Questions Before
You Ride?
Find answers about getting started, what students learn, what to bring, and the costs of riding lessons.
GOOD TO KNOWEXPLORE TOPICS01 / 04Getting Started
Who can ride, what the first step looks like, and what families need before a lesson.
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Lessons are available for children ages 6 and up. Instruction is tailored to each rider’s experience and development.
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Absolutely yes! We encourage riders of all ages. Jamie, our manager, started when she turned 50.
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Due to structural limitations in our barn, you will probably encounter children before and after your lesson. During your lesson in the arena, no children will be riding.
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Maybe. Lessons incorporate adaptive teaching methods and sensory-integrated techniques tailored to each student’s intellectual capabilities. We encourage parents to call us to discuss possibilities for their children. We are not trained or equipped for students with moderate to severe physical or development limitations. We recommend The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center for these students.
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Private, one-on-one instruction provides dedicated attention from the trainer, ensuring maximum safety and focus. Group lessons compromise safety and reduce the instructional focus needed when a beginner is learning to handle a 900 to 1,300 pound animal.
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You can review the lesson documents in advance if you wish. The forms can also be provided at your first lesson; you don’t need to download them before coming.
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Lessons currently take place at 13350 Allen Road in Chaffee, New York. See the Location page for a map, directions, and arrival details.
02 / 04Lessons & Horsemanship
What riders learn in and out of the saddle as their skills develop.
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Every rider learns complete horsemanship from the ground up. Before mounting, students learn ground safety, grooming, tacking up, and basic horse body language. Handling and caring for the horse builds essential life skills like personal responsibility, self-discipline, and confidence.
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Instruction covers core riding fundamentals that apply across English (Hunt Seat, Equitation, Jumping), Western (Western Pleasure, Horsemanship), and Ground Showmanship disciplines. Once riders master basic balance and control at the walk, trot, and canter, they can specialize in the discipline that matches their interests and goals. Explore lesson levels.
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No. Lessons are conducted using safe, well-trained lesson horses carefully paired with students based on their age, height, and riding capability. If a rider develops an interest to lease or own a horse, our team can facilitate that process.
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Competitions may become part of the program as riders progress. When plans are confirmed, we’ll share event details and any entry forms families need. Ask us about your riding goals.
03 / 04Equipment & Scheduling
Practical details that help riders prepare and plan.
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ASTM/SEI-Certified Equestrian Helmet: A properly fitted, certified helmet with the chin strap securely fastened is mandatory for all mounted riders to ensure head safety.
Heeled Riding Boots: Paddock boots or tall boots featuring a distinct 0.5-inch heel to prevent the rider's foot from sliding completely through the stirrup.
Long Pants: Fitted long pants, riding breeches, or jeans that protect the skin from friction and chafing against the saddle.
Fitted Upper Attire: Comfortable shirts or layers that are reasonably close-fitting to prevent loose fabric from catching on tack or equipment.
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Specialized equestrian retailers
Stagecoach West: Carries Liberty, Troxel, and Ovation with knowledgeable staff. Located in Irving, NY just off the Thruway.
SmartPak Equine: Offers youth riding helmets with free return shipping on sizing exchanges to ensure a proper fit.
State Line Tack: Carries budget-friendly beginner dial-fit helmets (like Troxel Spirit and Sportage) suitable for growing children.
Tractor Supply Co.: Frequently stocks entry-level, ASTM/SEI-certified Troxel helmets in their equestrian/farm supply aisle.
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Lessons continue year-round! Facilities feature an indoor arena to ensure that riders never lose momentum due to harsh weather or winter mud seasons.
04 / 04Pricing &
Future Costs
A clearer picture of lesson pricing and expenses as riders progress.
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Private lessons are listed at $70 per hour. See lesson levels and pricing.
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Providing quality horseback riding lessons involves substantial overhead costs including maintaining the health, nutrition, and veterinary care for lesson horses. Facilities must also maintain infrastructure, including indoor and outdoor arenas, footing, and tack that undergoes constant wear and tear. Additionally, professional instruction requires dedicated one-on-one time from experienced trainers who prioritize rider safety, liability coverage, and individualized development.
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Activities for our children come with a cost. We compared our lesson cost to many of the common enrichment activities for children in Western NY to help parents make the best decision for their children and their pocketbook.
Horseback Riding $65 – $100 (excluding helmets, boots, breeches, tack maintenance fees).
Private Music $60 – $110 (excluding instrument purchase/rental, sheet music)
Gymnastics / Tumbling $50 – $80 (excluding leotards, grips, team uniform)
Martial Arts $50 – $75 (excluding Gi uniform, sparring gear, belt testing fees)
Swimming $60 – $90 (excluding swimsuit, goggles, caps)
Dance $50 – $85 (excluding shoes, tights, costumes, recital fees)
Youth Team Sports (Soccer, Baseball) $45 – $75 (excluding cleats, pads, bats/balls, league dues)
Work to ride opportunities may be available. This depends on the horsemanship skills, level of responsibility, and a private discussion with our team. There is no guarantee.
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Equestrian sports often add horse leasing fees, hauling fees, show fees, and mandatory barn memberships as a rider advances.
Looking for lesson details?
See the Lessons page for current levels and prices, or get in touch with a question about the right starting point.
Still have a question?
Tell us a little about the rider and what you’d like to know. We’ll help you find the right next step.