Pony Dream Farms

Lesson Registration Form  (doc. file)

Lesson Registration Form (txt. file)

OUR TEACHING

Lessons are available year round throughout the week for ages 5 through adult. We teach English Flat, Hunter Jumper, and Pleasure Riding.  We also include occasional trail riding as part of our program.

Our goal with each student is to have fun, build confidence, and progress steadily and safely. Students learn to ride all of the basic gaits: walk, trot, and canter. These skills are then refined to include an understanding of proper balance, collection, extension, and true communication with the horse.

Once students have gained some experience, they are encouraged to train in the interest/discipline of their choice, such as Hunter Jumper, Dressage, Western Pleasure, Western Speed, or Trail Riding.  In addition to training under saddle, we focus strongly on horsemanship knowledge.

Students may board their horse or pony at our facility, or they may trailer in to the facility. (Negative coggins required, no stallions please)  We also have several wonderful school horses and ponies available for use in lessons.

HOW TO START

See our schedule below for available openings, then just call or email us to reserve. We try to keep this page updated frequently.

Currently, we teach primarily on Mondays (Intermediate-Advanced lessons, Contact Ms. Anna Mullins at annamullins@gmail.com) , Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We have a Spring Lesson Session which is March/April/May, a Summer Session which is June & July.         We often take August off due to the excessive heat in our area, and then we have our Fall Session which is September/October/November. Lessons during the winter depends on the severity of the season and the requests of our families, although we often have some fun holiday activities!

The only gear a student needs for the first lessons are: sturdy boots with a low heel (required), blue jeans or breeches/jodphurs, and appropriate dress for the weather.  ASTM/SEI Approved Equestrian Helmets are also required for all riding students, and can be provided for up to the first (4) lessons. Troxel is the most well known brand, and costs start at approximately $30. After the first month of lessons, the student will need half chaps. These can also be purchased for about $30 at most tack stores or online.

All students start with an introductory lesson.  In order to continue in our program, lessons are then scheduled by the month with a minimum of 1 lesson per week.  The lesson day and time is scheduled in advance and paid by the first lesson of the month or earlier.  We do not encourage drop in lessons, and only make exceptions for special occasions or for those visiting from out of town.  This system has worked very well for the school for years, and allows the student consistent practice in order to reach goals, and also allows the school to maintain a more consistent schedule.

Make up lessons are scheduled in the event of rain or severe weather. Severe weather can include weather advisories (severe heat, freezing, travel, tornado, etc.) by the National Weather Bureau, lightning, etc. If you must cancel a lesson, we will give a makeup date as long as we have 24 hrs notice. On rare occasions there is an instructor that needs to reschedule. Drop in lesson payment is due at the time of service.

Rates:
All lessons are $35. If using Pony Dream Farms lesson horses and tack, there is an additional charge of $10 per lesson.*

Beginner lessons consist of learning ground safety, understanding horse behavior, handling the horse on the ground, grooming, tacking up, and mounting properly. Once the student has learned how to do this safely and correctly, the student is encouraged to arrive early to indpendently accomplish these tasks and meet their instructor in the riding arena.  If parents or grandparents would like to learn these horsemanship tasks without compromising the responsibility and independence of the child that is permissible, but please be sure to wear sturdy closed toed boots or shoes for your safety. Please try to arrive on time so that we can stay on schedule for the next class.

Classes are open to up to 4 students, unless otherwise requested. Lesson times are approximate. Please be flexible, as we have the variables of children, animals, and weather to always consider.  We always end lessons only when certain concepts have been accomplished, and when both the rider and horse have ended the lesson on a positive learning note.

Private Lessons-30 minutes

Semi Private Lessons (2 riders)-45 minutes

Group Lessons (3-4 riders must be riding at the trot independently)-1 hour

Beginner to Intermediate Lessons are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. as of September 7th, 2010.  To schedule, please email ponydreamfarms@yahoo.com.

Note: Please be sure to see our page on our new Saturday Horsemanship Camp! Starts Saturday September 11th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only $45 non students, $35 current students.

*If you wish to use your own horse or pony, you may trailer it in, or board it with the owner of Camp Creek Stables. The horse or pony must be appropriate for the student’s riding level, or we will be happy to assist with a training program. No stallions please, negative coggins required.