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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. Students 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.

Fall 2026 Lessons

 

 September 14 to December 11, 2026

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​Group Lessons - After School  

  • 6 riders in a group

  • $55 per rider per Lesson

  • For riders 7 and older

Riders will learn and practice grooming and saddling as well as riding skills. 

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Private Lessons 

  • Offered by reservation only

  • Approximately 15 min saddling time, 45 min riding time. Hour long lesson.

  • $60 per rider per lesson

  • All riding experience levels welcome, ages 7 to adult​​​​​

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Riding Lesson Weekly Schudule

MONDAY

2 - 3:30PM

      -> Home School Lesson

4 - 5:30PM

Orange

Green

TUESDAY

4 - 5:30PM

Yellow

6:30 - 8PM

Blue

WEDNESDAY

2 - 3:30PM

      -> Home School Lesson

4 - 5:30PM

Red

Red

THURSDAY

4 - 5:30PM

Yellow

6:30 - 8PM

Blue

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HORSESENSE LEARNING LEVELS

Red

Beginning riding and horsemanship basics such as: brushing, tacking, starting, stopping and steering the horse.
2nd Grade and up.
 

Orange

Comfortable going, stopping and steering. Sitting the trot for short distances unassisted.
For riders with these skills in 2nd grade or higher.
 
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Yellow

Can perform a sitting and posting trot. Steer the horse at the trot.
For riders with these skills in 3rd grade or higher.
 

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. 

Blue

Confident at the canter and learning to jump multiple jumps.
For riders with these skills in 5th grade or higher.
 

Home School  Riding Lessons

For Riders 7 and Older
Monday and Thursday 

Join us on the weekdays for small group, beginner lessons! Riders will learn basic horsemanship on the ground and practice beginner and intermediate riding skills in the arena and on the trail. This is a great opportunity for riders who are homeschooled! 

  • 2pm to 3:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays

  • $220 for a 4 lesson package per rider​

  • For riders 7 and older

  • Trail and arena lessons

Session 1:

Sept. 14 to Oct. 5

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Session 2:

Oct. 12 to Nov. 2

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Session 3:

Nov. 9 to Dec. 7

NO LESSONS THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING

Please arrive wearing long pants. Riding boots and helmets can be provided by Chestnut Ridge.

Lessons are subject to cancelation if weather conditions are unsafe for riding.

Adult Group Riding Lessons

For Riders 18 and Older
Saturday Mornings 

Are you looking to get back in the saddle or maybe you've always wanted to try horseback riding but never had time as a kid then join us for our Saturday morning adult only riding lessons!

  • Saturday mornings, 8:30 to 10 am

  • $55​

  • For riders 18 and older

  • Trail and arena lessons

2026 Dates

  • Sept. 5

  • Sept. 19

  • Oct. 10

  • Nov. 14

  • Dec. 5

  • Dec. 19

Please arrive wearing long pants. Riding boots and helmets can be provided by Chestnut Ridge.

Lessons are subject to cancelation if weather conditions are unsafe for riding.

POLICIES

To Ensure the Best Experience
ATTIRE

  • Long pants

  • Closed toed shoes with a defined heel (boot)

  • Clothes should be comfortable, durable, and appropriate for the season

  • For safety, long hair must be tied back.

  • No dangling jewelry or scarves.

  • Corrective eyewear should be appropriate for outdoor use 

  • Helmets are required (provided by Chestnut Ridge)

  • CLICK TO LEARN MORE

FINANCIAL

  • A $45 non-refundable deposit is required at time of registration. This deposit is applied toward tuition.

  • 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

horses@campchestnutridge.org

WAIVER

Required for ALL riders

Please inform our staff of any special physical considerations

TRANSPORTATION

Not enrolled in Afterschool at Chestnut Ridge

  • 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

  • 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.

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Transportation is not available for Home School Lessons and 6:30pm lessons.

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