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.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Intro To Horses
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
Hayden hails from Massachusetts where she started riding horses at 6 years old! She competed as an English style rider at small jumper shows and equation classes throughout her childhood and teenage years. Then, she became interested in three-phase Eventing and began competing at beginner novice and went on to her first Prelim trials at 20 years old.
Hayden built her foundation for teaching through her experiences in United States Pony Club. USPC taught her horse knowledge, care, and riding to advanced levels. As a people person and also a passionate horseback rider, Hayden has always gravitated toward teaching lessons and training horses—all ages and all types.
She is competent to teach dressage, stadium, cross country, and trail riding with a focus on riding naturally and harmoniously. Hayden says, “I am very thankful for all my years of going to summer horse camps, working at farms, leasing and owning horses that made me the horsewoman I am today!
My riding influences are Sara Contois, Lucinda Green, Karen Rohlf, Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, David and Karen O’Connor, and many, many more!” We are thrilled to have Hayden teaching all levels of riders at Academy Stables.
GINGER FEDAK

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.