Progressive Horsemanship & Riding Lesson Program
Our progressive horsemanship program is designed to create solid, safety conscious horsemen. Every rider will be treated as a future horse owner and as such will be given theory and stable management that will be essential to their success as a confident, self-sufficient horse handler and owner, as well as a balanced, competent rider.
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Tiny Tots Introduction to Basic Horsemanship Class,
aka, Pony Pals
$45.00, full payment
$22.50, class deposit
**Ages 4-9. $45 per child. 1-8 children per class. About 90 minutes to 2 hours. Boots and long pants required; loaner riding helmets available. Mom and dad should wear closed toe shoes also. Please contact us to find out when the next class is scheduled.
This is a safe, non-threatening introduction to horsemanship. This basic program will allow the child to interact with a pony or horse while learning about grooming and horse handling safety, as well as the pony’s senses and body language. Included are grooming, saddling and common horse sense, as well as the do's and don’ts associated with the being in the barn. This program offers a safe and enjoyable introduction to the wonderful world of horses in a supportive and fun-filled atmosphere. The session includes hand-led pony rides in an enclosed area on the pony the child has been working with, not to mention plenty of photo opportunities for mom and dad!
Desert Trails Basic Horsemanship
$70.00, 3 hr class
**Ages 10 & up. $70 per person. One 3 hour session. Boots and long pants required.
This class is for adults and older children alike who want to learn about the world of horses. Students will be taught the basics of horsemanship and horse theory from the ground up, in a small group or private setting. The class focuses on the fundamentals of horse safety and horse ownership, including the nature and senses of the horse, horse care, tack, stable equipment, grooming, parts of the horse, and types of riding disciplines. This is a required class for those wanting to participate in riding lessons, and have no previous experience with horses.
Pony Rides
$10.00 each rider
Pony rides are available for one child, or for a group, at our location. $10 per child for up to a 20 minute ride. All ages are welcome, even the very little ones! Your child will be gradually and safely introduced to the pony or horse, and then given hand led rides in an enclosed area. Lots of photo opportunities for mom and dad! Great idea for a preschool or mom's group outing. Discounts available for large groups.
Riding Lessons*
*All lead line lesson riders must have completed the Pony Pals class.
Tiny Tots 30 Minute Beginner Riding Lessons
**Ages 4 and up. $25 each lesson. Discounted lesson packages available. Regulation riding helmet, long pants, and riding boots required. 30 minutes, private lesson.
Single lesson, $25.00
5-Lesson package, $112.00
Child should have completed at least the Tiny Tots Pony Pals Class before embarking on a regular lesson program. The instructor will focus on balance and flexibility exercises to develop a secure seat, the basics of halting, moving out at the walk, using the reins, and just getting comfortable on the horse. Lessons are begun with the horse or pony securely on the lead line in a small enclosure, and eventually moving onto the longe line when the child is ready for a bit more independence.
*All riders participating in Beginning and Adult Riding Lessons must have completed a Basic Horsemanship class.
Desert Trails Beginning Riding Lessons
Single lesson, $25.00
5-lesson package, $112.00
**Ages 4 and up. $25 each lesson. Discounted lesson packages available. Regulation riding helmet, long pants, and riding boots required. 30 minutes.
Students work on and off the lunge line learning the Secure Seat method of riding, which emphasizes balance, coordination, developing an independent seat and lower center of gravity. Each lesson is conducted in a one-on-one private setting, and the student must demonstrate the ability to control the horse at the walk and jog, as well as beginning to lope, before moving on to the Intermediate level and 60 minute lessons.
Desert Trails Intermediate Riding Lessons
Single lesson, $45.00
5-lesson package, $200.00
**Ages 6 and up. $45 each lesson. Discounted lesson packages available. Regulation riding helmet, long pants, and riding boots required. 60 minutes.
Students will learn the Secure Seat method of riding, which emphasizes balance, coordination, developing an independent seat and lower center of gravity. Each lesson is conducted in a one-on-one private setting, and the student must have demonstrated the ability to control the horse independently at the walk, jog and lope.
Desert Trails Riding Lessons for Adults
Single lesson, $45.00
5-lesson package, $200.00
**$45 each lesson. Discounted lesson packages available. Long pants and riding boots required; regulation riding helmets required for jumping. 60 minutes.
Have you always wanted to learn to ride as an adult, or maybe you’ve ridden in the past and now want to take it up again? These classes are for adults who have taken the Basic Horsemanship class or have previous riding experience. Students will learn the Secure Seat method of riding, which emphasizes balance, coordination, developing an independent seat and lower center of gravity. Each lesson is conducted in a one-on-one private setting, and is begun on the longe line until the student demonstrates the ability to control the horse independently.
NOW OFFERING: HUNT SEAT, JUMPING, ENGLISH RIDING BASICS
Call or email for details, pricing, etc. Experienced school horses are available, or haul in your own horse for lessons. Private, semi-private or group lessons available.
Upon mastering the basics of Western or Hunt Seat Riding, students have the knowledge to either continue on at a higher level of riding, begin competing in local horse shows, or choose to pursue a different riding discipline. Referrals for instructors in other disciplines and/or higher levels are available.
