+1 413-350-5137
sweetriverfarmwhately@gmail.com
Follow Us
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.

Barn Rats Program: Ages 6-12

Perfect for kids who want to spend as much time in the barn as possible! Participants focus on stable management, HorseSense, and riding skills. Time is spent completing barn chores, grooming and caring for the animals, followed by fun and skill-building riding activities such as games, obstacle courses, and targeted instruction. Additional HorseSense learning happens through games and hands-on play.

 

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.

Spring 2026 Programming

Our Spring programming will begin the week of March 30th. This session focuses on safely rebuilding strength and stamina for both horse and rider after the winter break—while keeping things fun and engaging!
Students will review and tune up foundational skills while also challenging themselves in new ways. All group programs emphasize:

  • Positive relationships between horse and human
  • Mounted and unmounted horsemanship
  • Safety, responsibility, and confidence in the barn

Program Details

Week of March 30 – Week of June 15 (12 weeks)
Lessons will run during April Vacation week

Barn Buddies

Mondays | 4:00–5:00 PM  Drop-off may begin at 3:30 PM

Ages 6–8 (Age 5 with approval and prior experience)

An introductory program for our youngest equine enthusiasts. Participants are closely supervised while learning foundational horsemanship skills including grooming, leading, mounting, basic horse anatomy, and simple barn chores such as stall cleaning and feeding.

Instructor: Emily
Enrollment limited to 6
Cost: $240 per session

Equine Academy

Tuesdays | 4:00–5:30 PM Drop-off may begin at 3:30 PM

Ages 8–12

Designed for students ready to deepen their horsemanship skills both on the ground and in the saddle. Riders continue building confidence through riding, grooming, tacking, horse care, and HorseSense progression. Activities may include games, obstacle work, and targeted skill development.

Instructor: Annie
Enrollment limited to 8
Cost: $360 per session

Advanced Equine Academy

Wednesdays | 4:00–5:00 PM

Ages 9+ (Invitation only)

This program is for our most advanced students. Riders work toward individual goals both in and out of the saddle, demonstrate leadership and responsibility, and assist with evening chores.
For students who have passed Yellow level.

Instructor: Alyson
Cost: $525 per session

Barn Rats Program

Saturdays | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
May 2 – June 13 (6 weeks, skipping May 23)

Ages 6–12

Perfect for kids who want to spend as much time in the barn as possible! Participants focus on stable management, HorseSense, and riding skills. Time is spent completing barn chores, grooming and caring for the animals, followed by fun and skill-building riding activities such as games, obstacle courses, and targeted instruction. Additional HorseSense learning happens through games and hands-on play.
Preference given to current SRF students with at least one year of experience. But suitable for beginning students as well.

Instructor: Alyson
Enrollment limited to 8
Cost: $260 per session

Adult Lessons

Thursdays | 9:00–11:00 AM

Instructor: Annie
Currently FULL, please contact to be put on waitlist 

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.

Call Us Now

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