New Public Rider Evaluation & Public Riding Lessons

New Public Rider Intake Evaluation

This one-on-one lesson is required for all new riders to PARDS, as well as any returning riders who have not participated in a PARDS riding program within 90 days prior to the session they are registering for. The session introduces both groundwork and riding skills, helping riders become more comfortable with basic horse handling and riding, prior to group lessons.

The lesson then allows instructors to evaluate each rider’s ability, confidence, and experience level to ensure placement in the most appropriate group for future lessons.

The lesson includes a facility tour, safety, catching and releasing the horse, grooming, tacking and untacking and a riding lesson.
This lesson will be scheduled on an individual basis once we receive your registration.

Cost: $85.00
A current PARDS membership is required.

Public Riding Lessons (group)

Please Note: a New Rider Evaluation is required for any rider who is new to PARDS or any rider who has not ridden in a PARDS program for 90 days prior to the start of the session you are registering for.

If you love horses and want to learn more about them, PARDS’ public riding program might be the solution.

Our Public Riding Lessons are for anyone aged 7 and older. The lessons are geared toward many skill levels, from riders with little or no experience with horses to more advanced novice riders. Lessons are facilitated by qualified instructors, and are designed to help riders become comfortable with riding basics enabling progress to an intermediate novice riding level.

We run 3 – 10 week Public Riding Sessions that mirror the traditional school year. The programs are personalized to each rider’s abilities, giving you the choice of participating in any or all of the three, 10-week sessions. Throughout your session, our goal is to help you progress, perfect your techniques and most importantly, have fun!

Registration

When you pre-register with us, we will contact you approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the start of the riding session to schedule your riding time and confirm the session details with you. Payment must be received once a ride day/time has been offered to confirm your lesson space.

• Registration for each Session consists of 10 weekly lessons.
• Each Public Riding Session: $550.00/per session/per rider
• An annual membership fee per rider is required. Annual memberships cover the rider for unlimited programs and sessions.
• PARDS memberships are valid from January 1 through December 31.

Please contact us if you are having difficulty completing the registration information, or if you have questions. We are happy to help.

Public Riding Schedule:

• All lessons are offered in a group format
• Each weekly lesson is 45 minutes in length
• Horse is provided

Please refer to our Calendar or contact our office for exact start and end dates.

Ten Weeks of Lessons Offer:

• Lessons for riders age 7+ at the time of the session
• Grooming
• Tacking
• An indoor, heated arena
• An outdoor arena (weather permitting)
• A safe and fun riding experience

Benefits of Riding Lessons

• increased level of comfort around horses
• knowledge of the basics of horse care
• knowledge of the basics of riding technique
• new friends (both horse and human)
• confidence gained by working with a large, strong animal
• increased muscle strength and balance
• increased self-esteem

Clothing Requirements

• In order to take part in a lesson, each rider must wear:
  • An ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet
  • Riding boots or closed-toe shoes with a small, 1-inch heal
  • Long pants
• PARDS has a supply of riding helmets and boots if the rider does not own their own equipment.
• We recommend dressing warmly and in layers, especially during the colder months the arena is heated and is kept at 5C.
• For safety reasons, please do not wear jewelry or loose or bulky clothing that may catch on equipment. Please ensure clothing is comfortable and well fitted.

Need Financial Support?

There are organizations which may be able to provide financial support, please contact us for information.