Recreational riding lesson program

Priorities for these riding lessons are safety, fun and skill development. These riding lessons are an ideal way to introduce new riders to the wonderful sport of riding.

Safety - Proper footwear, riding helmets, tack in good repair and suitable mounts, with lessons being taught in an enclosed ring by experienced qualified staff ensure a high level of safety during the riding lesson. Each rider must be able to walk and trot on two different horses prior to being placed in a suitable group lesson. We try to place clients in riding lessons of similar age groups and skills levels.

Getting started with private lessons - The number of private riding lessons is very dependant upon the confidence, strength and coordination of the rider. We have had riders who only needed two or three private riding lessons and riders who have needed eight or nine private riding lessons.

Fun - When riders first venture into the equestrian world, they are looking for enjoyment; whether the rider is a young girl madly in love with horses or an adult looking for an activity for exercise and relaxation. At Spruce Ridge, we plan riding lessons which cater to the "fun" aspects for the very young to the young at heart. Our experienced staff uses a variety of execises, games and challenges during the riding lessons to ensure the riders want to come back for more!

Skill development - Each rider progresses at a different rate - it is important to ensure riding lessons challenge the rider to improve, but not so much that the rider is disheartened.

Fees
Rescheduling, both of group and private lessons, is permitted if done 48 hours in advance. Riders in group lessons will be put in a lesson of equal or lower skill level.
Group Lesson Rates
If paid prior to the 15th of the month for the next month's lessons (i.e. if paid by September 15 for October's lessons) $80.00 per month for the first rider and $68.00 for each additional rider in the same family.
If paid after the 15th of the month for the next month's lessons (i.e. if paid after September 15 for October's lessons) $84.00 per month for the first rider and $72.00 for each additional rider in the same family
Group lessons may be purchased on an individual (instead of monthly basis). The cost for individual group lessons is $25.00.
Private Lessons Rates
The monthly cost for private lessons is $120.00 per month if paid by the 15th of the month prior to the month of the lessons. The monthly cost for the private lessons, if paid after the 15th of the month, is $130.00. Private lessons may be purchased on an individual basis for the cost of $35.00.

Weekday Afternoon lessons (1:00 pm, 2:00 and 3:00 pm)(Not available during the summer)
Group Lesson Rates
If paid prior to the 15th of the month for the next month's lessons (ie if paid by September 15 for October's lessons) $60.00 per month of the first rider and $50.00 for each additional rider of the same family.
If paid after the 15th of the month for the next month's lessons (ie if paid after September 15 for October's lessons $65.00 per month for the first rider and $55.00 for each additional rider of the same family.
Private Lesson Rates
The monthly cost for private lessons is $80.00 for the month if paid prior to the 15th of the month for the next month's lessons (ie paid by September 15th for October's lessons) and $90.00 per month if paid after the 15th of the month for the next month's lessons. Private lessons may be purchased on an individual basis for the cost of $25.00.

Competitive riding lesson program

- WANTED - Self-motivated riders of any age, level who are interested in skill development and competing or simply the methodical process of training a horse and rider to their fullest potential.

These riding lessons are more technically oriented with emphasis on the correct basics as the spring board to later successes. Either in the show ring or in the training process.

While most riders in this riding lesson program compete; there is a wide range of skill levels offered. The riders at the local Pembroke area horse shows range from short stirrup (just starting to get a balanced canter and jumping 18 inches) to the childrens hunter and pre-training eventing in Ottawa.

The adults in this riding lesson program focus primarily on the skill development and training process either on the flat or over fences.

Fees
- Private lesson - $35.00
- Group lesson (max 5) - $105.00 per month
- Group lesson (max 5) with own/lease horse - $80.00 per month

Therapeutic Riding/Riding for the Disabled

Fees
The therapeutic riding/riding for the disabled will now follow the same cancellation policy as the Recreational and Regular Lesson program. They must be rescheduled 48 hours in advance.
Private Lessons Rates
The monthly cost for private lessons is $140.00 per month if paid by the 15th of the month prior to the month of the lessons. The monthly cost for the private lessons, if paid after the 15th of the month, is $150.00.
Private lessons may be purchased on an individual basis for the cost of $40.00.
Group Lesson Rates
If paid prior to the 15th of the month for the next month's lessons (i.e. if paid by September 15 for October's lessons) $90.00 per month for the first rider and $68.00 for each additional rider in the same family.
If paid after the 15th of the month for the next month's lessons (i.e. if paid after September 15 for October's lessons) $95.00 per month for the first rider and $75.00 for each additional rider in the same family
Group lessons may be purchased on an individual (instead of monthly basis). The cost for individual group lessons is $25.00.
ASK ABOUT OUR 10% DISCOUNT IF YOU SUPPLY YOUR OWN VOLUNTEERS FOR THE RIDER. WE WILL PROVIDE THE TRAINING.

Riding level program

Spruce Ridge Equicentre offers an in-house "Riding Level Program" (or Rider Progression Levels). This program is geared toward both youth and adult riders, from the complete beginner to the more advanced rider in jumping, equitation, dressage, or cross country. Skill development using the tree gaits (walk, trot and canter), basic school figures and movements (circles, serpentines, loops, figure-of-eights etc.), formation (drill) riding (quadrilles, musical rides, etc.), trotting poles, a variety of jumps, lunge line exercises, bareback riding, games and obstacle courses will be offered, depending upon the rider's skill level and interest. There will be four progressive levels, each consisting of a number of sub-levels. A certificate will be awarded for each level and will be color coded. Sub-levels will be shown by the number of stars on the certificates.

Goal setting and skill development, along with recognition, are an integral part of progression and success in any endeavor. Whether an activity is done purely for enjoyment and recreation, or in a more serious manner, possibly with a view toward competition, a clear idea of where one wants to go and what it will take to get there will give the participant a distinct advantage over a "take it as it comes" approach. In addition, everyone enjoys a pat on the back or a "well done" when they have accomplished something. When recognition for accomplishment is present, the participant will enjoy a feeling of success and at the same time know exactly where he or she stands. A certificate is tangible proof of the participant's success and sub-level stars are recognition of the stepping stones mastered to achieve that success.

Additional Services

Riding the Same Horse in Lessons
Tired of switching horses? Do you enjoy a special horse and always want to ride him/her in your lessons? Merely add $40.00 per month. First come, first served. (Note Riders in the Regular Program-this does not reserve your horse for shows as part boarders have first priority.)
Save Some Money
If you pay with 8 post dated cheques (for consecutive months of riding) dated the 15th of the month prior to the month of lessons, (i.e. cheque dated for September 15 is for October's lessons etc) then the 9th month will be 25% off.
Part Leasing
$160.00 per month gives you the opportunity to ride an additional three times per week to practice (no jumping). The rider must be able to catch the horse/pony, brush and tack and untack as Spruce Ridge staff will likely not be available to assist. Lessons extra.
Competing
If you think that you would like compete, just ask about some details. You don't have to be Olympic level as there are walk and trot classes too. Everyone can compete at the same level that they ride in their lessons.
Helmet Rental
I've tried the weekly helmet rental but it is difficult to coordinate. Helmet rental will now be $10.00 per month and can be added to the payment for lessons. If you buy a helmet from The Pony Place, that monthly rental will be applied to the cost of the helmet.