Riding Lessons

When are riding lessons offered?

  • Our riding lessons are scheduled in three 12 week Semesters throughout the year, Spring Semester starts in mid January. Summer Semester starts in May and Fall Semester starts in September. Most riders ride in all 12 weeks of the semester but some choose to ride in either the first or second half of a semester.  
  • Each rider comes once a week for a one-hour lesson, most in a group of 2 to 4 riders. Private lessons are also available.
    (Click to view / lesson calendar)
    (Contact Rebecca Anderson for registration information)

What does a riding lesson consist of?

  • In a typical recreational 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 often are given the opportunity to enjoy trail rides on our property.
  • After the riding time is over, a rider then has the opportunity to help lead the horse back to the barn and help remove the tack.

How much do lessons cost?

  • One hour group lesson=$30.00< for 6 weeks (one session) of group lessons=$180.00
  • One hour Private lesson=$60.00< for 6 weeks (one session) of private lessons=$360.00
  • Each rider also pays an annual $30 registration fee, due each calendar year in January or before a new rider’s initial evaluation.
  • All riders seeking financial assistance must request 2008 financial assistance packets. This is an annual requirement

  • Limited scholarship aid is available. Please check the appropriate spot on the Application Form to request the Scholarship Application.
  • The full fee for the Semester is payable before the Semester begins.
  • 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.

What about the weather?

  • The Center's indoor riding arena and outdoor ring make it possible for classes to be offered year round. Classes are cancelled only if roads are unsafe for travel or in the event of thunderstorms.  Instructors offer safe, unmounted activities if classes have assembled but weather prevents riding.
    Cancellation messages will be available on extension #1 at 828-689-2291 .

How do I sign up?

Step 1:

  1. Forms necessary for enrollment are available below or you may contact our Program Coordinator, Rebecca Anderson .
    (Click to view/print registration and release forms)
  2. Mail the completed Application Form with the $30 registration fee to Mountin' Hopes, P.O. Box 387, Mars Hill NC 28754.
  3. Other forms should be mailed in as soon as possible to the same address. The Rider's Medical History and Physician's Statement must be completed and signed by the rider's physician; allow sufficient time to have this form completed.
(Each Session has a deadline for filing applications, which may be as much as three weeks before the Session begins. This allows time for new rider assessment interviews, scheduling of classes, and assignment of volunteer helpers for each class.)

Step 2:

  1. Visit our center for a new rider evaluation.

 

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Mail: PO Box 387, Mars Hill, NC 28754    Call: 828.689.2291    Fax: 828.689.3246    Visit: 181 Willow Drive, Mars Hill, NC 
  Mountin' Hopes is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization