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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. 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.

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Fall 2025 Lessons

 

Offered September 15 to December 11, 2025

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Private Lessons 

  • Offered Thursday at 10:30 am by reservation. Or by request at other times.

  • Approximately 15 min saddling time, 45 min riding time

  •  1-3 riders per lesson time, $55/rider/lesson

  • All riding experience levels welcome, ages 5 to adult

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​Small Group Lessons - After School

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm  

  • No more than 6 riders in a group, $50/rider/Lesson

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

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Blue Level Lessons at 4:30 pm to 6 pm offered on Mondays and Thursdays only for Fall 2025.

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HORSESENSE LEARNING LEVELS

Red

Beginning riding and horsemanship basics such as: brushing, tacking, starting, stopping and steering the horse.
Kindergarten and up.
Wednesday and Thursday

Orange

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

Can perform a sitting and posting trot. Steer the horse at the trot.
For riders with these skills in 2nd grade or higher.
Tuesday and Wednesday

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. Tuesday

Blue

Confident at the canter and learning to jump multiple jumps.
For riders with these skills in 5th grade or higher.
Monday and Thursday at 4:30pm to 6pm

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!

  • 10:30 am to 12pm

  • $55​

  • For riders 18 and older

  • Trail and arena lessons

2025 Dates

  • October 4

  • October 11

  • October 18

  • November 1

  • November 8

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

Lessons are subject to cancelation if it is below 40 degrees or raining at the lesson start time.

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!​

  • 10 am to 12pm

  • $55​

  • For 3rd graders and up who have some riding experience

2025 Dates

  • January 25

  • February 1

  • February 8

  • February 15

  • February 22

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.

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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