Riding Lessons
At Woodstock Acres Riding Stable, horseback riding lessons are about much more than simply getting in the saddle.
Owner/head trainer Rebecca Barrette and assistant trainer Chaney Dean are passionate about developing riders who understand and respect the horses they work with. Our program emphasizes strong horsemanship, thoughtful instruction, and building a genuine partnership between horse and rider.
We offer lessons six days a week (Monday through Saturday) with experienced trainers and a wonderful group of dependable horses and ponies suited for riders of all ages from beginner through advanced.
Lessons are available exclusively through a Monthly Enrollment Program, which includes one lesson per week and is billed monthly. Weekly riders have a reserved lesson time, horse, and instructor, allowing them to build skills and confidence through consistent practice.
Bronze Lesson Package
Includes 1 lesson per week. Best for recreational riders or those just beginning their riding journey.
$260/month
Silver Lesson Package
Includes 2 lessons per week. Ideal for riders who are focused on making consistent improvement toward their riding goals.
$520/month
Gold Lesson Package
Includes 2 lessons and 1 practice ride per week. A great option for those competing or looking to balance instruction with independent practice.
$680/month
Additional lessons may be available for enrolled students upon request. Please see information and rates in the FAQ section below.
What You'll Learn
At Woodstock Acres Riding Stable, lessons focus on both riding skills and horsemanship. Students learn how to work with horses safely and confidently both on the ground and in the saddle.
Lessons typically include:
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Grooming and tacking up the horse
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Proper riding position and balance
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Steering and communication with the horse
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Riding at the walk, trot, and canter
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Arena exercises and patterns
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Understanding horse behavior and care
As riders progress, they may also have opportunities to participate in clinics, schooling shows, and other educational opportunities offered at the farm!
Frequently Asked Questions
For many years, we did operate on a pay-per-lesson or ad-hoc lesson scheduling model. Over the past several years, the cost of quality horses, their care, and facility maintenance has continued to increase significantly. We make every effort to keep our rates affordable and operate efficiently. Maintaining consistent, high-quality care for our horses requires predictable and dependable income.
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. Monthly enrollment is standard practice in many instructional programs (such as dance or martial arts) and is essential for the sustainable operation of our facility.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Our goal is to continue providing a safe, consistent, and high-quality program for both our horses and our riders.
Additional lessons may be available during the month at the enrolled rate, based on availability. We have a limited number of school horses, so if you would like to include an additional lesson into your monthly program tuition, please notify your instructor as soon as possible.
Additional Lesson Rates (for Enrolled Students Only)
- Kids 1/2 hr Private: $65
- 1 hr Group: $65
- 45 min Private: $75
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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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 or 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.
