Private Riding Lessons

The Sienna Ranch Equine Program has a mission to inspire the youth to be responsible and educated equestrians. We aim to give riders a well-rounded knowledge of overall horse care and a solid foundation of equestrian skills. By the end of the program, participants will have an understanding of horses’ natural environmental ecosystems with a focus on their biological instincts as well as the many roles they have played, and continue to play, in our society. Our goal is to give students the foundation they need to further their journey as budding equestrians.

About our lessons: 

Lessons will be in the Round Pen and are best for beginners or nervous riders. Private Riding Lessons will have 45 minutes of riding time, during which the student will learn how to communicate with horses using Natural Horsemanship riding styles. The rider will also be taught proper posture and steering techniques using English riding equipment. The remaining time of the lesson will be dedicated to learning about horse care, including learning how to properly tack up and untack the horse, the different methods for feeding and housing horses, as well as other general horse knowledge that will help set a solid foundation for their equine education. 

First time Sienna Ranch riders (regardless of other barn experience):

Students new to private riding lessons at Sienna Ranch will start with their first lesson as a non-riding horsemanship assessment lesson. Even if your student has ridden horses on vacation, at home, or at another barn it is important that we establish safety rules that allow students to build confidence and deep connection with our horses. In the introductory assessment lesson our riding instructors will go over the foundational elements of horse safety, behavior and tools so that your student can confidently transition into the saddle in a safe and holistic way. 

Students must be able to complete the prerequisite riding skills listed below before transitioning to a riding lesson. Once in the Sienna Ranch program, riders may continue to register for riding lessons without repeating the horsemanship fundamentals assessment. If your student is unable to complete the prerequisite riding skills in the first lesson we will continue the lesson package as ground lessons until they are able to complete the skills and transition to riding.

Prerequisite riding skills:

• Feel comfortable working on the ground with the horse (ex: grooming, leading, tacking, etc)
• Follow verbal directions
• Maintain quiet bodies and calm voices in horse zone
• Gently groom and interact with the horse
• Wear appropriate safety attire (boots, helmet, etc)
• Feel comfortable working on the ground with the horse (ex: grooming, leading, tacking, etc)

Find the perfect time to connect and learn.