Lessons

Our lesson horse's page    HORSE SHOW information     Horse Club     Defining the levels of riding

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Our Lessons program is based on a combination of disciplines. It includes a base of balanced riding/dressage and then adds hunter or dressage disciplines. We feel that riders benefit from learning the basics before attempting jumping or the show ring.

Due to so many of you guys moving up into middle school, we now have several openings in the 3:30 lesson spots.

Only about a third of our students opt to show at local shows, so it's definitely not a requirement.

Bert and Emily at Will's Park

Our students are boys and girls ages 5 and up, as well as a good number of adult students. Classes are limited to four students per class (sometimes, five students). Our lessons focus on total horse care as well as riding. When the students come, they must first catch the horses which is in the pasture, lead them up to the barn for grooming and tacking, then down to the ring for a 40 min. lesson, off on a short trail ride to cool off, then back to the barn for un-tacking, grooming, and finally putting their horses away. Each step of the grooming and tacking steps are taught during the first few weeks of lessons, and all tack is checked by the instructor before the students mount up.

Jordyn and Amber

Lessons are $45/hour. Private lessons aren't offered any more as the schedule is so full. There isn't a minimum number requirement for lessons taken. If you want to try out a few before committing, you're welcome to do that.

Lessons are billed at the beginning of the month for the entire month (you'll pay for the whole month up front). You'll get an invoice at the first lesson of each month. Please wait to fill out your checks until AFTER the invoices are handed out. 

All lessons must be cancelled 24 hours before your scheduled time unless of sickness, injury, or any other related reasons. 

If the students must miss a lesson, then it may be made up during that month or a credit for the following month will apply. Credits must be used up within the following month i.e. credit issued for a missed lesson in Oct., must be used by the end of Nov.

Unless you hear from us, lessons will be held, even if the weather looks questionable or the calendar has an event on that day (unless the calendar says "No lessons"). Call, if you're uncertain.

Here's a list of excused absences: Student comes home sick (enough to leave work or school), a school/business trip, an injury, or rain days. Excuses like "a friend is over. . . too tired. . .  forgot", etc. will be not excused and the lesson won't be credited. Check with Mr. Bobby to be sure.

Ashley and her mare Charisma 

A few of our horses are available for lease. Lease rates start at $150 per month. These lease horses require very advanced riders as they are horses in training to be lesson horses.

Lessons are kept fun but challenging. The students are encouraged through positive motivation to try new things and to push themselves i.e. cooling out on the trail instead of remaining only in the arena. The students are also encouraged to try new horses, and to encourage their fellow classmates. We strive to keep our learning environment positive and conducive to excellence. We find that the students learn better if the instructors are kind and soft-spoken, rather than harsh and rude.

Amanda and Quest show at his first jumping show

Several times a year, we host a barn show where all the students regardless of age or skill are invited to show off their knowledge. The focus on our show is not merely to win, but to try your best and most of all to enjoy the experience. During the show season, we show at local shows when the students are ready for the new challenge. 

Our horses include a wide array of breeds, ages, and talents. Many have been rescued over the years and rehabilitated. Our horses range in degrees of difficulty from babysitters to higher level hunters and Western horses. The students move up through the different ranks of horses similar to the different belts taught in martial arts. Each horse is an individual, and each has a lesson to teach. 

Here at WildeWood, even the horses smile! :>

Ashley Harkrider and her horse Traveler

We are diligent in creating a happy atmosphere for our horses as well. We are careful that our horses are not overworked. They receive at least 2 days off a week and a month off during the year. Our horses receive the very best of care, both physically and emotionally.

Hannah coaching at a show