Lessons
Lessons are by appointment only. We offer hunt seat (hunters, jumpers & equitation) instruction for all levels and ages of riding (pony rides for children 5 and under at regular prices), whether you are riding for your very first time, just having fun, or getting ready for or moving up in the show ring. Lessons are offered almost daily throughout the year (indoor and outdoor riding arenas), in private, semi-private, or group formats, and are typically offered as 1 hour (+/-) sessions.
Ride your horse or ours. We have a handful of reliable school horses, ranging from beginner levels through advanced. Some of our boarded horses are also optionally used in the lesson program. If you do not own a horse or your own tack/equipment, we will match you to a horse that is suited for your riding ability and provide you with tack and equipment. Safety is our priority and all riders or parents/guardians are required to sign a liability release!
We are excited to also offer riding and showing opportunities for our lessons students through our own Wishing Tree Show Series, off-site local and recognized shows, and through our middle and high school Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) riding teams (grades 4-12, experience dependent). Students do not need to own a horse if they wish to show.
The on-site instructor/trainer is Kelly Lasher, though many new-to-riding students may begin with an assistant instructor. All activities are fully insured. Meet Kelly here and know she is also available to teach off-site in the form of lessons or clinics! We also welcome haul-ins for lessons or rides.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Ride your horse or ours. We have a handful of reliable school horses, ranging from beginner levels through advanced. Some of our boarded horses are also optionally used in the lesson program. If you do not own a horse or your own tack/equipment, we will match you to a horse that is suited for your riding ability and provide you with tack and equipment. Safety is our priority and all riders or parents/guardians are required to sign a liability release!
We are excited to also offer riding and showing opportunities for our lessons students through our own Wishing Tree Show Series, off-site local and recognized shows, and through our middle and high school Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) riding teams (grades 4-12, experience dependent). Students do not need to own a horse if they wish to show.
The on-site instructor/trainer is Kelly Lasher, though many new-to-riding students may begin with an assistant instructor. All activities are fully insured. Meet Kelly here and know she is also available to teach off-site in the form of lessons or clinics! We also welcome haul-ins for lessons or rides.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- What equipment & gear do I need for my riding lessons, and what is the dress code? Riders should arrive in leggings or riding pants, boots with a small heel, and may wish to bring thin, grippy gloves, which are optional. Bundle up if the weather is cold, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. We have ASTM approved helmets, though riders that show an extended interest in riding lessons are encouraged to buy their own well-fitted helmets. Riding in tank tops, shorts, bicycle helmets, sneakers or open toed shoes, or boots without a small heel are not permitted. Long hair should be tied back in a ponytail, braid, or secured in a hair net for safety.
- Am I required to show? Absolutely not! Showing is 100% optional.
- What time should I arrive for my lesson? If this is your first lesson at our farm, whether you are an experienced rider or just starting out, please arrive just a few minutes prior to your scheduled lesson time; fetching, tacking & grooming the horse will be included in the allocated lesson time. Once riders are approved to independently lead, groom, & tack their own horse, they will be expected to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to their scheduled ride time and stay until the horse is properly taken care of and put away.
- How frequently are lessons scheduled? Riders may schedule lessons as frequently or as infrequently as their schedule and budget allows (pending availability), however, riders that are scheduling at a minimum of once per week will take a scheduling priority. It is recommended that students ride at least once per week; the more time in the saddle, the quicker progression of skill and confidence.
- Is a private or a group lesson right for me? All riders, no matter the experience (unless they are a prior acquaintance), are required to begin with a minimum of one private lesson. Beginner and novice riders may not join a group lesson unless they can independently groom, tack, care for the horse, and safely ride in a group setting, which will be evaluated and decided by the instructor.
- How long does a lesson last? Group and private lessons are approximately one hour long and may include time out of the saddle for grooming & tacking, experience dependent. There are occasions when a lesson will run slightly over or under an hour. Pony rides (kids 5 & under) are a 30-minute duration and include a brief , out-of-saddle, interaction with the horse.
- Can I rent a horse and ride without a lesson? No. Only boarders and leasers are allowed to ride on the premises outside of lessons.
- Do you offer trail riding? While we have scenic fields and a "laneway" to hack the horses, trail riding is not a service we offer to the public.
- Is there a weight limit to ride? Yes. Horses are not designed to carry more than 15-20% of their own body weight, which includes the saddle and equipment, especially for riders learning to balance. Our lesson horses range from 700lbs - 1200lbs. While this can be a delicate subject, feel free to set up an appointment or send an inquiry if you are unsure.
- What am I paying for in a lesson? Quite a bit, actually! Horses are very expensive animals to keep and maintain, as are the equipment and facilities. While equestrians assume risk of working with these animals, we are also a fully insured facility, The instructor also brings her time and years of experience to help riders excel in their goals.
- What is too hot or too cold to ride? Extreme cold, extreme heat and humidity, or severe weather may warrant the rescheduling of lessons.
- What is the payment & cancellation policy? Lesson spots are "reserved" once they are scheduled. Riders may cancel their lesson for ANY reason (sickness, emergency, traffic, etc.) after 9 am on the day of the lesson just once per quarter without obligation to pay. Payment may be made via venmo, cash, or check. Make checks payable to "Kelly Lasher." If paying by venmo (@WishingTreeEquestrian), please add $2 per $100 sent to cover fees. Payment is due at the time of lesson unless a prior arrangement is made and agreed upon.
FEES:
- 1-Hour Private Lesson ~ $65
- 1-Hour Group Lesson - $45
- 1/2-Hour Private Lesson - $45
- 1/2-Hour Pony Ride (ages 5 & under) - $45
- Travel to your farm for an additional charge!
- Haul-in (non-lesson, arena use only) - $25/horse
We Are Proud to Call Them Our Partners
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Click on an icon to get more information, or to visit our Facebook Page!
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3207 Haskins Road, Blossvale, New York 13308