Lessons

Lessons

I specialize in building rider confidence. Lessons are given in a patient, calm and quiet manner and we have fun. We go at your pace and no question is considered a dumb question. I also work with those who have been traumatized or have fear issues. If you have had a bad experience with a horse, and would like to try again, I can work with you to help you overcome your fears.

Beginner to advanced, those who have never ridden, those who want to brush up on basics, build their confidence, develop a better seat and hands and learn how to communicate with and understand her/his horse.

Private lessons available in Natural Horsemanship, dressage, english, western and trail riding.

Lessons are $40.00 per hour. Some of the topics covered are grooming, horse handling safety, proper tacking and untacking, and training your horse to stand still while doing these tasks. Ground work exercises are taught during the beginning of the lesson, to get you and the horse's mind focused for a better riding experience.

All offsite lessons are a minimum of two hours and may include an additional travel fee.

24hr notice required for lesson cancellations.

All horses that come on the farm must be up to date on shots.

If you have a green horse and you are a green rider, but want to learn with your horse, thats great. But please do not expect your horses progress to be as fast as if you sent the horse to me for training first. For example, a horse sent to me for training gets worked 3-5 times a week, if you take a lesson with your horse and then go home and don't do anything for a week, you forget and the horse forgets, thus less progress is made. You need to be fair to your horse and yourself.

Amy helped me learn to trust my horse, and earn his trust. She thinks about the rider and the horse while most trainers focus on one or the other. She knows how to teach, figures out your style and helps you to build confidence. She is friendly and knowledgeable. I cannot say enough good things about her!

Catherine Adams, Santa Clara, CA

Frequently asked questions:

Q: How long will it take me to learn to ride a horse?
A: That depends upon you and the horse you are riding as each of us learns at a different pace, but the important thing is you will have a fun time learning.

Q: How old does a child need to be to start riding lessons?
A: There isn't an age limit, but there is a limit to what the child can do physically on a horse.

Q: Am I too old to learn to ride?
A: You are never too old to learn to ride. I have worked with students of all ages, young and old. Age isn't the limiting factor, its our thinking and fear that we have to work through as we build our confidence.

Q: What will I need to purchase for riding lessons?
A: A pair of boots with a heel that provide support is all you need to get started. I have riding helmets available for your use but I recommend purchasing your own for the perfect fit, if you decide riding is something that you enjoy and are going to contine to do.

Q: I have never been on a horse, can I learn?
A: Yes! I teach all aspects of horsemanship from getting the horse out of the stall or pasture to grooming, saddling, riding and then untacking, grooming and cooling off the horse. One very important thing I teach is disengaging your horse, in other words, your horses emergency break. I go at your pace and teach you to be a safe independent rider, not a passenger.

Q: How many times a week should I take lessons?
A: That is up to you. Most students take a lesson once a week. I encourage students to take a lesson once a week and then practice that lesson a few times a week at home (if they have their own horse). Repitition will help you retain what was taught at the lesson and soon it becomes ingrained in your brain.

Q: Do you teach group lessons?
A: Currently I only teach private lessons so I can concentrate on the student and help them know the exact moment when they are doing something right or wrong, so they know what the feel is when it is correct. I give individual concentrated attention to each student, that way each student gets the most out of their lesson. I also feel it is safer for the beginning student to be in private lessons.

Q: I don't have a horse do you have lesson horses?
A: Yes, I have three lesson horses. Please visit the horses page for more information.

Q: I have a horse but I don't have a truck and trailer to get to your stables. Do you travel?
A: Yes, lessons off site are two hours minimum and a travel fee may apply depending on your location.

Q: If you train me and my horse how long will it take to train us?
A: Longer than if I trained your horse myself because you are also learning. It also depends on how much time you put into training your horse after the lesson is over. Repitition, consistency and frequent training sessions are the keys to training your horse. The more time you put into your horse, the more you will get out of them. We live in an instant society, but the horse has not changed and you have to invest time into their training.