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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: 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

This unmounted offering is available to students ages 8+ who have completed Rainbow level. Students will be able to spend Saturday morning at the barn doing chores, assisting with grooming and helping younger riders, as well as having supervised free play. There will be time to play with our extensive Breyer horse collection, do hobby horse shows, play with “Bucky” (the pony made out of haybales), and do other activities with barn friends. Barn appropriate clothing and footwear required. Bring a snack! This program will be supervised by an SRF staff person.
** Will run with a minimum of 5 participants
Saturdays September 6th- October 25th (skipping Saturday, October 4th)
Cost: $175

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.

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.

Fall Price List:

  • 30 min private: $40
  • 45 min private: $55
  • 45 min semi-private: $45
  • 1 hour semi-private: $55
  • 1 hour group (3 or more students): $40
  • Pony Pals groups: $30/class

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

Fall 2025 Horseback Riding Lessons and Programming

Fall Session: Tuesday, September 3rd-Friday, October 31st

Monday session will be 7 weeks and will start Sept 15th.
Saturdays will skip Saturday, October 4th

Winter Session 1: Tuesday, November 3rd - Tuesday, December 16th (7 weeks)

Equine Academy will be offered during the winter session on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:30. Students may be dropped off (or ride the bus) starting at 3:30.

Lesson Program Days

Mondays

 w/Emily 3:00-5:00 PM September 15- October 27th (7 weeks)

Tuesdays

w/Annie 3:00-5:30 PM September 3rd- October 28th (9 weeks)

Wednesdays

w/Alyson 4:15-5:30 PM September 4th- October 29th (9 weeks)

Thursdays

w/Annie 9:00 AM-11:00 AM September 5th – October 30th (9 weeks)

Saturdays: September 6th – October 25th (7 weeks)

w/Alyson 9:00 AM-12:00 PM 
** Skipping Saturday, October 4th
Barn Rats (unmounted program) 9:00 AM-12:00
Books with Bugsy 9:15-10:00
Pony Pals 10:00-11:00
Rainbow Riders 11:00-12:00

 

Books with Bugsy 

Ages 18 months-4 years
Saturdays 9:15-10:00

A class specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers to nurture a lifelong love for animals—one page (and one fuzzy friend) at a time! Each session features an animal-themed story, hands-on time with Bugsy, the miniature pony, songs and games. The session ends with free play on the farm and time for participants and caregivers to socialize in our fenced in play yard. Enrollment limited to 6.

Saturdays September 6th- October 25th (skipping Saturday, October 4th)
Cost: $150

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