riding skills of a Beginner and Advanced Beginner rider. Independent warm up is expected. Perfect flatwork patterns at all gaits.  Trot small cross rails and low verticals. Perfect canter leads and be able to recognize correct leads Navigate inside and outside the arena comfortably. Perfect riding from “leg to hand.” Perfect riding with the horse on the bit, for extension and collection. Learn lead changes on a figure eight. Trot and canter approach to jumps. Learn opening circles, and taking a long approach to jumps. Learn the half seat position, and when to use it. Learn diagonal lines in flatwork, in half seat, and while posting the trot. Posting trot without stirrups. Perfect the extended walk and the extended trot. Learn striding of jumps, and finding the distance. Begin doing course work with 18”cross rails, and higher verticals, including diagonal lines. Be able to ride the most challenging lesson horses. Trot in trot out jumps. Trot in canter out jumps. Control of horses speed and direction should come independently. Learn trail riding skills. Learn how to move a horse through "scary" obstacles.	Catch your mount unassisted in the pasture. Know names of common bits, why they are used, and how they work. Be able to independently catch, tack, bridle, untack, unbridle, and turnout horse. Establish leadership role a must, and how to achieve it. Learn a variety of groundwork and roundpen exercises. Be able to independently lunge a horse with join up.
Intermediate Skills with Weekly Lessons	Mastered beginner, advanced beginner, and novice levels. Independent warm up is expected. Posting and transitioning seat begin to look easy and effortless. Trotting and cantering circles and serpentines to perfect work on flying changes. Canter the long approach to jumps.  Canter opening circles to jumps. Jump entire course at the canter. Perfect recognizing the distance and landing points of the jumps. Fence heights go from 18" - 2'+. Perfect awareness of leads, and foot positioning.  Jump grids and more difficult combinations are added for course jumping Striding, take off and landing distances become very important.     Rider is mastering work with all aids and is gaining an independent seat. Rider should be able to feel comfortable on all horses now. Effortlessly slide from full seat to jumping position to half seat. Lead changes over jumps. Fewer strides between jumps. Feel if a horse needs to lengthen or shorten his stride to jump smoothly. Intro to oxers and course jumps.	Understand the functions of all tack and how and why they are used. Be able to work through behavioral issues of a horse on the ground, and under saddle.

What you need to take lessons?

HELMETS: It is required that all riding students wear certified helmets.  We can provide helmets for new riders but strongly suggest that you purchase your own if you are serious about riding.  A Troxel or any ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet similar to the one above can typically be purchased at the Lawrenceville PetsMart or All Equine Products in Athens for $35.  All riders are required to sign a release form before riding. PROTECTIVE VESTS:  When jumping, it is highly recommended to also wear a protective vest.  It is the rider's responsibility to purchase their own protective vest for jumping.

ARRIVAL:  Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to each lesson in order to prepare yourself and the horse ready to start promptly at your scheduled lesson time.  This will ensure that you will maximize your one hour lesson time. FOOT WEAR:  Paddock or riding boots are strongly recommended.  At a minimum, a boot with a heel is required.    The reasoning behind this is that with a heeled-shoe, you will not easily get your foot caught in the stirrup.   Tennis shoes are not permitted for safety reasons. JEANS: Breeches, riding pants, half chaps or chaps are recommended.  If you do not own chaps or riding pants, then jeans are suggested.   LESSON POLICY:  We can not ensure that each weekly lesson will be a semi-private lesson; therefore, if a private lesson is taught, then a private lesson fee will be due.  GIFT CERTIFICATES: If you know someone who may be interested in trying out riding, pre-paid gift certificates are available for riding lessons. WE GO YEAR-ROUND:  We teach all year as long as the weather and footing permits.  We have an indoor riding area as well as an outdoor riding ring.  We do reschedule when possible for weather related cancellations or teach in the indoor riding area at the lower barn.   INCLEMENT WEATHER:    Typically, WE RIDE RAIN OR SHINE (unless there are heavy rains, lightning or school closings).  Your instructor will notify you accordingly.  Always assume there will be lessons, unless you have been contacted via email or phone. ONE HOUR LESSON TIME STRUCTURE: Beginners & Advanced Beginners (Ages 10 through Adults) 0:00-0:20   Groom and tack (often includes retrieving horse from pasture) 0:20-0:25   Stretch and warm up 0:25-0:50   Weekly lesson 0:50-0:55   Stretch and cool down 0:55-1:00   Untack Intermediates (Ages 10 through Adults) 0:00-0:05   Instructor's inspection of groom and tack job (student does unaided prior to lesson) 0:05-0:15   Stretch and warm up 0:15-0:50   Weekly lesson 0:50-0:55    Stretch and cool down 0:55-1:00   Cool down, untack, groom (student does unaided) Youth (Ages 5 through 9) 0:00-0:15   Groom and tack 0:15-0:20   Stretch and warm up 0:20-0:35   Weekly lesson 0:35-0:40   Stretch and cool down 0:40-0:45   Untack   CANCELLATION POLICY: Your lesson must be confirmed by email, or by phone by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, or we cannot hold your regular lesson slot.   Considerations need to be made for our lesson horses regarding how often they are used weekly, and the time and effort it takes to catch them.  Once you confirm your lesson by noon each Tuesday, you have agreed to commit to the lesson fee for that week. Even in inclement weather, if you have confirmed your lesson, ALWAYS assume that we will be riding (indoor or outdoor), unless you have been contacted via email or phone. In order to reschedule, the instructor must be contacted at least 24 hours in advance of lesson time.  There is a $20 rescheduling fee within 4 hours of the lesson time.  Full price will be charged for any lesson not cancelled within 4 hours of its scheduled time, including cancellations, re-schedules, no call, and no shows. Students arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be permitted to join the lesson and are not be eligible for a make-up lesson.  If you miss two lessons, two weeks in a row at your regular scheduled slot, the lesson slot will be forfeited. If your lesson is prepaid, any rescheduled lesson must be made up within 7 days or the lesson credit expires.   Make-up lessons are not guaranteed, but subject to availability.

Horseback riding is a healthy pastime.  Even a beginner rider will be pleased with the sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from learning to care for and ride a horse.  We are very proud of our lesson horses who have the ability to suit multiple levels of riders.