Riding Lessons
We offer a broad and inclusive riding program for young riders, new riders, casual riders, and competitive riders. We believe good communication and good movement feels good to everyone, and strive to provide quality, professional training at every level.
English Riding Lessons
Our Riding School is a great place to start or continue your journey in learning to work with horses. Our lesson program is designed to take you from your first rides up through competing in show jumping to the national level. Lessons are available on a variety of experienced lesson horses up through 2’6”, or lease a horse or ride your own (haul ins are welcome)! We have a strong educational focus on fundamentals of horsemanship, communication, riding position, and most importantly enjoying our time with these wonderful animals!
Private, Semi-Private (2), or Group lessons (3-4) are available to riders learning to canter and beyond. Our school can be tailored to your specific needs. Below, you’ll find a progressive list of programs within our Riding School.
Littles Lessons
We offer “Little’s Lessons” which is for students under the age of 7 who are just getting interested in horses and riding. These lessons are abbreviated in order to provide an introduction to horses at a better value for parents. These lessons typically have 20 minutes of ride time, and kiddos safely learn to lead, brush, and saddle a horse. This is a great way for kiddos to explore a passion for horses at a young age!
Beginner Lessons
Our dedicated beginner program is an introduction to horses and riding for all ages at a special introductory price. These special lessons educate riders (and parents) about safe horse handling such as leading, grooming, and saddling; and introductory riding techniques in the walk and trot. Riding time will increase with each lesson as the rider becomes more capable in preparing their horse for the ride. In the saddle, riders will learn about position, basic horse control, and safety as they master the walk and trot.
Beginner lessons are offered in private and small group lessons with our friendly team of beginner instructors. Once per week lessons are recommended. Students graduate from the beginner program into our general riding school when they are ready to begin cantering.
Annually, we offer a Beginner Summer Camp that may be utilized to further your horsemanship fundamentals.
School Lessons
School lessons are for riders learning how to canter through jumping at a 2’6” level.
The next step for students looking to become more serious riders is to start riding twice per week. We recommend pairing one private lesson with one group or semi-private lesson each week to allow students to increase saddle time under the supervision of our instructors as their skills are developing. The more you ride the more you learn!
Performance Program
Our Performance Program is a faster paced track towards leasing, owning or horseshowing. To prepare students for the increased demands of competitive riding, we recommend twice per week lessons in a private or semi-private environment. Half-leasing or owning a horse is recommended, but not required for introductory horse showing.
We encourage riders at all levels to explore competitive riding as a way to take their riding skills to the next level. From conquering show nerves to pursuing goals of moving up the show divisions, a strong relationship with the horse and trainer will set you up for success as you learn how to horse show. From ground poles to 2’3” jumps, riders progress through 5 levels of competition in introductory horse showing.
Introduction to Competition
Our competitive team is a very exciting part of our program. We specialize in show jumping, and compete at both local and nationally recognized hunter/jumper competitions.
Show Jumping is a sport of you and your horse against the course. The strength of your relationship with your horse, your understanding of the sport, and your physical capabilities will be challenged in different ways at each horse show.
Because of the importance of the relationship with your horse, leasing or ownership is required for showing above the 2’6” level. Competitive riders should plan to train a minimum of 3 days per week at the 2’6-2’9 level, and 5-6 days per week for competition at 3’ and beyond. Lessons or training contacts are recommended a minimum of twice per week.
Leasing Opportunities
Leasing is a very popular option for students to work with just one horse on a regular basis without the commitment of ownership. Leasing is available to compliment but not replace riding lessons. In addition to lessons, unsupervised ride time gives riders a chance to practice skills on their own time, improve their riding fitness, and improve their communication with the horse.
Because these rides are unsupervised, leasing is only available pending trainer approval to make sure it is a safe and positive experience for both horse and rider.
Clinics and other Opportunities
Periodically throughout the year the Four Winds schedules riding and horsemanship clinics as well as fun community events. Some of these opportunities are open to all students, and some are reserved for more advanced riders. If there is a special event or clinic you are interested in attending, please chat with your trainer to determine if it will be the right fit for you!