Taking Lessons at DKF
We offer beginner lessons that include ground time, grooming and tacking instruction. Once young riders are proficient in this process, then lesson time will begin when mounted. All riders need to wear proper riding boots and a safety approved helmet. New riders must have a copy of a current medical insurance card, lesson contract and a signed release waiver on file. Lessons may include mounted exercises as well as theory lessons (unmounted). We ride both in and out of the ring for a well-balanced riding education.
Lessons are tailored to suit your needs whether for recreation or showing. Our training staff is experienced preparing horses and students of all ages and ability for the show ring. We have wonderful lesson horses to give every rider their start while preparing you for the next step toward leasing or owning a horse of your own or Learn How to Ride & Improve your skills, beginner through advanced.
Lessons operate year round.
Lessons are tailored to suit your needs whether for recreation or showing. Our training staff is experienced preparing horses and students of all ages and ability for the show ring. We have wonderful lesson horses to give every rider their start while preparing you for the next step toward leasing or owning a horse of your own or Learn How to Ride & Improve your skills, beginner through advanced.
Lessons operate year round.
Group Lessons
We believe that group lessons are conducive to an effective learning experience. Students are grouped with others of similar ability and riding style choice (English or Western). We offer Adult classes and classes for Children/Youth. Group lessons are excellent for many reasons. More opportunities for learning are available in group lessons because students can watch each other as they ride. Many exercises are done one at a time, and each student can watch and see what it looks like when another rider and another horse are doing what they also will do. They can learn not only from the instructional directions and explanations for their situation, but also from other student/horse situations in the class. They can learn and understand how other horses react with other riders in performing exercises that they are also doing with the horse they are riding. If more than one student in the class has the same thing to work on (example: keeping heels down), they can see what it looks like on another.
Group Lessons also contribute to a fun atmosphere to learn in. Being in a group with others who are interested in the same goals and joy of riding is not only educational, but social as well. Students bond with each other as well as their horses. Many classes stick together for multiple sessions and advance together in their abilities and enjoyment of riding.
Our group lessons usually have between 2-6 students riding and learning together. This number allows for enough opportunity to learn from each other and have fun, while still affording enough individual attention to work on skills and understanding.
Group Lessons also contribute to a fun atmosphere to learn in. Being in a group with others who are interested in the same goals and joy of riding is not only educational, but social as well. Students bond with each other as well as their horses. Many classes stick together for multiple sessions and advance together in their abilities and enjoyment of riding.
Our group lessons usually have between 2-6 students riding and learning together. This number allows for enough opportunity to learn from each other and have fun, while still affording enough individual attention to work on skills and understanding.
Private Lessons
Please inquire every situation and goals are unique. email us at: [email protected]
Pony Rider Lessons$45-90 a month
1-2 rides a month 15-20 Mins ride time (suitable for ages 3-7) Please arrive 5-10 min early WE DO NOT provide a helmet and other riding attire *Can be combined with other riders* |
Lead Liner Lessons$125 month
2 rides a month 20-30 Mins ride time (suitable for ages 6 and up) Please arrive 5-10 min early WE DO NOT provide a helmet and other riding attire. *Can be combined with other riders* |
Practice Rides
1. Riders may schedule a practice/unsupervised ride at a charge of $See current rate sheet on a DKF horse for each session on days that lessons are not being given.
2. Practice rides are available to riders currently in the lesson program with DKF.
3. Riders who wish to schedule practice sessions must be able to walk, trot, and canter independently.
4. Practice sessions are held in either riding arena. Riders may not ride outside of the ring unless scheduled for a trail ride.
5. Riders must adhere to all stable rules while on the property.
6. Jumping is only permitted with permission from instructor.
7. Practice sessions may last up to 30 minutes (ride time), and riders are expected to properly cool down their horses and clean all tack used.
-Supervised Rides are now available for students not comfortable on their own yet or worried parents who cannot watch their child after school hack
2. Practice rides are available to riders currently in the lesson program with DKF.
3. Riders who wish to schedule practice sessions must be able to walk, trot, and canter independently.
4. Practice sessions are held in either riding arena. Riders may not ride outside of the ring unless scheduled for a trail ride.
5. Riders must adhere to all stable rules while on the property.
6. Jumping is only permitted with permission from instructor.
7. Practice sessions may last up to 30 minutes (ride time), and riders are expected to properly cool down their horses and clean all tack used.
-Supervised Rides are now available for students not comfortable on their own yet or worried parents who cannot watch their child after school hack
Equipment Needed for Riding Lessons
Very little is required in order to begin your riding lessons at Dogwood Knoll Farm. We DO NOT provide helmets, we require that you purchase your own helmet and appropriate clothing.
** Important note: This equipment is not disinfected or cleaned in any way, so if you borrow it, you do so at your own peril!
