At RH Farm, we pride ourselves on using rescue horses for all (or nearly all – depending) our riding lessons. Because of this, our program really develops true horse(wo)manship and both feel and understanding for the equine experience. We have differently skilled horses for all levels of riders, beginner through advanced, and believe that each horse has something valuable to teach us.
Both English and Western lessons are taught with a focus on muscle building, balance, and coordination between seat, hands and legs. Our focus is to maintain a positive learning atmosphere, with the students’ success (however they define it) and safety as priority.
Younger riders are often featured in our photos here, but we have equestrians of all ages and genders from as young as 4, to 64 and up!
LESSON RATES
1 HOUR PRIVATE LESSON // $50
Lesson includes grooming and tack up time until students can comfortably catch and tack up the horse on their own. Only then are they encouraged to come early so more time can be spent in the saddle.
1 HOUR SEMI-PRIVATE LESSON // $45
Students must be able to walk, trot and steer confidently on their own before joining a group.
*NOTICE Due to issues with missed payments, new students must Pre-Pay for their first lesson, with future lessons paid for in installments of 4 or 6.
*CANCELLATION POLICY* We MUST be notified a minimum of 24 hrs in advance if you intend to cancel your lesson. No-shows, or late cancellations will be charged the full cost of the lesson.
In the event of inclement weather (rain / excess heat or cold), students will receive notification of lessons to be cancelled. In the event there is an emergency cancellation on our end, students will receive a $5 discount for their next lesson. Additional policies below.
LEASING RATES
Leasing a horse is a great way to step up commitment on your riding journey without the full cost and liability of owning your own horse. Riders at a certain level may lease a horse to ride on their own several times a week, and use that horse in lessons as well. Tack and grooming tools are provided, but leasers are welcome to use their own if desired.
PARTIAL LEASE // $250 per month
Lease includes 2 free rides per week, lessons not included. *Missed rides do not roll over.
FULL LEASE // $400 per month
Lease includes 4 free rides per week, lessons not included. *Missed rides do not roll over.
SINGLE RIDE (Arena or Trail) // $50 per ride
“LEARNING TO RIDE HORSES IS NOT
A TASK – IT IS A JOURNEY.”
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
We have both Western and English lessons available.
We work at the student’s pace to expand their riding skills to walk, trot and canter while steering confidently. Students who wish to learn to jump may do so – we have an advanced instructor available for those who are ready.
Which style should I ride?
Western riding encompasses many disciplines – barrel racing, reining, mounted shooting and many more. We focus on Western Trail, which differs from English with a deeper-seated saddle, longer stirrups and a more relaxed posture. Riders who want to ride trails should start with this style.
English riding is more close-contact and “involved” than Western. Disciplines include Dressage, Showjumping, Eventing and others. We teach forward-riding Hunter or Hunter-Jumper style. The saddle is more forward cut, and the stirrups are shorter. Riders who want to jump should start with this style. We also attend local schooling shows regularly if you would like to join us and experience the show atmosphere!
Can’t decide? We never lock students in to a particular style! Switch disciplines for a lesson, or try for a few months – it’s okay with us. We typically start brand new riders who don’t have a preference in a Western saddle as it has a more secure seat and the horn for holding on until balance is developed.
WHAT TO EXPECT: YOUR FIRST LESSON
New students must complete an evaluatory lesson prior to being admitted to the program. This benefits the rider in helping them determine if they enjoy riding, enjoy the instruction style, and are – most importantly – having fun!
Trail Program
We have acres of trails that follow the perimeter of our property. We conduct a simple “trail test” for any rider who would like to ride on their own without an instructor, to make sure they can control a horse should unforeseen circumstances arise, and stay safe while riding at speed.
For the same price as a lesson ($50) students who are cantering comfortably may do a trail ride with the instructor instead of a lesson. Riders 14+ may take a “trail test”, and once passed, take out a horse for trail on their own without an instructor
Depending on skill level we may allow an experienced student to accompany a newer rider.
Boarders and approved Leasers are always welcome to take a ride on the trails anytime.
We do not provide public trail rides at this time.
Coming Soon: TRAIL CLUB
EVERY 3rd SUNDAY
2:30 PM TACK UP
3 PM RIDE
Come Ride
Our Trails!
Trail Club will be offered to current riding students and family members only!
$50 per person. 1 Hour.
The trail will run with a guide, and be walk/trot only.
If you are nervous around horses we do not recommend this activity for you. Our horses are not the type of horses where you “just sit there”. They require simple steering and handling, but they do not just follow blindly.
ADDITIONAL POLICIES
We do not provide refunds if a student falls off a horse or is injured. As Equine Activity Sponsors we are covered by CHP 99E of NC Statutes law and are not liable.
We make every effort to ensure a safe environment for our horses and students, but cannot control errant actions made by students, or results due to a students’ inability to follow their instructor’s directions. We do not provide refunds for shortened or terminated lessons due to a student’s unsafe activity or sudden injury to the horse. Our instructors reserve the right to terminate lessons at their discretion if they judge there to be excessive disregard for instruction.
Horses are not machines and cannot be expected to perform 100% of the time. They have “off days” just like humans. If the selected horse becomes uncooperative, instructors reserve the right to alter the lesson goals (including non-riding activities) or change horses if this is the case, but no refunds will be given.
RH Farm 