What to expect on your first day at the barn.
Coming to a barn for the first time is a lot to take in. Here's what you'll want to know so you show up ready.
- Do I (or my child) need riding experience?
- Not at all. Many of our riders start with no previous horse experience — kids and adults alike.
- What to wear
- Breeches or long pants. Closed-toe shoes with a small heel (paddock boots are ideal). A fitted top and layers for the season.
- Helmets
- An ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmet is required whenever you're mounted. We have loaners for first lessons.
- When to arrive
- Come 10 to 15 minutes early. You'll help catch and groom your horse before you ride.
- What a first lesson looks like
- Meeting your horse, learning to lead and brush and tack, then time in the arena. Nobody gets rushed.
- Weather
- We ride year round. If it's raining hard, snowing, icy, below 25°F or above 100°F, we may cancel — you'll hear from us by phone or text.
More than riding
Riders here — kids and adults alike — learn to be patient with an animal that doesn't speak their language, to notice small things about how a horse is feeling, and to take real responsibility for another creature's comfort. That's most of what we hope they take home.
Schedule a first lesson