Horseback Riding Lessons

Sumac Hill Farm Horseback Riding Lessons

Our program provides exceptional instruction that prepares our students to become comfortable as riders, and comfortable with horses under a wide range of conditions. Students will learn the basics of a horse’s nature and temperament, as well as how to effectively and safely partner with a horse on the ground and in the saddle. We work with our students to improve their practical knowledge of horses and horse handling, while they learn new riding skills with an emphasis toward learning “feel” for the horse.

Lessons will include:

  • Basic horse care

  • Haltering your horse

  • Horsemanship/horse care including hoof care and grooming

  • Ground work with lead rope and working with a horse at liberty

  • Choosing and caring for tack

  • Application of halter, saddle and bridle

  • Mounting and dismounting

  • Riding skill geared toward student goals (recreational trail riding, dressage and western dressage)

Book Your First Lesson Today

Schedule your first lesson or reach out to us to with questions.

Safety

Working with horses is a fun and rewarding experience. However, safety is one of our top priorities, which is why we ask that our students listen carefully to their instructor and follow all directions given. Following directions is one of the most effective ways to minimize risk of injury to both humans and the horses.

 

Dress Code

We require our students to dress appropriately for their lessons, as this helps to minimize potential injuries to the rider and horse. The following is a list of protective attires that students should wear during every lesson:

  • Helmet

  • Approved boots

  • Long sleeve shirt

  • English jods or denim jeans with no rhinestones, studs, etc. (no shorts)

  • Sunscreen

  • Gloves (optional)

 

Suggested Reading

We encourage all of our riders to explore horses and horsemanship outside of lessons. The following are a few resources that students can use to explore their knowledge and deepen their understanding:

  • “It’s Time to Ride… Do you know where your horses’s feet are?” by Katelyn Kent

  • “Western Training” by Jack Brainard

  • “Believe” and “Far Away Horses” by Buck Brannaman

  • “True Horsemanship Through Feel” by Leslie Desmond

  • “American Dressage” by Chuck Grant

  • “Horse Anatomy: A Coloring Atlas” by Robert A. Kainer

  • “Discovering Natural Horsemanship” by Tom Moates

  • “The Complete Training of Horse and Rider in the Principles of Classical Horsemanship” by Alois Podhajsky

  • “Centered Riding I & II” by Sally Swift

  • “Introduction to the Tellington-Jones Equine Awareness Method” by Linda Tellington-Jones

  • “The Art of Horsemanship” by Xenophon