Horses and Hope LLC
Lessons & Pricing
Faith-Based Instruction
Where Every Ride Has Purpose
At Horses and Hope, lessons aren't just about riding — they're about building confidence, responsibility, and character. Our trained instructors walk alongside every student, teaching them to connect with their horse while weaving in the values that matter most: gentleness, patience, and trust.
We welcome students as young as 3 years old. Our Little Riders program is specially designed for our youngest learners with shorter, age-appropriate sessions on our most gentle horses.
The Lesson Structure
How a Lesson Works
Every lesson follows a three-part structure designed to teach the full picture of horsemanship — not just the ride, but the relationship. Some lessons are taught entirely from the ground, and those days matter just as much.
Groundwork & Grooming
Every lesson begins on the ground. Students learn to approach, halter, lead, and groom their horse — building trust and respect before ever climbing into the saddle. This foundational work is where horsemanship truly starts.
Tacking Up & the Ride
Students learn to properly tack up their horse — placing the saddle pad, saddle, and bridle with guidance from their instructor. Then it's time to ride. Lessons focus on balance, position, communication, and building a genuine partnership with the horse. On some days this part of the lesson is replaced by groundwork, which is explained just below.
Untacking & Care
After the ride, students untack their horse, give them a cool-down brush, and help return everything to its proper place. Taking care of the horse after the lesson is just as important as the lesson itself — it teaches responsibility, stewardship, and gratitude.
Ground Lessons Are Part of the Program
Riding is only one part of becoming a knowledgeable, confident horseman. Ground lessons are an active and essential part of our program, and every rider is expected to take part in them.
There will be days when a rider does not ride, because of weather, extreme temperatures, horse health, arena conditions, or simply because the lesson focus is horsemanship from the ground. Those lessons are just as valuable as riding lessons and are charged the same. Our goal is to develop well-rounded horsemen and horsewomen, not just riders. Some of the greatest lessons horses teach, patience, gentleness, responsibility and perseverance, are often learned more intimately on the ground than in the saddle.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Lesson Rates
We offer three lesson formats to fit your child's age and experience level. All lessons are taught by one of our three certified instructors.
For Our Youngest Riders
Little Riders
Ages 3 – 5
30-Minute Lesson
- Specially designed for ages 3–5
- Shorter session — perfect attention span
- Focus on trust, balance & confidence
- Our gentlest horses assigned
- Parent welcome to stay & watch
One-on-One Instruction
Private Lesson
Ages 6 and Up
1-Hour Lesson
- Dedicated one-on-one time with instructor
- Customized to student's skill level
- Faster skill progression
- Ideal for focused learning goals
- Full grooming, tacking & care included
Confident & Independent Riders
Group Lesson
Ages 6 and Up
1-Hour Lesson
- For confident, independent riders
- Small group setting with peers
- Same core curriculum as private
- Encourages teamwork & community
- Full grooming, tacking & care included
Age & Experience Guidelines
Is My Child Ready?
We welcome riders at every stage — from toddlers just discovering horses for the first time to experienced riders ready to push their skills further. Here's what to expect for each age group.
Little Riders
Ages 3 – 5
Our Little Riders are just beginning their horse journey. Sessions are 30 minutes — the perfect length for young children. No prior experience needed. We focus on building comfort around horses, basic balance, and the joy of riding. Parents are encouraged to stay close by.
Standard Lessons
Ages 6 and Up
Students ages 6 and older participate in our full 1-hour lessons. No experience required for beginners — our instructors start from the very beginning. Students already riding at walk/trot can continue building toward more advanced skills including canter work and basic jumping.
