• When is the best age to start horseback riding lessons? I recommend starting regular lessons around age 7 so that they are physically big and strong enough to ride and have the attention span to benefit from an hour long lesson! Consider the following: can the child ride a bicycle independently? Does the child have the physical confidence and emotional maturity to handle an 800lb animal independently?
• What about younger kids? Private lessons with our assistant trainer are a wonderful opportunity for littles to get in the saddle and keep it fun!
• Are there any restrictions for riding? We do have some height and weight restrictions but it depends a lot on the rider; a heavier rider who is balanced in the saddle is an easier ride for the horse than a lighter beginner rider who doesn’t hold themselves up or centered.
• Do you offer Therapeutic Lessons? This is a recreational riding program, not a therapeutic riding facility. We are not licensed, trained, or able to accommodate special needs (such as physical conditions, learning disabilities, or emotional issues) that may affect the ability to ride safely, independently or in a group.
• When are lessons? Lessons are Monday through Friday in the afternoons and evening, Saturday mornings when there aren’t shows.
• What do I need to wear or bring to my lessons? You will need your own helmet and riding boots (paddock boots or tall boots). I also recommend breeches and gloves for rider comfort!
• What the the benefits to group or private lessons? In a private lesson ALL of the attention is on you so we can focus on a specific area or goal to help improve your riding. Group lessons have a topic or exercise for the day and the group benefits by learning together and watching each other.
• How can I get signed up for lessons? If you’re a new student to ATC please contact us directly to set up a meet and greet. During this you’ll have a chance to see the facility, meet us and the horses, and to learn more about the program and what you’ll need for your first lesson. After that, you may select any of the available private lessons from the ‘Lessons’ tab. You will be getting on a horse during your first lesson!
• How many lessons does it take for a rider to be ready for group lessons? That hugely depends on the rider- a confident and athletic new rider might be ready by their second lesson while a more nervous rider may take a few months.
• Are their horse showing opportunities? Yes! We go to several local shows on weekends throughout the summer and AEL (Athletic Equestrian League) shows throughout the school year.
• Do you offer trail rides? Unfortunately we cannot offer trail rides to the public.
• Are there stalls available for boarding? We are no longer offering board at ATC, however we do have opportunities for training board.
• Where did the name ‘All The Class’ come from? All The Class was the registered name of the quarter horse who started it all. You can still see his picture and a blurb about him in the ‘horses’ section. He was a wonderful horse who touched the lives of so many.