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sweetriverfarmwhately@gmail.com
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Sweet River Farm

Horseback Riding Lessons

Discover the Joy of Riding in Harmony with Nature

At Sweet River Farm, we believe that riding is more than just a sport—it’s a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and connection with our equine companions and the natural world.

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the great outdoors as you saddle up and explore the beauty of our sprawling pastures, wooded trails, and meandering rivers. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or taking your very first ride, we are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and enriching riding experience.

Join us on this exhilarating adventure, forging lasting memories and deepening our love and appreciation for the majestic creatures that call our farm home.

Sweet River Farm
HorseSense Learning Levels

We use the HorseSense Learning Levels curriculum in our programming. All students have the opportunity to earn ribbons and badges as they demonstrate proficiency. Students will work with their instructor during their lessons on these skills and will earn badges and/or ribbons as they progress through the levels. The progression of levels is as follows: Rainbow level, Red level, Yellow level, Green level, Blue level. If you would like more information about the HorseSense curriculum, visit their website or ask us about it!

Horseback Riding Lessons

For students who require additional support or are interested in therapeutic riding lessons, we are offering those as well.

Pony Pals Rainbow Riders: Ages 4-7

Pony Pals Rainbow Riders is designed to provide a safe, educational, and fun introduction to horses and horseback riding. Students will learn how to safely approach, lead, groom, and saddle a pony. The class will also include short, mounted skills lessons. Students will learn to mount and dismount safely and will work on proper position and balance. An introduction to the trot will be offered to students who are ready and interested. No horse experience necessary.

Saturday Morning Barn Rats Programming

For students who would like to work both on their skills in the saddle as well as their HorseSense and Barn Management skills. Students enrolled in these sessions will get a group lesson as well as grooming and tacking instruction and an unmounted skills lesson. Students will be able to work towards earning both Horsemanship Ribbons as well as HorseSense ribbons for demonstrating unmounted skills in these classes. The Red Level Introductory level is a great choice for students who have completed a week of summer camp and would like to continue working on their riding skills!

Rainbow Level

Rainbow Level riders ride on the leadline, or with a “Ground Buddy” walking close by, to ensure their safety and control. They may require help with tasks such as leading and grooming. For riders who have completed Pony Pals Rainbow Riders and who have the strength, stamina, and focus to do more than that introductory class, sign up for Rainbow Level.

Red Level

The Red Level is an introductory level, designed to give students a safe overview of basic mounted and unmounted skills. It introduces safety concepts for handling horses on the ground and in the saddle, including grooming, tacking up, riding at the walk and posting trot. Students who have not mastered the posting trot or steering independently should sign up for Red Level Intro classes.

Yellow Level: Ages 8+

The Yellow Horsemanship Level is designed to build upon skills introduced in Red Level and give students the ability to ride confidently and securely at the trot. Safety and accuracy is emphasized, as is the balanced seat required to advance to higher level skills. Passing Red Level confidently is required to sign up for Yellow Level classes.

Green Level: Ages 8+

The Green Horsemanship Level is designed to further develop students’ basic skills and independence on the flat. Green Level introduces cantering on the rail and through simple figures, along with a small jump, and emphasizes the need to develop a strong, balanced position in preparation for riding over fences. Sign up for Green Level classes require passing yellow level and permission of instructor.

Therapeutic Riding Lessons

For students who require additional support or are interested in therapeutic riding lessons for their mental or physical health and wellbeing. Lessons are designed to meet the goals of the student and therapeutic supports are available. A consultation and intake lesson with the CTRI is required to ensure that we can meet the needs of the participant before being offered a regular lesson slot.

Session Rates:

• 45 min private: $330
• 45 min semi-private $270
Payment expected in advance. Payment plans and alternative payment scheduling available.

Private and Semi-Private Lessons

We will continue to offer a limited number of private and semi-private lesson slots this Fall. Students who need private instruction due to therapeutic needs or who have specific goals that require private instruction will be given priority in these slots.
1

45 min Private Adult/Child Beginner

Students work individually with an instructor on their goals and at their skill level.
2

30 min Therapeutic Private or Pony Pal Beginner (ages 3-6)

For students with shorter attention spans and/or limited physical stamina.
3

Semi-Private lessons

Two riders with similar skills work with an instructor to meet their goals. Students need to be Yellow level or above for semi-private lessons.

6 Week Session Rates:

• 45 min private: $330
• 30 min Pony Pal or Therapeutic Private: $240
• 45 min semi-private: $270
• 60 min semi-private: $360

Payment expected in advance. Payment plans and alternative payment scheduling available.

Spring 2025 Horseback Riding Lessons and Programming

Session 1

Monday, April 7th- Friday, May 16th
Lessons will happen the week of April vacation

Session 2

Session 2: Monday, May 19th – Friday, June 27th
Lessons will happen on Memorial Day

Session 1

Mondays

3:00-5:30 PM Private and Semi-Private lessons w/Alyson
Intake lessons also available as time allows.

Tuesdays

3:30-4:30: Red Level w/Annie

Session 1 and 2 $270 Enrollment: 3 riders

5:30-7:00 PM Equine Assisted Therapeutic Skills Group
Unmounted group for individuals with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression
4:30-5:30: Yellow Level w/Annie
Session 1 and 2 $270 Enrollment: 3 riders
Wednesdays
2:30 pm-4:30 PM Private and Semi-Private lessons and Therapeutic lessons w/Annie
45 min private: $330
45 min semi-private $270
30 min private Pony Pal or Therapeutic $210
4:30-5:30 PM Rainbow/Red Intro Level w/Annie
Session 1 and 2 $270 Enrollment: 3 riders
** Volunteers needed as ground buddies for this session
Thursdays
9:00 AM-12:00 PM Private, Semi-Private lessons and Therapeutic lessons w/Annie
Saturdays: May 3rd- June 7th 6 weeks
9:00-11:00 AM Barn Rats Red Level-Green Level w/Annie and Alyson
Enrollment: 9 students
Session rate: $360

Option for students Yellow level and above to volunteer in the barn until noon. Red level may stay and volunteer if adequate supervision is available.

11:00 am-12:00 pm Pony Pals Rainbow Riders w/Alyson
Enrollment limited to 4
Session Rate: $180

Scheduling Procedure

To schedule lessons at Sweet River Farm, please email us at sweetriverfarmwhately@gmail.com. We accept lesson requests throughout the year.

Lesson slots for each season will be offered to students in the weeks leading up to the start of the session. For example, students interested in spring lessons will receive offers starting in mid-March.

Our lesson seasons typically run as follows:
Spring session: April to June
Summer session: June to August
Fall session: September to November
Winter session: December to February

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to make your scheduled lesson, please give as much notice as possible. Lessons canceled less than 48 hours in advance may be subject to a cancellation fee equal to the cost of the lesson if the slot cannot be filled. Full payment for the lesson is expected for lessons canceled less than 24 hours in advance.

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Inclement Weather
Policy

Lessons will be offered in all weather. Becoming a proficient horse person requires time both in the saddle and on the ground. Students will participate in individualized unmounted horsemanship lessons if the weather is not suitable for riding. Students will be able to work on their personal goals and earn badges for the skills learned during unmounted lessons. Students will not ride in extreme rain or thunder/lightning or in any condition deemed unsafe.

Payment

Payment is expected at the time of the lesson. Cash and/or checks made out to Sweet River Farm are preferred. Venmo is also accepted. Advance payment is appreciated and can be submitted monthly. Outstanding bills may be subject to an administrative fee or loss of the lesson slot