Horse Riding Lessons | Deep Meadow Farm LLC

~Riding Lessons~

We are currently not giving any riding lessons at Deep Meadow Farm

Where are the lessons given?

-At the wonderful, beautiful Deep Meadow farm.
-We have access to a covered round pen with lights which is great for those rainy days!
-We can use a large sand arena.
-There is also another outdoor round pen.
-Sometimes we even use the entire farm to go on a trail ride or treasure hunt!

When are lessons given?

-Monday and Tuesday afternoon/evenings. Usually from 4:00 until 7:00.

How long are lessons?

-Typically, lessons last about one hour.
-Sometimes with young children, forty minutes is about all their attention span can handle.
-Sometimes students choose to end after about a half-hour or forty-five minutes because they have not quite worked up to an hour.

How often do I have to take lessons?

-That is entirely up to you based on your schedule, fitness, ambition, and budget.
-Typically, students take one lesson once a week for one hour.
-Some have a lesson every other week.
-Some have a lesson twice a week.

How much are lessons?

-Lessons are $30 an hour.
-Individual lessons are $45 an hour.
-There is a $5 overall discount for two siblings and a $10 overall discount for three siblings.
-Note: if a group lesson was scheduled and one student had to cancel, the price for the other student is still only $30.

How much horse experience do I need before I can start?

-As little or as much as you can get!
-This is a great chance for someone who has never been around horses to get started with a solid foundation.
-If you just want to get back into riding I can help you build your confidence back up and get started down the right path.
-If you are having trouble with your own horse I specialize in helping people and horses learn to overcome problems together so they can function in harmony together as a team.
-And even if you have been riding for a while there is always more you can learn!

How old or young must I be?

-As long as the student really wants to learn and loves horses, there is really no age requirement!

What is your goal for your riders?

-My goal is for each student to become a knowledgeable and functional horseperson. I want to give each rider a solid foundation in overall horsemanship so that he or she can then succeed at whatever type of riding he or she may wish.
-My focus in the beginning is to help the rider become confident, well balanced, and able to recognize how the horse is feeling so that he or she can respond in a way that will bring out the best in the horse.
-Safety is very important! Often the reason for doing things a certain way is because of safety.

What style of riding do you teach?

-I have students that ride western and students that ride English.
-Most of the riders who first start out start with English but can then move to a trail or western saddle if they want to try something new.
-Most of my techniques and beliefs are based on Natural Horsemanship ideas.
-I have had and have several students with gaited horses.
-Some of the disciplines my current students are pursing: barrel racing, trail riding, hunter/jumper, western pleasure, dressage, and all around pleasure/riding just for fun.

Can I use my own horse?

-Yes! Especially if you are having trouble with your horse, this is a great chance to learn how to understand what your horse is feeling so that you can successfully work through problems together.
-My specialty is helping people keep the horses they already have!

Do I need my own horse?

-No, I have been blessed with several awesome horses and ponies who are great for a variety of riders! Make sure you check out their pictures!

What will I learn?

-How to walk up to a loose horse and put a halter on.
-How to brush and tack up your horse.
-Lots of equine terminology so that you can understand what all those horse people are talking about. (For example: the names of the brushes, tack, parts of the horse)
-Lots about the general care of horses. (For example: what a farrier does and why it’s important)
-How to listen to the horses and read their body language.
-How to respond to different signals from the horses.
-How to lead the horse on the ground.
-And, of course, how to ride!

Will I be with a group?

-Group lessons usually consist of two students who are generally at the same level.
-Most of the time group lessons benefit both students as they can learn from each other and have fun while doing so!

What can I expect at the first lesson?

-The first lesson is basically an assessment. You can tell me your goals and expectations and I can begin to get a feel for where you are and what you need to work on.
-Often much of the first lesson is spent on the ground, learning about brushing and tacking and basic horse knowledge.

What do I need to wear?

- Some type of closed toe shoe, preferably a riding boot with a heel. For the first lesson especially, a tennis shoe will do if you are not sure what kind of boot to buy. That way I can give you some helpful hints as to where and what to buy so you don’t buy the wrong thing!
-Long pants are most suitable so that your leg does not get pinched by the stirrup! If you still get pinched with long pants, try knee socks.
-Try to limit long, dangly jewelry as it can get caught on things.
-Helmets are required any time while mounted. I have several you can choose from or you may bring your own.

Click here to Meet the horses and Ponies!

Call Kelly Stoneburner today at 540-290-8463
or fill out our online contact form.