**All Private and Semi-Private Lessons are currently FULL**
Individuals who are interested in pursuing riding and would like to advance their skills, or those who are simply looking to connect with a horse are encouraged to join one of our lesson programs. Private lessons are required for a minimum of one month when starting, when a student shows awareness and control of their horse they will be invited to join the next appropriate group opening.
SBYEC offers a Levels Based Riding Curriculum. Our students learn skills in a predetermined order that we have found better prepares them for advancement and their future riding goals. Students have updated notes at the end of every lesson that are always available for you to read upon request. We also like to emphasize that we are a whole horsemanship program that puts equal value on groundwork and horsemanship as well as riding. Lessons are available in English and Western tack, as it is our firm belief that your style of saddle should not change how you ride.
| Semi-Private Lessons | Private Lessons | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 student per lesson. | One-on-one instruction. | ||
| Students are grouped by age and ability level. | Only available with select instructors. | ||
| Recommended for beginners through intermediate riders, once they can ride independently. | Required for brand new riders until they learn proper horse control, and advanced riders seeking a more personalized experience. | ||
| Allows riders to socialize with other individuals who are around the same age and skill level. | $75/hour | ||
| $55 per hour |
At SBYEC we believe in not just teaching correct riding skills, we also believe in teaching students everything about the horse and put equal emphasis on horsemanship and groundwork. Students may have lessons where they do not ride at all and instead focus on building that relationship on the ground. We specialize in teaching students who are at the beginning of their horse journey. Our horses are safe, kind, and knowledgeable but are not as “fancy” as many more experienced riders might be used to. For that reason, we recommend interested parties who have experience jumping, reining, or have been cantering for a long time to seek instruction at a barn that might be better suited to their skills.
We have a large emphasis on teaching the “why” behind everything we do with the horse. Our belief is that horses are intelligent, sentient animals who have their own personalities and students need the skills to be able to work with the large variety of horses they will come across at our facility and out in the world.
Students at SBYEC are divided up into levels. Level One is an introduction to horses and learning control and safety at the walk. Level two is trotting and more advanced groundwork like lunging, showmanship, and basic first aid. Level three is advanced trotting, lateral work, and cantering while riding, and limited showing opportunities. Once students move beyond level three we help them find a horse to lease and remain in our programs or find a suitable program elsewhere in the county.
Email instructors@silverbuckleranch.org for more information.