Lessons
The Riding Academy offers English riding lessons, with instruction in basic dressage and jumping on an excellent selection of school horses suitable to riders of all skill levels. Our lesson program is focused on developing confident, well-rounded riders capable of riding a variety of horses, maintaining a solid position both on the flat and over small jumps.
*For the true beginner (or if it has been awhile) we offer both adult and child introductory courses. Our introductory courses are specially designed for first time riders (as well as novice riders with little formal instructional background.)
You can find more informtion on our special introductory courses here:
*For the true beginner (or if it has been awhile) we offer both adult and child introductory courses. Our introductory courses are specially designed for first time riders (as well as novice riders with little formal instructional background.)
You can find more informtion on our special introductory courses here:
Lesson Format
Students attend regular weekly lessons in private (1 rider), semi-private (2 riders), or group (3-6 riders) arrangements. Lessons are 50 minutes in length and commence on the hour. Students should arrive 20-30 minutes prior to their lesson time in order to properly groom and tack up their assigned horse. It is the student’s responsibility to be in the ring and ready for their class at the start of the hour.
Students are also responsible for ensuring that their horse is properly cooled out and groomed after the lesson, and that the horse’s tack is put away in a correct and tidy manner.
For students that have been deemed ready, jumping lessons will be conducted no more than every other week, and will concentrate on flatwork on the alternate weeks. The Riding Academy reserves the right to alter the schedule as necessary to accommodate the needs of the horses, particularly following events or prolonged breaks.
In the interest of safety, lessons will not be conducted during thunderstorms. Please call the office in advance to check on the status of your lesson on days when the weather is particularly threatening.
Students are also responsible for ensuring that their horse is properly cooled out and groomed after the lesson, and that the horse’s tack is put away in a correct and tidy manner.
For students that have been deemed ready, jumping lessons will be conducted no more than every other week, and will concentrate on flatwork on the alternate weeks. The Riding Academy reserves the right to alter the schedule as necessary to accommodate the needs of the horses, particularly following events or prolonged breaks.
In the interest of safety, lessons will not be conducted during thunderstorms. Please call the office in advance to check on the status of your lesson on days when the weather is particularly threatening.
Requirements
Students must be a minimum of eight (8) years of age in order to participate in any riding program, including lessons, introductory courses, and camps.
Students must equip themselves with an ASTM safety-approved helmet; long, close-fitting pants that won’t rub or chafe; and boots with a flat sole and a low heel. All riders under eighteen (18) years of age must also wear a safety vest while riding. With the exception of the vests, the Riding Academy does not lend, rent or sell any riding equipment or apparel.
Students must equip themselves with an ASTM safety-approved helmet; long, close-fitting pants that won’t rub or chafe; and boots with a flat sole and a low heel. All riders under eighteen (18) years of age must also wear a safety vest while riding. With the exception of the vests, the Riding Academy does not lend, rent or sell any riding equipment or apparel.
Suitability
Our lesson program is open to students that have had some formal riding experience in the past (regardless of skill level), and are able to groom, saddle and bridle a horse independently. For absolute beginners with limited or no experience with horses, or for those needing refreshers, we recommend joining one of our eight-week introductory courses.
Assessments
Students wishing to ride in semi-private or group lessons must first complete a brief riding assessment, during which time an instructor will watch them ride one of our horses in order to evaluate their current skill level. This will assist us in placing them with riders with similar abilities. Assessments take place on Saturdays at 1:00 pm on a first-come, first-served basis, with no appointment necessary. Riders are requested to arrive dressed and ready to ride (see requirements above) and check in at the office by 12:45 in order to complete some paperwork.
Registration
Unlike our introductory courses and camps, the lesson program does not have any defined start or end dates. Rather, it runs on a continuous basis, and students may commence lessons at any time. While most of our students ride regularly for prolonged periods of time, our schedule is quite dynamic, and the availability of lessons for any rider may vary. Thus, available vacancies must be discussed with an office administrator to arrange a start date.
Rates
(HST not included)
(HST not included)
Lessons must be paid for in advance in series of four or five, to cover all the lessons in a given month. We accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, debit or cheque.
| . | Each |
Four |
Five |
Lease |
Private |
$100 |
$400 |
$500 |
Part: $450 |
Semi-Private |
$80 |
$320 |
$400 |
Half: $625 |
Group |
$60 |
$240 |
$300 |
Full: $1150 |
All lessons must be booked in advance and paid by CHEQUE, VISA, MASTERCARD, or DEBIT CARD only. All lessons are a personal reservation, therefore lessons are non-refundable and non-transferable.
All registered students are understood to be taking lessons indefinitely, and should thus provide 2 weeks’ notice if they wish to discontinue their lessons.
All registered students are understood to be taking lessons indefinitely, and should thus provide 2 weeks’ notice if they wish to discontinue their lessons.
Gift Certificates
A truly unique gift for the horse enthusiast in your life. Available for all of our services. Please inquire with the office for purchase.
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