Why ride at Willowbend?
- We teach you how to work around and with horses – it is so much more than riding!
- That is in addition to your lesson time – tacking/untacking doesn’t take away from riding time.
- Our two instructors are on the same page – you won’t be confused by rotating coaches.
- Our lesson horses are treated like the stars they are – the happier the horse the easier they are to ride.
- We show and it’s fun but there is no pressure to compete (but you can come watch and enjoy the day)
- Above all else we are all friends – it’s not uncommon for riders to hang out after lessons.
We are mainly a teaching barn both for our 2 and 4 legged clients (see our boarding page about training for your horse). Both of our instructors: Laura Johnson and Emily Merkel are CHA certified and have years of experience.
Group lessons are held most week nights and during the day on Saturdays. Our students learn how to ride with an emphasis on hunt seat equitation with the goal being to stay balanced with your horse to allow them to move freely and correctly. Additionally we believe in building a good relationship with each and every horse or pony you ride, to learn how to communication with them properly through correct aids, and to make the lesson enjoyable for both the rider and the horse. Our students are responsible for grooming and tacking up before their ride and for cooling out the horse properly.
Beginners start with 1/2-hour private lessons to learn how to work around the horses and the basics of control at the walk and trot before moving into a small group hour lesson. They still receive assistance getting their horse ready until they are competent and safe on their own.
Most of our lessons are hour groups with no more than 6 riders per group. We have everything from beginner walk/ trot group to much more advanced riders. You will be put in a group based on your ability and scheduling. We do offer private lessons as well.