Lesson FAQ

Horse Back Riding Lessons

How long have you been teaching people how to ride?
Laura started riding in 1990 in Toronto and it quickly became a life long passion. 

Laura began coaching riders in 2008.  Laura completed her rider levels 1-8 and took her English Coach Evaluation through Equine Canada as well as studying Equine Management and Coaching and Horsemanship at the University of Guelph’s Kemptville Campus.

Laura has experience coaching at large riding schools, small stables, on a free lance basis and now teaches out of her farm Eagle Valley Equestrian and also travels to coach individual riders at their own farms.

Are you a certified coach, what does that mean and why is that important?
Yes, Laura is certified as a Coach 1 with Equine Canada.  

Obtaining the certification is the end result of much work and learning on the coach’s part.  First they have to obtain a certain Rider Level, attend classroom sessions on coaching and first aid, and put in a required number of hours working and coaching under a mentor.  Once they have worked through the prerequisites, they have to attend a two-day evaluation.

Choosing a certified coach will let you know that they meet the standards set by Equine Canada, are first aid certified and are continually upgrading their skills to remain active.  You can be assured that a certified coach has completed training and evaluation to assure a high quality of instruction and knowledge about keeping and maintaining a safe learning environment.

How much are lessons?
Each private lesson costs $55 + hst ($62.15).  Purchasing a lesson package will reduce the rate by 20%, making a package of four lessons $200 or $50 each, with no tax.

What ages of riders do you teach?
Laura teaches all ages starting from 6 years old.   She has had experience teaching students all the way up into their late 60’s.

I’ve never been on a horse before, is that OK?
Of course.  Laura teaches all levels from the very beginner to the advanced rider.

What do I need to wear to my riding lesson?
All students are required to have a properly fitted ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet, hard soled shoes with at least a ½ inch heel and comfortable long pants or riding breeches.  Other than that, we are not so fashion conscious here! 

How long is a private lesson?
Each private lesson runs for approximately 35 minutes of mounted time.  It is important to end lessons on a good note to help keep our horses happy and satisfied, as well as providing the student a positive outcome for every lesson.  I book in extra time as a buffer so that if a lesson lasts a little longer it will not interfere with any of the next scheduled lessons.

Students are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their lesson to groom and tack up their horse (instruction is provided as needed).  This gives the rider time to get to know their horse on the ground and provides valuable horsemanship skills. 

After each lesson students are required to untack, groom and put away their horse.  This may take up to 30 minutes, but usually is closer to around 15 minutes.

How long does it take to learn how to ride?
That is a loaded question and really depends on your own specific goals.  Horseback riding and rider development can be a life long pursuit.  There is always something more to learn!