When are riding lessons offered?
Therapeutic riding sessions are scheduled throughout the year. Sessions are generally 8 to 12 weeks long. Most riders elect to attend all sessions but others elect to attend less than a full year.
Mountin’ Hopes typically offers 3 sessions of riding lessons during the year. The Spring session starts in March, Summer session in June and Winter session in September.
Click here for a more detailed schedule.
Each rider attends a minimum of one hour per week of scheduled lesson time. Usually 2 or 3 students attend the same lesson. Private lessons are available.
Mountin’ Hopes knows that students may not be able to attend all lessons. But it is very important to notify us ahead of time. We need to have time to notify volunteers that they do not need to come if a particular child is not coming.
Where are riding sessions being held?
The Mountin’ Hopes farm in Mars Hill was sold in October 2011. We are leasing 2 locations, one in Marshal and one in Mills River.
See the Directions page for more information.
What happens at each lesson?
- In a typical class the first 10 to 15 minutes will be allocated for the rider to help the trained volunteers groom and tack the horse. The level of the riders participation in this phase in entirely dependent on his or her ability.
- The beginning of the mounted lesson is typically dedicated to stretching and warming up.
- The instructor will then work on teaching horsemanship skills, usually by first reviewing what had been accomplished in the previous lesson and going on from there.
- The last part of the class often consists of playing a game on horseback that supports the therapeutic goals set by the rider.
- When weather permits riders may be given the opportunity to enjoy trail rides outside.
- After the riding time is over, a rider then has the opportunity to help lead the horse back to the barn, help remove the tack and give the horse a treat.
How much do lessons cost?
- One hour group lesson=$45.00 ($10 is paid through the Mountin’ Hopes Scholarship Fund)
- One hour Private lesson=$60.00
- Each rider also pays an annual $30 registration fee, due each calendar year in January, before the rider’s first returning session, or before a new rider’s initial evaluation.
- All riders seeking financial assistance must complete the Scholarship Application Form. If scholarships are available, the rider will be given notice of the fee relief being provided, if awarded. Riders failing to adhere to the rules of the scholarship will be withdrawn from the program.
- Fees charged represent only a fraction of the actual cost of a lesson. We are working to keep our classes affordable to all. Lots of fundraising goes on behind the scenes to make this possible.
- If you, or someone you know would like to make a contribution to the riding program,
Click here to make a donation
What about the weather?
- The Center’s indoor riding arena and outdoor ring make it possible for classes to be offered year round. If inclement weather prevents a normal mounted riding lesson, alternative ground lesson will be provided.
- For cancellation due to severe winter weather, please refer to the attendance policy above.
