Lessons are available for adults and children.  We start people who have never been around horses as well as coach advanced riders.

School horse lessons are normally scheduled for one and a half hour time blocks.   Students learn to groom, tack up, and un-tack.   Actual riding time may vary depending on the skill level and stamina of the rider in addition to the fitness of the horse.

Advanced riders often take half hour lessons to school their personal mounts on specific skills.

As with any sport, improvement occurs faster the more one practices.   Most people find they need at least one lesson a week.   Experienced riders are encouraged to practice more often by leasing or purchasing a horse.

LESSONS ON SCHOOL HORSES

Lessons on school horses may be purchased individually, in packages of four, or through the monthly commitment of a lease.

Leasing is the most economical method to consistently ride.  An eighth lease is one lesson a week with no extra rides.  A quarter lease is one lesson and an extra ride on your own per week.  A half lease is one lesson and two extra rides per week.  A full lease is one lesson and five extra rides per week.  Leases must be paid at the beginning of each month and makeups are allowed within 60 days if payments continue.

LESSONS ON YOUR OWN HORSE

Lessons on your own horse may be purchased individually, in packages of 4, or through our Riding Club plan where payments are made at the beginning of each month for weekly lessons.  Missed lessons may be made up within 60 days as long as monthly payments continue.

LESSONS FOR VERY YOUNG RIDERS

Children younger than 7 generally are too small and immature to safely complete a regular lesson.  However, we offer one hour private lessons / riding experiences for 4, 5, and 6 year old children.  The student assists the instructor with grooming and will most often ride on a lead line for about 25 minutes.  Members of Riverview Pony Club give these lessons under supervision of an adult.  A $30 donation to RVPC is requested for each lesson.

Children may mature enough some time during age 6 to switch to regular lessons.

MULTIPLE LESSONS PER WEEK

Riders seeking to rapidly improve themselves or their mounts can take multiple lessons per week by purchasing half or full training for a month.  Half training is 3 lessons a week and Full training is five lessons a week.

SCHEDULING

Lesson scheduling is a function of client schedules and skill levels, our schedule, horse work load, and horse availability.  The schedule is constantly evolving.  We do not charge extra just because only one or two people are able to come at a given time!

Cancellations are required to be made 24 hours in advance of lessons.

The Ranch will remain as flexible as possible when rescheduling lessons.  Refunds for extraordinary circumstances may be given at the discretion of the Ranch.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

Students need to be within height and weight ranges which our current lesson horses will easily handle.   We recommend that students are at least 6 years old for regular lessons.

CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS

Students must wear long pants, hard soled shoes with heels, and ASTM approved helmets. We have a few helmets available to borrow.    However, purchasing a helmet is the cheapest insurance you can buy!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LEARNING TO RIDE