Lesson Information

Cappaleigh Riding Academy offers a customized lesson program for riders ages 3 and up. Whether riding in a private lesson, or in a small group, we strive to help all of our riders to achieve their personal goals. With the emphasis based on safety, education, and fun, we produce competent riders that are also good horse people.

Along with our regular lesson schedule, we also have many unmounted horsemanship classes offered throughout the year. It is suggested that riders attend a minimum of 4 horsemanship classes per year to cover topics that we are unable to cover in our regular riding lessons. Horsemanship classes are rated at different levels to make sure content is appropriately presented to the level of the group.

Lesson Policies

Plan on arriving for your lesson 10 minutes early so that you are prepared to start on time. If you are borrowing items, such as helmet, boots, or chaps, please have the appropriate size selected prior to the start of the lesson. If you are able to catch and tack up safely on your own, arrive 30 minutes early to have your horse/ pony ready to ride at lesson time.

Cancellations: Lesson cancellation should be made a minimum of 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson time.

Weather Cancellations: In the event of inclement weather, your instructor will notify you of any cancellations. If you have any questions regarding weather cancellations, please call you instructor directly.

Riders Attire

Students must come neatly attired:

Helmets: All riders are required to wear a properly fitted ASTM certified helmet while mounted. If you do not own your own helmet, many are available for your use. Riders with long hair need to have their hair pulled back and secured at the base of the neck in a ponytail or braid.

Footwear: Close-toed shoes with a heel are needed. Please no high heeled boots! Paddock boots are suggested, and we have a variety of sizes available for students use. If you need to borrow boots, please inform us ahead of time of your size and we will let you know if we can accommodate you.

Clothing: Jeans or breeches are preferred with either chaps of half chaps. If you do not have chaps, please wear knee socks to avoid rubbing on your legs. A variety of chaps and half chaps are available in the Academy tack room. Shirts should be fitted or tucked in. No spaghetti straps or crop tops.

Lesson Rates

Lesson Payments should be made prior to the start of the lesson. Payments may be made weekly or in packages of 5 or 10. Limited full and partial scholarships are available, for more information and an application, please contact the office.

Young Rider Lesson - $40

The young riders program is geared for riders ages 3-6. The private lesson runs for 45 minutes and includes time for grooming and riding.

Private Lesson

Private lessons run approximately 1 hour in length. If riders are able to safely catch and tack their horse independently, they should come 30 minutes early and have their horse ready to ride at the scheduled lesson time. For new riders, young riders, and anyone needing additional assistance, grooming and tacking up is included in lesson time.

1 hour $45 / $40 for boarders

1/2 hour *- $35 / $30 for boarders

hour lessons are only available to riders that are able to prepare their horse independently.

Group Lesson

Group lessons run approximately 1 hour in length. A group consists of 2-3 riders of similar skill level. All new riders must start with a private lesson to assess current skills and determine group availability.

$35 / $30 for boarders

Hack Rides - $25

For riders seeking time outside of their scheduled lesson to work on developing strength, improving balance, and practicing concepts covered in their lesson, 1 hour hack rides are available. Scheduling use of a school horse for hack rides is for riders at an approved skill level, and must be completed during the designated time.

** The above lesson rates apply to lessons scheduled for Cappaleigh Farm only. If you are interested in lessons off-site at another facility, a travel charge will also be applicable.**

Horsemanship Classes - Fees range from $25 to $35 depending on teaching materials needed.

Horsemanship Class Topics:

• Grooming
• Tack and Fitting
• Horse Parts and Colors
• Equine Evaluation
• Beginning Jumping Theory
• Beginning Dressage Theory
• Equine Nutrition
• Basic Health Care
• Farrier care
• Longeing
• Introduction to Showing
• Equine Massage for the Horse Owner
• Equine Chiropractic
• Wrapping Basics

The horsemanship class schedule is available in the office. If there are any topics that you would like covered in a horsemanship class, please let us know.