Before You Arrive
What to Know & What to Bring
What to Wear
- Long pants — jeans or riding tights to protect legs from the saddle and stirrup leathers
- Closed-toe boots or shoes with a small heel (at least ½ inch) to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup
- Fitted shirt — avoid loose, flowing clothing that could catch or spook the horse
- Hair pulled back — braids, low ponytails, or low buns to keep hair out of the helmet and eyes
- Approved riding helmet — helmets are required for all riders. We have a limited supply of loaner helmets; purchasing your own is recommended
What to Expect
- Arrive 10 minutes early — it gives your child a chance to settle in and meet their horse before the lesson begins
- Meet your instructor — you'll be introduced to your assigned trainer and shown around the barn
- Barn rules briefing — all new students receive a quick orientation on how to be safe and respectful around horses
- Ask questions freely — our instructors love curious students. No question is too small when it comes to safety and horsemanship
- Come with an open heart — horses are perceptive animals. Calm, gentle energy goes a long way on day one
Please Read Before Enrolling
Lesson Policies
These are the same policies set out in our Parent Packet, which every family reviews and signs at the start of the season. They exist so lesson times stay fair for everyone waiting for a spot, and so our trainers and horses are cared for well.
Season Commitment
Our lesson program follows the local school calendar. The regular season begins in August and runs through May.
When you enroll for the school-year season you are reserving a recurring lesson time held specifically for your rider each week or every other week. Because lesson times are limited, your spot is a season commitment rather than a month-to-month reservation.
If you need to discontinue lessons during the season, we ask for 30 days' written notice. That gives us time to offer the time slot to another family.
Summer runs differently. Before summer begins, every family receives a separate Summer Information Packet covering schedules, enrollment, camps and summer policies.
Lesson Payments
We do not operate on a monthly tuition system. Payment is due on the day of each scheduled lesson.
- If payment is not received on the day of the lesson, a $20 late fee is added to your balance.
- We are unable to schedule your rider's next lesson while a balance is outstanding. As soon as the balance is cleared we will get your rider straight back on the schedule.
Timely payments are what allow us to care for our horses, maintain the facilities and keep providing quality instruction. If you expect a delay for reasons outside your control, please tell us as early as you can. Life happens, and we are glad to work with families who keep us in the loop.
Cancellation Policy
Each lesson time is reserved specifically for your rider, and we are rarely able to fill a spot on short notice. We ask for at least 48 hours' notice if a lesson needs to be canceled.
- Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the lesson are not charged.
- Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice are charged the full lesson fee.
- Last-minute cancellations, no-shows and missed lessons without notice are also charged the full lesson fee.
Five cancellations without proper notice and the lesson spot is forfeited and offered to the next rider on the waiting list.
We understand that emergencies happen. If something unforeseen comes up, contact us as soon as you can and we will handle it case by case.
Weather Cancellations
The safety of our riders, horses and staff always comes first. Because conditions at the farm can change quickly, all weather-related cancellations are made solely by the trainer.
Please do not assume a lesson is canceled because of rain or an unfavorable forecast. Many lessons go ahead safely in light rain or changing conditions, and a lesson you cancel yourself still falls under the cancellation policy above.
If the trainer decides that weather or footing is unsafe, we will let families know as soon as possible. When Horses and Hope cancels a lesson for weather, that lesson is not charged.
Weather notices go out through our text message system. You can opt in from the existing students page.
The full Parent Packet, including the acknowledgment page to sign and return, is on our Forms & Resources page.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your cancellation policy?
How much do riding lessons cost?
When is payment due for lessons?
Do you cancel lessons when it rains?
Does every lesson include riding?
How long is the lesson season?
What age can my child start riding lessons?
Are you a show barn?
Optional Resource
The Rider's Goal Workbook
Horses & Hope: Galloping Through Goals
A Rider's Progress Workbook
Created with a Horses and Hope parent and BriteStar Business Solutions Publishing, this workbook helps riders set goals, track progress, celebrate what they have accomplished and grow in their horsemanship. Riders bring it to lessons and work through it alongside their trainer.
Buying the workbook is completely optional and is not required to take lessons. We treasure the gift of slowing down and simply spending time with horses. Not every rider's goal is competition or advancement, and that is perfectly okay. There is real value in riding for the joy, peace and connection horses bring.
But if your child wants to deepen their horsemanship and work intentionally toward personal goals, it is a wonderful guide for that journey. Adult riders are welcome to use it too. Just ask your trainer if you would like one.
Before You Arrive
Barn Rules
These rules keep our riders, horses, and barn safe and running smoothly. Please review them before your first visit.