Lessons
A YEAR OF RIDING
What you’ll learn
By the end of the year, most students will be comfortable:
*Walking and trotting bareback;
*Sitting and posting the trot;
*Cantering over uneven terrain, cantering in open areas, cantering in a way that is polite to the horse;
*Encountering a variety of water crossings, including opportunities to swim with the horses;
*Evaluating tack fit to horse and rider and understanding how important that is for the healthy working life of the horse;
*Handling common horse behavioral problems;
*Assessing lameness and basic horse health how-to’s
*Working with young horses and our mixed herd (goats, lambs, cattle… llama and camel coming!!)
You’ll get in GREAT shape, learn about principles of ecological restoration through mixed herd management and why that’s so important for horses, reduce anxiety and depression and get out of the matrix a little bit. Let’s face it: We ALL get too much screen time. See what your approximate $50/week investment can do your your physical, emotional and mental health.
With a focus on good, all around horsemanship, our lessons are suitable for beginner through intermediate riders looking to gain a more thorough understanding of horsemanship and proper riding technique, or more experienced riders who want to learn how to start horses, handle young horses, train and break, longe and drive. Novice youth riders age 12+ may join the lessons as long as they are able to follow multi-step instructions and refrain from hyperactivity.
Students will learn all the basis of horse care, horsemanship and horseback riding, including approaching, leading, tying, grooming, tacking, hoof care, basic wound care, lameness evaluation, saddle and gear fit evaluation, how to handle basic behavioral challenges, how to longe and more.
Interested in Western Pleasure, Barrel Racing, Cutting or Hunter classes? Check back in with us for the Spring 2020 Class Schedule. This summer, classes open July 16th and July 27th, and adults and youth riders (some age restrictions apply) can join in on our Regular Riders Program at any time.
When and Where
The year package of riding is good for a guaranteed 50 rides, once a week with two weeks in the year for holiday or break. Rides are offered weekly in Lockhart and Austin, and signup for rides will be available up to a month in advance. Classes are available Thursday through Monday, with morning and evening times which vary throughout the season based on weather and daylight. Our Lockhart location is one mile from downtown Lockhart, 20-40 minutes from Austin. Our Austin location is located near McKinney Roughs. We’ll provide directions upon registration.
These locations, as well as alternate locations which will be available for an additional trailering fee in Blanco, Houston, Matagorda, Killeen, Canyon Lake, Bastrop, Spicewood and more are always by reservation only out of respect to our hosts.
Lessons are generally about 3 hours long with mounted sessions approximately an hour and a half.
Price
There are three payment options.
Pay up front: No Registration fee. $2350 ($47/session).
4 Payments: $50 Registration fee. 4 payments of $650, $2,600 total ($52/session)
6 Payments: $50 Registration fee. 6 payments of $475, $2,850 total ($57/session).
For approximately $50 per week, you’ll have the opportunity to gain a lot of confidence in the saddle (or bareback!) and enjoy learning about horses in a natural environment: On trail!
How to Register
Spaces are limited. We are offering 60 students the opportunity to learn all about riding and so much more. Registration is available online (click on our tab BOOK ONLINE NOW) and complete registration OR schedule your first ride and save by mailing a check or paying in cash.
Registration opens 9/30/19 and is open through 12/22/19. Ride dates begin October 3rd with start dates beginning as late as February 1st.
PAY AS YOU GO
Purchase a package of rides for a 20% off discount. You can combine a minimum of 5 of the following: private one hour rides ($125), Lockhart Ranch Ride ($115), Lockhart Horsemanship Trail ($185) and Austin Rides ($125). These are for rides completed in consecutive weeks.
Example: Purchase 3 horsemanship trails, 1 ranch ride, 1 private ride and 1 Austin ride for $736, or 20% off of $920.
CHILDREN’S CLASSES
Beginners and Novice children’s weekly rides offered for $440 for 8 sessions. Learn to handle your horse with confidence and patience. Ages 6-9 require the parent to be a complete participant at all times. Suitable for ages 6-13. Mounted 30-50 minutes each lesson. Classes begin Tuesday, July the 16th 5-6pm and reoccur each Tuesday; Saturday July the 27th 7:45-9am. Packages are purchased four consecutive lessons at a time.
