General Questions

You can sign up for lessons by calling me (Savannah) at (352) 221-3194. I will be happy to help you schedule your first lesson!

We recommend lessons for riders ages 6 and up, with specialized instruction for kids, teens, and adults. However, we do offer a ”Little Britches” program for children ages 2-5. It’s never too late—or too early—to start your riding journey!

Our lesson prices vary depending on the length and type of lesson. Please contact us for more information on pricing.

At the discretion of the riding instructor, lessons may include barn skills, safety skills, groundwork, riding time, or unmounted horsemanship instruction. Each lesson is tailored to your goals and progress.

For steady progress and confidence in the saddle, we recommend riding at least once per week. Like any sport or skill, consistency is key—especially when building muscle memory, balance, and a bond with horses.

Riders with specific goals (like showing or advancing levels) often benefit from 2 or more lessons per week, or a mix of riding and horsemanship sessions. We’re happy to help you find a schedule that fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget!

We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Last-minute cancellations may be forfeited or subject to a $15 cancellation fee depending on the situation.

Not at all! We love welcoming beginners. Our program is designed to safely introduce you to riding, horse care, and barn etiquette, step-by-step.

Riders should wear long pants (jeans or leggings), a fitted shirt, and boots with a smooth sole and a 1” heel. Tennis-shoes are O.K. until you are able to purchase boots. We provide helmets for the first two lessons, though you’re welcome to bring your own ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet. 

Helmets designed for other sports (such as bike, softball, or football) are not permitted.

Skirts, dresses, slip-on shoes or sandals, and shorts are not appropriate for riding lessons and may result in the lesson being forfeited.

While helmets are not required, we encourage riders to wear them. All helmets worn must be ASTM/SEI Certified. Here is some important information regarding helmets:

Helmets designed for other sports are not safe or appropriate for horseback riding because they’re built to protect against very different types of impacts.

Here’s why horseback riding helmets are unique (and necessary):

1. Type of Impact

• Equestrian helmets are designed for falls from height (about 8+ feet when on a horse), often onto hard ground or into solid objects like fences or walls.
• Helmets for biking, skateboarding, or skiing are designed for horizontal impacts—like hitting pavement or other people—at lower height.

2. Coverage and Design

• Riding helmets provide more coverage at the back of the head, where riders are most likely to hit when falling off a horse.
• They’re built to protect the skull from sharp hoof impact, which no other sport requires.

3. Safety Standards

• Horseback riding helmets must meet ASTM F1163 standards (in the U.S.) and be SEI-certified.
• Bike or multi-sport helmets meet different safety standards (like CPSC or ASTM F1492) and aren’t tested for the same types of force or fall angles.

4. One-Fall Rule

• Certified riding helmets are designed for one significant impact—after which they must be replaced—even if there’s no visible damage. That’s because the internal protective material compresses and loses its shock-absorbing ability.

Bottom line:

Wearing a non-equestrian helmet while riding is like using a bicycle tire on a car—it might look similar, but it’s just not built to handle the same kind of stress or protect you properly.

Lesson horses are available on-site!

Yes! We welcome haul-in students who want to sharpen their skills, troubleshoot challenges, or prepare for shows with personalized guidance.

Q: What facilities do you have for haul-in riders?

A: We have a safe parking area for trailers, access to a well-maintained outdoor arena, round pen, and space to warm up. Water and tie areas are available—just bring your own bucket.

Q: Are there any requirements for haul-in horses?

A: Yes—horses must be current on vaccinations, Coggins, and deworming. Horses must be sound, well-mannered, and safe in a shared lesson space. New clients will complete a haul-in horse form before their first session.

Q: Can I work on specific goals with my horse?

A: Absolutely! Whether you’re focusing on groundwork, fine-tuning, tackling behavioral issues, or preparing for a show, lessons are fully customized to your goals.

Q: Can I schedule a one-time haul-in, or is this for regular students only?

A: One-time and ongoing haul-ins are welcome. We also offer training ride add-ons if you’d like help advancing your horse between lessons.

While all sports carry some risk, safety is our top priority. All instructors are trained in equine safety, and helmets are encouraged for all riders. Our lesson horses are experienced and paired with each rider based on the rider’s level.

Absolutely! We encourage parents to observe, ask questions, and be part of the learning process. Any guests are allowed for observing lessons—just be mindful of our barn rules and safety zones.

Yes! We also offer horsemanship clinics, youth camps, barn days, volunteer opportunities, special events, open arena hours for haul-ins, boarding, training & more. Keep an eye on our calendar or Facebook for upcoming events!

COMING SOON

Roots & Reins is our barn's youth mentorship initiative, designed to connect experienced riders with younger or newer students in a supportive, skill-building

partnership. Through shared time in the barn, the program fosters growth in horsemanship, responsibility, and confidence - both for mentors and mentees.

Who can participate?

• Roots Riders: Ages 6-12, typically beginner to intermediate level. Riders may benefit from this one-on-one time with a more experienced Guide, having the opportunity to advance quicker in barn skills, safety, and horse care outside of lesson time. Guides may also assist Roots Riders with their levels and goals packet.
• Rein Guides: Ages 13+ with solid riding experience, leadership skills, and a positive attitude. Guides receive volunteer hours and extra benefits at the barn through participating in this program!