Gabriel
LESSONS
At In The Irons Equestrian Center, we're dedicated to providing a safe and encouraging environment for riders of all ages and skill levels. Our lessons focus on much more than just riding techniques; they promote personal growth, confidence, and a compassionate connection with our equine partners.
In our comprehensive program, students not only learn to ride but also develop essential horsemanship skills. From beginners to advanced riders, our instructors guide each student on their journey, fostering qualities like motivation, discipline, coordination, and focus.
We believe in creating a supportive community where students can learn and grow together. Our group lessons offer a fun and relaxed atmosphere, allowing students to bond with their peers while honing their riding skills.
Safety is our top priority, which is why all students begin with a "Discovery Lesson" to assess their current abilities and ensure they're placed with the right instructor and at the appropriate level. After the discovery lesson, our lessons are typically booked in discounted, pre-paid, one-month packages, providing consistency and commitment to each student's progress.
Central to our success are our incredible lesson horses. These gentle and experienced partners play a vital role in our students' learning journey, providing a solid foundation for riders of all levels. We take immense pride in our horses and the invaluable role they play in helping our students become safe, compassionate, and highly educated riders.
Join us at In The Irons Equestrian Center and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and friendship with horses. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there's a place for you in our welcoming and supportive community.
Meet a few of our lesson horses...
TEDDY
SPARKIE
Firme
Halo
SIZZLE
Gabriel
SAINT
OEDIPUS "Oedie"
​
ZEUS
Riding Lesson FAQ:
What can I expect to learn at my first lesson?
Before your lesson, please ensure you've signed our waiver (button/link above). Typically, your session will commence with learning proper grooming and tacking techniques. Next, you'll be guided on leading your horse safely to the arena. Mounting will follow, with the first lesson emphasizing stopping and steering at the walk. Finally, you'll learn the essential skills of dismounting and untacking your horse.
Do you have a weight limit for your horses?
Yes, we do have a weight limit for our horses. Currently, we do not have a horse capable of carrying over 185 lbs. This limit ensures the safety and well-being of our horses while providing a comfortable riding experience for our riders.
Are grooming and tacking up part of the lesson?
Absolutely! Grooming and tacking up are integral parts of our lessons at In The Irons Equestrian Center. Each student is required to care for their assigned horse before and after riding. This hands-on experience not only enhances their riding skills but also teaches them essential horsemanship principles.
Through grooming and tacking, students learn to recognize important horse mannerisms, identify signs of discomfort or injury, and safely handle horses on the ground. This practical knowledge not only ensures their safety but also deepens their understanding and empathy towards the needs of the horse.
Once students have mastered these skills independently, we encourage them to arrive early to prepare their horse and are allowed to independently untack and put the horse away after the lesson. This fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership over their equine partner, further enriching their overall learning experience at our center.
What should be worn to lessons?
For lessons at In The Irons Equestrian Center, we recommend wearing a shirt with a collar (spaghetti straps and tank tops are not allowed), pants such as breeches, jeans, or stretchy pants, and sturdy boots that cover at least the ankle with an approximately 1" heel. Helmets are provided for you to borrow.
If you're looking to purchase your own gear, we typically have reasonably priced paddock boots, half-chaps, and helmets available in our tack shop. However, please call ahead as our inventory may vary. We want to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
How do I pay for lessons?
All students are required to have a card on file with our third-party credit card processor. Lessons can be charged as each one takes place or can be purchased in packages for a discounted price.
Monthly lesson packages are charged on the last day of the month, similar to gym memberships or tuition plans for activities like dance, gymnastics, or karate. All lessons in the package must be used by the end of the month.
Students who purchase lesson packages are guaranteed the same time each week for their lessons. Pay-per-lesson students are not guaranteed the same time slot and will be booked after all riders on the prepayment system. Individual lessons will be booked no more than 7 days in advance so that there are openings for makeup lessons for the lesson package group.
At what age do you begin teaching children?
The ideal age for children to begin lessons is typically between 6 and 8 years old. However, if you have a particularly horse-crazy kid, we are open to teaching an attentive 5-year-old.
Children of this age are should enroll in our 30-minute "Little People" lessons.