riding lessons
Horse Riding Lessons
Academy Stables is a small, family owned barn and we offer riding lessons to all ages and abilities.
We primarily offer English instruction. But, if you are just learning how to ride, one is not more difficult to learn than the other. But it is easier to transition from English to western than from western to English.
We have approx 18 lesson horses ranging from easy to ride ponies to energetic young Thorobreds and mustangs. We have horses that can provide challenges no matter your riding ability.
Because of our small size and the demand, we primarily offer group lessons. Our groups are comprised of no more than 4 similarly aged and skilled riders. This allows us to offer the best learning and teaching environment. It also provides a safety oriented atmosphere where riding arenas are not over crowded and horses are not overused.

Intro To Horses
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
The objective is to familiarize new riders with the barn and begin learning about what’s involved in riding horses. The lesson will include time in the saddle but riding is not the main objective. We will learn and practice grooming and the tools of grooming, the basics of tack and tacking a horse. And we will learn basic horsemanship to begin the process of building a horse/human partnership including communication for the mutual respect and enjoyment of both horse and rider.
IN THIS class we will learn the basics of getting on and off a horse, how to hold the reins, correct foot position, correct posture and how to start and stop a horse.
Beginner 1
Beginner 2
Advanced-Beginner 1
Advanced-Beginner 2
Advanced-Beginner 3
Intermediate Rider
Advanced Rider

Instructors
Ashlee, a Colorado native, began her 17+ year riding career at Sun Pony Ranch, learning the fundamentals of riding from trainer Ginger Fedak. After developing the basic principles of horsemanship in a western saddle, Ashlee switched to English riding to pursue a career in hunter/jumper and equitation. As a teenager, Ashlee moved to Oregon and showed as a rising star in the Oregon High Desert Classic Circuit . Ashlee received one of the only High Point Awards in their closed circuit show; for all blue ribbons in 1.10 meter Junior Jump Class, and Hunt Seat Equitation. In Oregon, Ashlee also showed in Three Day Eventing, completing dressage tests up to Level 3, Cross Country, and show jumping. Ashlee also spent her time in Oregon developing skills in natural horsemanship, working equitation, and equine therapy under trainer Sandra Vaughn. After her time in Oregon, Ashlee moved back to Colorado, went back to her roots teaching camps, lessons, and clinics at Sun Pony Ranch until the doors closed permanently. Shortly after, Ashlee began a career as a Park Ranger servicing the front range, and used her equine experience to train and develop a Mounted Patrol Progam. In her free time now, Ashlee does dressage training with her own horse, “BB”, aka CMS Bold & Beautiful, who is currently boarded at Academy Stables.
With her diverse background, Ashlee is passionate about using natural horsemanship to create calm, confident, and skilled riders who love what they do.

NEW RIDERS:
We take a very systematic approach to adding riders to our program.
FIRST TIME RIDERS OF ANY AGE: we recommend you take our Intro to Horses lessons.
ADULTS & TEENAGERS: Adults & Teenagers with previous riding experience are required to take a 30 minute 'skills assessment' lesson. One of our trained instructors will assess your current riding skills and your goals in order to find an appropriate group lesson.