Beginner Riding Lessons

Darby Downs promotes education and offers a beginner riding program that focuses on:  horsemanship skills, self-confidence, problem solving skills, responsibility and independence. 

Beginner lessons for those Ages 10 and UP are taught by an Assistant Instructor possessing 6+ years riding experience/instruction at Darby Downs; horse ownership experience; achievement of Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Level 4 Riding and Education skills; and specializing in Education. 

Beginner lessons are scheduled only on Sundays.  These lessons are purchased in package of 4 lessons/package at a rate of $160.  Those purchasing lesson packages are guaranteed a regular weekly lesson time.  If NO lessons are cancelled or rescheduled within the package dates purchased, the purchaser receives a $10 refund or a credit towards the next lesson package (this applies to every lesson package purchased).  When a lesson is cancelled, there are no refunds.  However, the student has one month's time to reschedule a makeup lesson before the lesson is forfeited.  If a lesson is cancelled by Darby Downs, the package dates are adjusted accordingly.

"As available" lessons are an option for those not regularly on the Darby Downs lesson calendar.  These openings are made available when we have cancellations or gaps in the beginner rider schedule.  Those individuals on our "as available" list are notified by email when an opening has come available.  Openings are then given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.  As available lessons are open to those ages 6 years and up.  They are also used when scheduling Gift Certificate redemptions (so please schedule these redemptions several weeks in advance).

Beginner lesson students must arrive 1/2 hour before their scheduled lesson time and allow at least 20 minutes after their lesson to care for the lesson horse.  Day camps, group riding sessions, supplemental educational classes with time devoted to specialized areas of concentration are scheduled throughout the year to enhance participant education/experience.