Riding Lessons

We offer group, semi-private and private English riding lessons on a year-round basis. Classes are held weekly and our extensive schedule accommodates all age and experience levels. Click below for lesson information

  • Lessons grouped by age and ability
  • Children are our specialty
  • Emphasis on safety, building on riding skills, knowledge of horses, and FUN!
  • Kind, patient instructors with many years of teaching experience
  • Safe horses & ponies for everyone
  • Surprisingly affordable
  • Evaluation lessons are paid lessons

All riders must have a signed Red Gate Release Form on record with us before riding!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON GROUP LESSONS

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON PRIVATE/SEMI PRIVATE LESSONS

GENERAL POLICIES

RATES

$70 per lesson for individual GROUP LESSONS or $650 when purchased in a pre-paid block of 10;

$80 per lesson for SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS or $750 when purchased in a pre-paid block of 10 ( 2 or 3 people ) Semi-private lessons are set up individually – please contact us to schedule.  NOTE:  Payment is due on the date of service.  For block payments, customers are responsible for tracking their own lessons taken and purchasing additional blocks when their block runs out.  $80 per lesson for 30 minute PRIVATE LESSONS This is mainly for young children that have a hard time maintaining focus for longer than 30 minutes.  This can also be used for those who wanted a semi-private, but due to missing students, they are the only rider for that lesson. BLOCKS EXPIRE 180 DAYS FROM PURCHASE.

$100 per lesson for PRIVATE LESSONS or $950  when purchased in a pre-paid block of 10 ( 1 person ) Private lessons are set up individually – please contact us to schedule. Blocks available at a discount. NOTE:  Payment is due on the date of service.  For block payments, customers are responsible for tracking their own lessons taken and purchasing additional blocks when their block runs out.  BLOCKS EXPIRE 180 DAYS FROM PURCHASE.

NOTE:  $10 additional charge per person for one-time, often special occasion or vacation, lessons.  These are offered when we have time and space available.

Click here For TINY TROTTERS lessons (ages 2-6)

Make checks payable to “Red Gate Farm”. Payment secures your spot, and is due at the time of service.  Red Gate Farm does not offer in-house financing or monthly billing.  Lesson fees are non-refundable, however we are generally flexible about applying your payment toward another service offered by Red Gate Farm (party, scout, camp, etc.)

RIDING LEVELS – Descriptions below indicate what the rider can competently demonstrate on a variety of horses BEFORE being considered to be at that level.  At the more advanced levels, riders will most likely focus on a specific discipline, in which case not all of the points will be practiced. Lessons at a certain level should be working towards achieving the next advanced level.  

Beginner 1 – No experience

Beginner 2 – Posting at trot, reverse & circle without slowing at walk and trot, halt, hold two-point jumping position at walk and trot, trotting poles

Beginner 3 – Trot in a group, trot single crossrails, canter individually, knows posting diagonals, sitting trot

Beginner 4 – Canter individually, knows canter leads, circle at canter, jumping lines at 12″-18″

Intermediate 1 – Canter with proper leads in group, canter jumping lines of 21″, canter simple courses at 18”, simple change of lead

Intermediate 2 – Canter hunter courses at 2’,  jump 21″ jumper/eq courses, controt horse in field (over terrain) at walk/trot/canter, intro level dressage test

Intermediate 3 – Jump 2’3″ courses, XC course 18″, Low level dressage tests, Leg yield

Intermediate 4 – Jump 2’6″ courses, XC course 2′, High level dressage tests, shoulder-in, shorten/lengthen strides, flying lead change on an educated horse. Intro/elementary eventing

Advanced 1 – Jump 2’9″ courses, Beginner Novice eventing, Low First level dressage, haunches in/out, Counter canter

Advanced 2 – Jump 3′ courses, Novice eventing, High First level dressage, execute consistent leg to hand contact

lessons_web_dsc_6890CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations are posted on the website as early in the day as possible, and will only occur as a result of poor road conditions. Otherwise, assume we are riding. We ride on most holidays and snow days except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve, 4th of July evening, and Halloween evening.

For cancellations from students, a 24-hour notice is required to arrange a make-up lesson. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be   charged full rate.

ARRIVAL TIME

Try your best to arrive 1/2 hour early for your group lesson to prepare your horse.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

Group lessons are for ages 7 and up, grouped by ability. Private and semi-private lessons are from ages 4 and up. Preschool program begins at age 2.

CLOTHING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

A hardhat is required. You must also wear shoes with a heel and long pants. NO SHORTS. We have some equipment to borrow. Dress appropriately for the weather.

All tack (saddle, bridle, etc) is provided.