Lesson Program
We are pleased to announce the launch of a unique lesson program of incomparable quality at Derby Hill. After years of rebuilding riders that came to us with insufficient basics, little knowledge of horsemanship or stable management, and ingrained bad habits, we have decided to create a program that will instill the fundamentals necessary for aspiring riders to successfully transition into showing and horse ownership.
We recently added Ellen Radtke to the Derby Hill staff to lead the lesson program. Ellen has a wealth of experience in many aspects of the business including teaching, barn management, grooming and feed programs, drawn from some of the top professionals in the U.S. from 1968 to the present. Among the professionals with whom she has worked with are Leslie Burr-Howard, Timmy Kees, Ronnie Mutch, Jeffrey Welles and Denny Emerson.
Ponies and horses are available for 1/3 or ˝ lease enabling each pony or horse to only have a maximum of three riders. The riders will have a sense of the pony or horse being “theirs” for the days of the week that are designated and will not only receive instruction on these days, but also have the time and freedom to bond with the animal. We believe that to learn good habits, one should be mounted on a quality equine that is happy with its job, and kept in excellent health. We have seen too many programs that overuse the animals, and confuse them with so many different riders using them each week. None of our horses or ponies work more than six days a week, and only go out once per day. All animals in the program receive the same care as our show horses. Click on this link to view horses and ponies that are currently available for part-time or full leases. We are currently seeking quality schoolmasters to lease or purchase. Click on this link to determine if your horse would be suitable for our program.
The program is small and hands on. Students enjoy private and semi private lessons to get the most out of their riding experience, and accelerate the learning curve as much as possible. In addition to the riding instruction, there is also be instruction on a wide variety of horse care, stable management, and theory. We accept students age 8 and up. The only prerequisite is a love for the animal, and a desire to learn.
Safety is a big priority, and students are required to have an ASTM approved helmet of traditional appearance, a pair of leather riding gloves, and either proper riding boots and britches, jodhpurs and paddock boots, or half chaps and paddock boots. Out of respect for the sport and the animal, we ask that riders are turned out neatly, and personal clothing and equipment is clean and neat. Much of riding is learning proper body control, and to make the instructors job effective, we ask that a belt is worn, and fitted shirts are worn and tucked into pants. In cold weather, a fitted jacket is acceptable.
Please call Vanessa at 561-758-3148 to inquire about current availability.
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