Interested In Lessons?
Northwestern Stables offers a variety of lessons for children (7 and older) and adults. Our 1-hour group lessons are offered year-round in 7-8 week sessions in Fall, Winter, and Spring and 4-week sessions in Summer. Riders are placed in group lessons based on their riding level. There are separate classes for children and adults. Classes fill on a first come, first served basis with current students receiving preference. New students should add their names to the WAIT LIST. You will be contacted when spots become available in an appropriate lesson. A limited number of Private and Semi-Private Lessons are available based on instructor availability. Please note, most private lessons are held during the week before 5 p.m. If you are interested, fill out the WAIT LIST and one of our instructors will contact you if they can accommodate you.
Lesson Types & Costs
- Group Lessons: Each one hour lesson is $55; however, riders must enroll in all the lessons in the session (8-16). Two weeks notice is required when ending lesson enrollment. Payment can be made online or by check or cash. Additional fees will be applied to credit card payments.
- Private (1 rider) and Semi-Private (max. 3 riders) Lessons: Can be scheduled in 1/2-hour and 1-hour sessions. Private and semi-private lessons may be purchased individually. Prices vary; however, a Private 1/2 Hour lesson is $55.
Classes For Youth (Ages 7-18)
This is a guide to understand the different riding levels taught at NWS. It is up to the trainer or instructor’s discretion to assign a riding level based on an observation during a lesson or conversation about the rider’s skills on horseback.
Riding Levels
Leadline
(For Ages 7-12. If you are a beginner aged 13-18, please contact us directly before signing up for a class.)
This rider hasn’t recently participated in a formal lesson and/or ridden a horse before. Riders should arrive 20 minutes early to participate in a barn lesson to learn how to groom and tack a horse. The next hour is the riding lesson in which students are paired with another rider and they share a horse. We require teamwork where one person will lead while the other rides. They then switch half way through and the leader rides.
Safe riding is all about establishing the proper seat and balance. A lot of this is accomplished by riding without reins which requires assistance. As the lessons progress, the rider becomes more independent in their riding and horsemanship skills. The goals for this rider are to develop a strong sense of balance, proper communication and steering. A beginner rider has strong balance in the proper English hunt seat position. They have learned how to steer his or her horse without a leader. They have an understanding of a posting trot and are working on sharpening that skill with a lot of practice.
Walk(W)
Riders in this group will be practicing their independent riding skills, such as maintaining the correct leg and heel position, holding the reins correctly, and maintaining balance. They will be mounted for the full hour. Riders will practice the rhythm of posting at the walk and will then begin to practice a posting trot for a short distance.
Beginner
Beginner rider are working on perfecting the posting trot, changing the diagonal and holding the two-point at the trot. This rider can safely control a horse in a group setting at the trot. Student will start to make trotting circles, figure 8’s and other exercises.
Intermediate
Intermediate riders are comfortable riding at the trot and canter. This rider knows how to ask the horse for the correct lead at the canter. Riders sharpen their skills on the flat and learn to jump courses of jumps.
Advanced
Riders jumping two feet and above are comfortable at all three gaits on the flat and cantering a full course of jumps. These students have knowledge of the many details that go into the horse and rider partnership. They are working on sharpening their technical skills on horseback.
Classes For Adults
NWS offers a limited number of classes for adults with riding experience. We do not currently offer classes for new adult riders.