Our riding lessons are for those striving for a little more than just the ordinary…
Classical Equitation offers horsemanship and riding lessons for all skill levels and age groups, from children to adults. Motivational group or private lessons are available with your own horse or with one of our school horses.
Connection & Horsemanship
Our horsemanship program focuses on the horse-human connection and on groundwork, to build a trusting relationship with our horses. We believe that riding starts with your feet on the ground. Learning the horse’s language and gaining better awareness of your own body language is an essential part of becoming a good and sensitive rider.
The horsemanship program teaches the fundamentals every equestrian should learn from the beginning. These fundamentals will cover how to safely connect with and work around a horse, how to halter, lead, tie and groom a horse. We will also teach you how to tack up properly and how to get ready for riding, which includes mounting, proper position in the saddle and dismounting.
These classes are for beginners, new horse owners or riders who would like to work on their horsemanship and groundwork skills.
Riding Lessons
Our lessons are based on classical methods, are specific to each individual rider and can be taken in any direction and discipline. We primarily offer English riding instruction, but it’s not about the tack we use, its’ about horse and rider. From beginners to advanced coaching for the seasoned equestrian, we have something for everyone. Join us for fun, weekly riding lessons in our indoor riding arena (60′ x 120′).
Lil’ Riders
Beginner group lessons for children 4-6 years old.
Children learn how to be safe around horses, how to brush them and lead them. Children get to ride the horses in every session! We alternate between Vaulting (gymnastics on horseback), in-saddle and bareback riding. It’s all about mental balance, connecting with horses and have fun!!
Classes are sold in packages of 6 lessons. 1 hour, weekly lessons. 4-6 children in a group.
$189, taxes included
Including: Helmet rental, school horses and tack
Beginner Lessons
These one-on-one lessons are for beginners or confidence training, children 7+ and adults. Classes include introduction to safety around horses, groundwork for connection and learning how to ride on the lunge line before riding independently.
The rider will first learn how to communicate with the horse on the ground (body language). On the horse the rider will first acquire and practice a feel for sitting in balance and without tension at a walk. Step by step you learn the basic principles of the seat and application of the aids. Trot/Canter will be introduced individually on the lunge line.
Classes are sold in packages of 6 lessons. One-on-one for 30 minutes, once a week.
$252, taxes included
Including: school horse and tack
Group Riding Lessons
After the initial groundwork and riding lessons, advanced beginners can start with group riding lessons. Still working on the basics, the rider will gain the feel to navigate the horse through new moves and exercises, working on a solid foundation to take into any direction they want to accomplish in the future.
Intermediate riders develop their riding skills at a trot and canter, and learn more about horse care and stable management. Beatrix’s accomplished instructions help the rider to gain a balanced, supple seat and above all, “feel” and sensitivity for a harmonious connection with the horse. Once someone is secure enough in the saddle in basic Dressage exercises, training in two point position and working over ground poles can be introduced.
Advanced level classes are for ambitious riders who want to achieve a higher level in detailed riding.
Classes are sold in packages of 6 lessons, for children 7+, youth and adults. 1 hour, weekly lessons. Up to 4 riders.
$283.50, taxes included
Including: school horse and tack
Semi-private & Private Riding Lessons
To focus on the individual needs…
Semi-private lesson (2 riders), 1 hour
Package of 6 lessons: $346.50, taxes included
_________________________________
Private lesson 1 hour: $93.71, taxes included
Package of 6 lessons: $535.50, taxes included
Private lesson 1/2 hour: $44.10, taxes included
Package of 6 lessons: $252.00, taxes included
Cancellation policy
We please ask that all cancellations be made 24 hours in advance. Riders/students are allowed one cancellation per 6 lesson package.
Short notice/same day cancellations and no shows are non-refundable. Emergencies are exceptions. No make-up lessons for courses and camps.
Late arrivals: If you arrive late to your scheduled lesson, your lesson will end at the regularly scheduled time.
Weather cancellations: Classical Equitation reserves the right to cancel lessons due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Lessons might be cancelled in severe weather such as thunder and lightning, heavy rain/ downpour, hail and sleet. We will endeavor to provide as much prior notice as possible. Remember that weather conditions at the barn may be different from weather in your area at any certain time. If we have to cancel due to these reasons a make-up lesson will be added.
Payment
We ask for full payment within 24 hours of signing up to hold your spot.
Payment forms accepted: Cash, cheque or e-transfer. Please make cheques payable to Beatrix Strebel. E-transfer to: trix@classicalequitation.ca or 204-641-4268
Generally, the rider should wear comfortable, secure, and neat clothes, which will permit enough freedom of movement to ride comfortably.
The most important piece of equipment for a rider is an ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) approved helmet. The helmet should fit correctly and the chinstrap should be adjusted snugly.
The shoe or boot should be high enough to support the ankle. It should have a heel so the foot cannot advance too far in the stirrup, and the sole should be rigid for comfort and protection. Short boots can be worn with half chaps. Half chaps protect the rider’s calf from being pinched by the stirrup leathers. They are very practical and replace the need for (more expensive) tall leather or rubber boots.
Riders should wear long pants that are stretchy with no inseams. Inseams can cause painful chafing.
Gloves protect the rider’s hands from blisters and calluses. They prevent the rider’s hands from slipping on the reins, and also provide warmth in cold weather.
For early lessons the novice rider simply needs to wear something tough and comfortable. Rubber boots or hiking boot is possible, but shoes must have a proper heel and a sole with a tread. An ASTM approved riding helmet is essential from the onset.
