HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS
THE EXPERIENCE
Riding and Horsemanship skills
The Equestrian Programs at Chestnut Ridge are designed with children in mind! Our certified instructors teach safe horse skills so that all people can feel comfortable and confident with big animals, on the ground and riding them. Riders learn to work together as a team with our staff and the horses to gain new skills and have FUN! All this takes place in the riding arena and on the 362 acres of beautiful trails of Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center!
Western and English riding available.
We use the HorseSense Learning Levels system to help you and your rider know what skills are being learned.
Spring 2024 Lessons
Offered Mar 4 - May 16, 2024
Private Lessons
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Offered Monday or Thursday at 10:30 am by reservation. Or by request at other times.
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Approximately 15 min saddling time, 45 min riding time
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1-3 riders per lesson time, $55/rider/lesson
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All riding experience levels welcome, ages 5 to adult
Small Group Lessons - After School
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
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No more than 6 riders in a group, $50/rider/Lesson
Riders will learn and practice grooming and saddling as well as riding skills.
HORSESENSE LEARNING LEVELS
Red
Beginning riding and horsemanship basics such as: brushing, tacking, starting, stopping and steering the horse.
Kindergarten and up.
Tuesday or Thursday
Orange
Comfortable going, stopping and steering. Sitting the trot for short distances unassisted.
For riders with these skills in 2nd grade or higher. F
Monday or Wednesday
Yellow
Can perform a sitting and posting trot. Steer the horse at the trot.
For riders with these skills in 2nd grade or higher.
Monday and Tuesday
Green
Proficient at sitting, standing and posting trot. Learning to canter and jumping a single jump.
For riders with these skills in 4th grade or higher. Thursday
Blue
Confident at the canter and learning to jump multiple jumps.
For riders with these skills in 5th grade or higher.
Wednesday
POLICIES
To Ensure the Best Experience
ATTIRE
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Long pants
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Closed toed shoes with a defined heel (boot)
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Clothes should be comfortable, durable, and appropriate for the season
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For safety, long hair must be tied back.
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No dangling jewelry or scarves.
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Corrective eyewear should be appropriate for outdoor use
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Helmets are required (provided by Chestnut Ridge)
FINANCIAL
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A $45 non-refundable deposit is required at time of registration. This deposit is applied toward tuition.
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A monthly installment plan is available for the balance.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Riding activities may be cancelled at the director's discretion due to inclement weather. Parents will be notified of all cancellations. All riding activities cancelled for weather will be made up or refunded.
QUESTIONS
919-304-2178
WAIVER
Required for ALL riders
Please inform our staff of any special physical considerations
TRANSPORTATION
Not enrolled in Afterschool at Chestnut Ridge
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Transportation from local schools and an afternoon snack is available for an additional charge of $5 per week. Riders can be picked-up from the equestrian area at the end of their session.
Currently enrolled in Afterschool at Chestnut Ridge
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Riders will be transported to the equestrian area upon arriving to Afterschool. Riders can be picked-up from the equestrian area at the end of their session.
Winter Riding Lessons
Join us on Saturday Mornings in January and February
Can't wait for spring lessons to start? No worries! We're offering lessons Saturday mornings throughout the winter months. So dress warm and come out and join us for a ride!
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10 am to 12pm
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$55
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For 3rd graders and up who have some riding experience
2023/2024 Dates
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January 13
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January 20
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January 27
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February 3
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February 10
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February 17
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February 24
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March 12
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March 9
Please dress riders appropriately for the days weather. Multiple layers(pants and shirts/jackets) are recommended as well as gloves and hats.
Lessons are subject to cancelation if it is below 40 degrees or raining at the lesson start time.