Evaluation Lesson

Each evaluation lesson serves as an introduction to Elvenstar's riding program. In this lesson, an instructor can assess the student's riding abilities, allowing the rider to be placed in an appropriate skill level. Following the evaluation, the instructor will discuss the student's abilities, needs, and goals, and establish a personalized riding program.

What will you need on your first day? You should wear long pants and a shoe with a heel. (No high heels!) We have riding helmets available but you are welcome to bring your own if it is an ATSM/SEI approved helmet. Please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork.

Please advise us of any physical limitations that may affect your ability to ride.

We ask that you give a 24-hour notice if you need to cancel a lesson. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to call us at (805) 529 2800 ex3

Note: To ensure the health of all our horses, we can only accommodate riders up to 180 pounds.

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Mommy & Me Classes

Parent and child work together with the help of an instructor. The instructor will coach the parent on teaching the child to guide and control their pony while mounted. This is a 45 minute class. Ages 3 and up.

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Tiny Tot

This class is for children ready to move up from Mommy & Me. The child will ride in a small group with an instructor. Grooming the pony will also be covered. This is a 45 minute class with a limit of five riders.

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Beginning Equitation

The Beginning Equitation lessons are each one hour long with a limit of 8 riders.
In this class the rider is instructed in the following: proper handling of the horse, mounting and dismounting, and correct body position. Control at the walk and trot is taught, including posting and two point. When the rider is ready, cantering will be introduced. In addition, students will learn horse colors, body parts, and proper terminology in Hunt Seat Equitation.

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Walk/ Trot/Canter & Horsemanship

Students will practice control at the canter, cantering as a group, and will learn about leads at the canter. They will work on upward and downward transitions and perform circles, figure eights and obstacle courses to challenge their abilities and build a strong foundation before advancing to beginning jump. At this level, riders will participate in the grooming, tacking up, and un-tacking of their mounts. This lesson is an hour long with approximately 45 minutes of riding time and 15 minutes dedicated to horsemanship. Limit of 8 riders. Students will be required to pass a horsemanship evaluation prior to advancement..

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Beginning Jump

In Beginning Jump, the same concepts are taught in Walk/Trot/Canter & Horsemanship but at a more advanced level. Jumping is intrduced from starting over one fence through a complete course of cross rails.

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Intermediate Jump

Basic skills introduced in previous levels are practiced at a higher level in Intermediate Jump. Correct leads and lead changes are introduced, while maintaining a controlled canter. Students learn to negotiate a course of jumps set at 18".

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Advanced Jump

Riders will advance to our cross country field and be taught the more technical aspects of riding. This one hour class has a limit of 8 riders.

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Private Lesson 1/2 hour

One-on-one time with an instructor is a valuable asset. This lesson will be custom-tailored to suit the needs and goals of the rider.

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Hack Rides

A one-hour practice ride where you can work on what you've learned in your lesson as well as building strength and improving balance.

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Horsemanship Clinics

A hands-on class that will cover all aspects of horse care and handling, from grooming and tacking to show preparation.
Currently available by appointment only.
Longeing is only taught as a private lesson. All other classes may be taken in a group or as a private lesson. Privates can also be tailored to individual needs.

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Academy Training Half Lease

Leasing an academy horse gives you the opportunity to experience what horse ownership is all about. Our horses are show quality and are excellent first show horses. Leasing your first horse is a good way to learn. We recommend you lease before you buy. After a year in the show ring or just taking lessons you will be much more aware of the direction you would like to take. Some students enjoy the show ring and go on to buy competitive show horses and others just want the joy of owning and loving a horse. Either way we are here to help you achieve your goal.
When you do an academy 1/2 training lease, you share a show quality horse with another student. Each rider gets three days a week to ride and the horse gets one day off per week. If you share the horse with the riding school, your riding days may vary. The cost of the horse is divided equally between the two lessors. The cost will vary depending on the horse. The cost of the lease will include: Board, Shoes, Lease Fee, Minor Medical, Some Medication, Insurance (if applicable).

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Academy Training Full Lease

Leasing an academy horse gives you the opportunity to experience what horse ownership is all about. Our horses are show quality and are excellent first show horses. Leasing your first horse is a good way to learn. We recommend you lease before you buy. After a year in the show ring or just taking lessons you will be much more aware of the direction you would like to take. Some students enjoy the show ring and go on to buy competitive show horses and others just want the job of owning and loving a horse. Either way we are here to help you achieve your goal.
When you do a full academy training lease, you ride and care for a show quality horse as if he were your own. You can ride up to six days a week. The horse gets one day off per week. The cost of the lease will include: Board, Shoes, Lease Fee, Minor Medical, Some Medication, Insurance (if applicable).

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