Frequently Asked Questions & Barn Policies
FAQs
The difference comes down to availability and price! The lessons themselves are no different.
If you're looking to take consistent weekly horseback riding lessons, you're best off enrolling in the Lesson Program. Enrolling means you'll have an instructor, horse, and day/time slot reserved for you regularly. The Lesson Program includes one lesson per week, and is paid for on a monthly basis.
We understand life and schedules can be tricky, though, so if you're unable to commit to consistent weekly lessons, we also offer Drop-In Lessons. Please note that Drop-In Lessons are only available when there's room on the schedule and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Many riders begin lessons around age 6 or 7, depending on their comfort level and ability to follow instructions. Younger riders may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
Nope! Woodstock Acres Riding Stable has a group of experienced lesson horses and ponies that are carefully selected for their temperament and suitability for riders at different levels.
However, if you do have your own horse and want to trailer in to take lessons with Rebecca or Chaney, just let us know!
Riders should wear:
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Long pants (leggings or jeans are acceptable) or riding breeches (recommended)
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Boots with a small heel (Absolutely NO flat or open-toed shoes)
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A properly fitted riding helmet
Loaner helmets are available for beginners.
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We understand, life happens! If for some reason you are unable to attend, please notify your instructor within 6 hrs of your scheduled lesson or your lesson will be billed and ineligible for makeup.
If lessons require cancellation due to inclement weather, rescheduling will be offered to impacted students within 30 days of the cancellation.
Lesson Policy, Barn Rules & Safety Information
Our goal at Woodstock Acres Riding Stable is to provide a safe, consistent, and high-quality program for both our horses and our riders. Before you join us, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our safety notices and policies to ensure the health and safety of everyone at the farm.
Equine Activity Liability Notice
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52‑557p, an equine professional is not liable for injuries or death resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.
These inherent risks may include, but are not limited to:
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The unpredictable behavior of horses
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Natural hazards such as uneven ground
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The possibility of a rider falling or being injured while participating in equine activities
All riders and visitors should be aware that working with horses carries inherent risk.
Lesson Policy
As of March 1, 2026, all horseback riding lessons at Woodstock Acres must be scheduled and paid for through monthly enrollment. The previous pay-per-lesson/ad hoc scheduling model is no longer available.
When a rider is enrolled, a specific horse and instructor are reserved for that rider each week. This structure allows us to properly manage horse workloads, instructor schedules, and the continuity of care for our animals.
Lessons must be paid in full at the beginning of each month, prior to the first scheduled lesson. Riders will have a consistent, agreed-upon lesson time each week.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my lesson?
If you are unable to attend a scheduled lesson, you must notify us at least 24 hours in advance. With adequate notice, a missed lesson may be rescheduled within the same month, subject to availability. Lessons not rescheduled within the month will be forfeited. Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notice, will not be eligible for a makeup and refunds/credit will not be given.
Should lessons require cancellation due to inclement weather, rescheduling will be offered to impacted students within 30 days of the cancellation.
Can I add additional lessons to my monthly enrollment program?
Additional lessons may be added during the month at the enrolled rate, based on availability. Please consult with your instructor for more information.
All Woodstock Acres students are required to sign an acknowledgement form affirming that they have read and agree to the lesson policies.
Farm Rules
1. Drive very slowly on our driveway! Please keep our kids and animals safe.
2. Absolutely no open-toed shoes allowed in the barn or any horse areas.
3. No outside dogs allowed.
4. All children must have a parent or guardian supervise them at all times.
5. Children may not play unsupervised around the pond.
6. Do not throw items, including rocks and sticks, into the pond.
7. All spectators must remain in designated areas and are not permitted to participate in lessons - no "side-line" coaching or horse handling.
8. Do not feed the horses treats without staff approval. Some horses can become pushy about treats, which can be dangerous, and others may have dietary restrictions.
9. Please limit the number of spectators coming to view lessons. For safety reasons, we try to minimize distractions for both horses and riders.
10. Do not enter any paddock or stall without assistance unless directed to do so by Woodstock Acres staff.
11. Dress appropriately for the weather.
12. All riders are required to wear a properly fitting ASTM Approved riding helmet while mounted, along with heeled boots and long pants (no sneakers or flat-soled shoes).
13. Please stay in the barn area. The garage, chicken coop, main house, and swing set are not public amenities.
14. Do not enter staff-only areas, including the hay loft, tractor shed, or shavings storage.
15. Be kind to other people and respectful of animals. Excessive roughness and abusive actions and/or language will not be tolerated.
16. Respect everyone's journey. Bullying in any form is not tolerated.
17. Clean up after yourself and your horse!
All Woodstock Acres students, boarders, and clients are required to sign an acknowledgement form affirming that they have read and agree to these rules.
