You can download our Release Form prior to your first lesson.
Click to download our complete Rate Sheet.
Riding Lessons
A Saturday group lesson.
Black Bay Equestrian offers lessons and lesson programs for riders of all ages and abilities. From the beginning rider learning basic skills, to the competitive rider who wishes to actively compete in area schooling and rated shows.
We enjoy working with both adult amateur riders and young riders alike, using positive training and coaching methods that take into consideration each rider's ability and riding goals with an emphasis on horsemanship, education and success.
Jumping lesson.
Group and/or private riding lessons are available depending on the needs and schedules of our clients. Our large, lighted all weather riding arena allows lessons and training to continue even in the rainy winter months. Safe, well mannered lesson horses are available and we can assist you in finding a suitable Hunter, Jumper or Equitation horse to lease or purchase at a later time.
Riding Lesson Rates
• Private LessonsAvailable on an individual basis, $60 for 1 hour.
• Semi-Private Lessons
(2 people) $45 per person for 1 hour
• Group Lessons
(3 - 5 people) $40 per person for 1 1/2 hours. Group riding lessons will not exceed 5 riders to ensure individual attention from the trainer.
•New Rider Program
$180 for 4 private lessons. Includes additional time to learn horse care, proper use of tack, basic equine anatomy, horsemanship and horse safety.
Lesson Packages:
• 3 or more Private Lessons - $50 each.
• 3 or more Semi-Private Lessons - (2 people) $40 each
• 3 or more Group Lessons Lessons - (3 - 5 people) $35 each
Children's Program and New Rider Program
A junior rider on one of our excellent lesson horses, Roo.
Roo is a 12 year old Lipizzaner mare and is an
ideal lesson horse with her patient, calm disposition.
New riders age 6 and up are always welcome! If your child has never ridden a horse before, we look forward to introducing them to the equestrian sport, helping them achieve their riding goals in a safe, professional and fun environment.
They will learn grooming, basic horse anatomy, correct terminology and care for their tack. Riding skills and equine knowledge are built up from week to week assuring a well rounded foundation in riding. We have well mannered, safe lesson horses and all the necessary tack, helmets and equipment to get them started!
Horsemanship & Education
All novice riders will learn to properly care for their horses and tack during riding lessons. Basic knowledge for the new horseperson should include how to safely and handle a horse on the ground, groom, tack and untack, properly mount and dismount and provide general care for the horse. We believe that proper basic horsemanship is an essential part of being a knowlegeable and safe equestrian.
If you are ready to take the next step in your riding, please contact us and we can customize a lesson program
for you!
Students learn many aspects of
horse care in the New Rider Program.
Geared to the child or adult beginner/novice rider, our New Rider Program is a four-week course that will safely teach you the basics of horseback riding. This one on one course assures individual attention from the trainer for an educational and fun experience. Join us and become familiar and comfortable with basic riding skills on one of our well trained school horses. You’ll learn important horsemanship skills, including:
- Grooming (caring for your horse before and after riding)
- Tacking up and un-tacking (saddle, bridle, etc.)
- Rider position
- Learning about riding aids
- Steering and controlling your horse
- The gaits of the horse - walk, trot, canter
and becoming comfortable with the first two - Learning the posting or rising trot and diagonals
- Horse, rider and barn safety
Program Fee: $180.00 for 4 private lessons.
Jumping Lessons
Jumping lessons are offered individually or as part of our training programs. Private and group lessons are both available. Trailer in clients are always welcome.
Recommended Riding Attire and Safety
Below is a list of riding attire suggestions and safety considerations that will help you get the most from your lessons. We are dedicated to making your riding experience both safe and enjoyable!- Helmets are required. Safety is the top priority in our riding lessons and students must wear a helmet at all times while on a horse. If you have your own ASTM approved riding helmet, please bring it. If not, we have approved helmets for students to use during lessons. Bicycle helmets and other helmets not designed for horseback riding are not allowed as they may not withstand the impact of a fall. If you choose to purchase a helmet prior to taking lessons, be sure to have it fitted with your hair completely under the helmet.
- Boots with at least a 1" heel are preferred. Please do not wear tennis shoes, hiking boots or sandals! If you do not have appropriate riding boots, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you with recommendations on where to purchase them.
- Breeches or jeans are suggested for riding. Pants should not be too baggy or loose, the same applies to tops.
- Please do not wear any loose jewelry, such as long earrings, bracelets or necklaces.
- Please arrive at least 20 minutes early for your lessons. Take the time to properly groom your horse. It reflects on your horsemanship and preparation is important in this sport!
- Never tie a horse to fence boards, stall doors, gates, etc. Always secure horses in cross ties.
- Please no loose visiting dogs. Dogs off leash may run and spook horses during lessons.
- Please do not visit the barn in any type of open toed shoes. We recommended that you wear boots at all times while handling or being near horses.
- In hot weather, make sure not to drink from containers that may be noisy from ice while near or on a horse. Doing so may spook the horse and cause a fall or accident.
Thank you for keeping these rules and recommendations in mind, they will help keep riding a safe, positive and fun experience!