We offer a variety of riding lessons in several disciplines. Whether you want to ride for fun or to compete, there's a place for everyone at Spirited Equestrian!

Types of Lessons

All of our riding lessons include one full hour of instruction covering the following skills:
  • Grooming the horse
  • Saddling and bridling
  • Ground skills such as leading the horse and moving around them safely
  • Riding the horse
  • Horsemanship-- learning to be a leader and a partner for your horse to create a mutually positive experience
Private Riding Lesson
Lessons that include one rider.
​ Private lessons are a great way to target your individual needs as a rider. The instructor's attention is focused on the student and their horse alone, so she is able to make more fine-tuned adjustments to their skills. Private lessons are a great option for students who are just learning to ride, as well as students who have been riding for years but would like to refine their abilities.
Semi-Private Riding Lesson
​Lessons that include two riders.
​​ Semi-private lessons are great for those who want to ride with others, but may not want to or be ready to ride with a larger group. These lessons provide the chance for more targeted instruction, without the distraction of steering around so many other people! Semi-private lessons are commonly booked by couples, siblings, and close friends that want to learn to ride together.
Group Riding Lesson
​Lessons that include 3 or more riders**.
Group lessons are a wonderful way to build community while learning how to ride! Your instructor will make sure you are paired with a group of riders that will challenge you to become a better rider, but will also encourage you on those inevitable "not-so-great" days.
Group lessons are a great option for students who learn by watching others and excel around other people.

**Due to our limited number of horses, one or more of the riders must own their own horse. Group lessons are for experienced riders only**
Liberty Lesson
​ ​ A private lesson where the student is guiding the horse through a series of maneuvers on foot without the use of a halter or ropes.
​Liberty is a wonderful option for students who want to build a stronger bond with their horse, aren't able to ride, or just have a passion for the art of liberty! Liberty lessons are 30 minutes rather than the typical hour-long lesson.

**Liberty competition team coming in 2024**

Disciplines

Western
Western riding is an historically American style of riding. Many people think of rodeos and the old west when they think of this discipline. Although there are still cowboys roping cattle and wrestling steer, we focus more on using our bodies to communicate to the horse, giving light cues to guide the horse through patterns and obstacles!
Liberty
Liberty is a riding style that focuses on developing a connection with the horse, giving them more freedom to choose with less equipment. Liberty can be performed on the ground or on the horse's back.

​Once trust has been built between horse and rider, you can even ride without the bridle completely!
English
English riding is one of the most common riding styles in the world! The saddle looks different from a western saddle in that it doesn't have a horn. English riding focuses on balance, clarity of cues, and making sure the horse is carrying itself properly.

You may have seen the riders in the Olympics with their "dancing horses" or the jumpers leaping over fences, racing against the clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old do I have to be to ride?
A: Students must be at least 8 years old to ride a horse independently.
Q: What do I need to wear to my lesson?
A: For safety, we ask all riders to come dressed in long pants, a shoe with a small heel, and weather-appropriate attire. We do require all riders wear a helmet, which we can provide if needed.
Q: How long are lessons?​
A:​ Riding lessons are an hour long, including the time it takes to get your horse ready. Liberty lessons are 30 minutes, but you won't need to get your horse ready beforehand!
Picture
Callie knows the importance of wearing a helmet, too!
Q: Do I need to have my own horse to ride?
A: No! We have a variety of skilled, trustworthy lesson horses for you to ride. We will pair you with the perfect lesson horse to meet your needs and further your riding skills! That being said, if you do own a horse, you are welcome to trailer them in for lessons. Please contact us for more information if this is the case!
Q: Do you give guided trail rides?
A: Although we love trail rides, our horses are not "trail horses", meaning they stick to the arena most of the time. During our regular lessons, we occasionally enjoy riding around the pastures, but we are not able to take students off our property for insurance reasons.
Q: What can I expect at my first lesson?
A: You can expect to have a blast! But you can also expect to meet Sarah, the trainer, and sign some paperwork. Once that's out of the way, you'll meet the horse you'll be riding and Sarah will show you how to properly groom them and how to tack up (get the saddle and bridle on the horse). Once that's done, you'll be guided to the arena for your riding lesson!

If you've never ridden before or you've never had to groom/tack up your horse before riding, the grooming process may take up the majority of your first lesson. That's completely normal! Once you've had a few lessons, this part goes much faster.
Q: What are your prices?
A: Please contact us for our prices. You can reach us by emailing [email protected]!

Still not sure? You can always schedule a free visit to the ranch where you can meet the instructor, the horses, and see the beautiful facilities at Dove Hill Ranch by clicking the button below!

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