Equipment can be purchased from The Tack Shack, or Dover Saddlery, The Tack Shack Va. or other area tack shop. Dogwood Knoll Farm requires helmets be worn at all times by ALL riders. We value you and your head, and we take our responsibility as role–models for our younger students VERY seriously. Any RIDING APPROVED helmet will do, your choice. You don’t need to purchase these things all at once! We recommend that you start with a helmet and work your way down the list.
** Important note: This equipment is not disinfected or cleaned in any way, so if you borrow it, you do so at your own peril!
Equipment can be purchased from The Tack Shack, or Dover Saddlery, The Tack Shack Va. or other area tack shop. Dogwood Knoll Farm requires helmets be worn at all times by ALL riders. We value you and your head, and we take our responsibility as role–models for our younger students VERY seriously. Any RIDING APPROVED helmet will do, your choice. You don’t need to purchase these things all at once! We recommend that you start with a helmet and work your way down the list.
- HELMET – Properly fitted ASTM/SEI Certified Riding Helmet. Any color is ok but if you’re going to show at any point you will want need a black one.
- BOOTS/HALF CHAPS – Paddock boots or field boots. Most riders find paddock boots with half chaps most comfortable. Black preferred. No rubber or PVC riding boots, please.
- BREECHES/JODHPURS – Riding pants. Any color is ok but will need to be tan or khaki if you’re planning to show (and don’t want to buy two pairs). (tight yoga pants also work)
- GLOVES - Gloves are great a snug proper fit is important.
- CROP – Any color is ok. You’ll want a black one if you show but make sure you put your name on it!
- SPURS – Ask your trainer if you’ve “earned your spurs”. If so, you’ll want a ¼” spur with black straps.
Policies and more
1. Lessons at DKF are held rain or shine. If a lesson must be cancelled due to inclement weather or other unavoidable circumstances, riders will be notified by their instructor.
2. For riders at DKF payment for each month’s lesson is due at the first day of each calendar month. Refunds will not be given for lessons. students that show up 30 mins late for 60 min lesson/ 15 min late for a 20 min lesson, with NO NOTICE/NO SHOW will be considered a forfeit and they will forfeit their lesson for that day (Your account will not be credited for a Make up Slot). If a student is late for any reason, the student will only receive the remaining time for that lesson.
After 2 no call no show we will not hold your time. Make Up Lessons will be scheduled if your account is in good standing; Lessons MUST BE CANCELLED OR RESCHEDULED 24 Hours before scheduled lesson time or you will forfeit your choice for reschedule and will not be credited.
4. Lessons last about an 30-50 mins. 30-50 minutes of the hour will be spent on horseback, while the remaining time, if any, will be spent on care of the horse. Young children and beginning riders may take a significant amount of time preparing their ponies to ride, but with experience, this time will be reduced. Jumping lessons and larger group lessons may extend past the one-hour time frame at no additional cost.
5. Please be aware that riders will fall while participating in this sport. Learning to fall is part of learning to ride. If uninjured, riders will be asked to get back on their horse and finish their lesson with a positive experience.
6. The Lesson Program is designed to introduce basic riders choice of style horseback riding in a safe and fun environment. Payment is due the 1st of the month, Other wise a LATE FEE will be added NO EXCEPTIONS
2. For riders at DKF payment for each month’s lesson is due at the first day of each calendar month. Refunds will not be given for lessons. students that show up 30 mins late for 60 min lesson/ 15 min late for a 20 min lesson, with NO NOTICE/NO SHOW will be considered a forfeit and they will forfeit their lesson for that day (Your account will not be credited for a Make up Slot). If a student is late for any reason, the student will only receive the remaining time for that lesson.
After 2 no call no show we will not hold your time. Make Up Lessons will be scheduled if your account is in good standing; Lessons MUST BE CANCELLED OR RESCHEDULED 24 Hours before scheduled lesson time or you will forfeit your choice for reschedule and will not be credited.
- VENMO, CashAPP, Paypal, Checks or cash are accepted. (VENMO is Preferred)
- Exact change is appreciated.
- All checks should be made out to Dogwood Knoll Farm or Adrienne C. Wyland.
- Any balances or credits due will be handled at the begging of each calendar month.
4. Lessons last about an 30-50 mins. 30-50 minutes of the hour will be spent on horseback, while the remaining time, if any, will be spent on care of the horse. Young children and beginning riders may take a significant amount of time preparing their ponies to ride, but with experience, this time will be reduced. Jumping lessons and larger group lessons may extend past the one-hour time frame at no additional cost.
5. Please be aware that riders will fall while participating in this sport. Learning to fall is part of learning to ride. If uninjured, riders will be asked to get back on their horse and finish their lesson with a positive experience.
6. The Lesson Program is designed to introduce basic riders choice of style horseback riding in a safe and fun environment. Payment is due the 1st of the month, Other wise a LATE FEE will be added NO EXCEPTIONS