Lessons
At Sunnybrook Stables we offer instruction in English riding in both Jumping and Dressage on an excellent selection of school horses, ranging from beginner to advanced level.
For the true beginner (or if it has been awhile) we offer both adult and child introductory courses. Our introductory courses are specially designed for first time riders (as well as novice riders with little formal instructional background.)
All of our introductory courses are structured around an eight-week lesson plan. Our goal for novice riders is to teach students to tack up, walk, trot and canter. Safety is always our priority and, in addition to developing basic riding skills, students will also learn to handle horses from the ground. Stable management lessons will cover such topics as barn safety, basic equine anatomy and health, grooming, and equipment use and care.
You can find more informtion on our special introductory courses here:
At Sunnybrook Stables we offer instruction in English riding in both Jumping and Dressage on an excellent selection of school horses, ranging from beginner to advanced level.
For the true beginner (or if it has been awhile) we offer both adult and child introductory courses. Our introductory courses are specially designed for first time riders (as well as novice riders with little formal instructional background.)
All of our introductory courses are structured around an eight-week lesson plan. Our goal for novice riders is to teach students to tack up, walk, trot and canter. Safety is always our priority and, in addition to developing basic riding skills, students will also learn to handle horses from the ground. Stable management lessons will cover such topics as barn safety, basic equine anatomy and health, grooming, and equipment use and care.
You can find more informtion on our special introductory courses here:
Riding Assessments
Students who wish to register in group riding classes (other than the introductory program) must first pass an assessment ride in which they must demonstrate the ability to safely walk, trot and canter. Assessments are free and no appointment is necessary. Assessments are held every Saturday and Sunday at 12:40 pm (expect for July and August where there are only assessments on Sundays). Riders meet at the main office and should arrive ready to ride, wearing long pants, boots with a low heel and an ASTM safety-approved riding helmet.
Please note that the stables will be closed on Saturdays in July and August.
Please note that the stables will be closed on Saturdays in July and August.
Riding Requirements
Individuals wishing to commence lessons at Sunnybrook Stables must be a minimum of 9 years of age and be at least 30kgs in weight and no more than 90kgs. In order to be able to ride in group lessons, students must demonstrate their ability to safely and competently perform the following tasks:
• groom, saddle and bridle a horse under minimal supervision
• walk, trot (sitting and rising), canter and maintain a two-point position in the trot
Students who are unable to meet these criteria will have to commence lessons in either one of our Introductory Level Courses or enroll in semi-private or private lessons until they are assessed ready for group lessons.
• groom, saddle and bridle a horse under minimal supervision
• walk, trot (sitting and rising), canter and maintain a two-point position in the trot
Students who are unable to meet these criteria will have to commence lessons in either one of our Introductory Level Courses or enroll in semi-private or private lessons until they are assessed ready for group lessons.
Lesson Format
Lessons are 50 minutes in duration and commence on the hour. Students at the novice-intermediate level and higher are requested to arrive 20 minutes prior to their lesson in order to properly groom and tack up their assigned mount. It is the student’s responsibility to be in the ring, ready for their class, at the start of the hour.
Students are also responsible to ensure that their horse has been completely cooled out after their ride before returning to their stall. Students are also expected to return their horse’s tack (with the bit rinsed off) to the tack room and to groom their horse again after the lesson.
In the interest of safety and the welfare of the animals, we request that you refrain from feeding any treats except the horse ridden by you in your lesson.
Unfortunately, when inclement weather requires that classes be conducted inside the arena, lessons can become somewhat more crowded than usual. In these instances, in order to maintain a reasonable number of students riding for that hour, lessons are limited to two (i.e. one group and one semi-private with a maximum of eight horses in the ring at one time). Also, for safety reasons, lessons will not be conducted during thunder-storms. Please call the barn to check the status of your lesson on days with particularly bad weather is threatening.
Jump lessons are conducted no more than every other week (for those classes that are deemed ready for jump-work). However, in the interest of the well being of the horses, lesson content will always be subject to the discretion of the instructor/school and in some instances a jump lesson may need to be replaced by instruction on the flat (i.e. the day after a schooling show).
Students are also responsible to ensure that their horse has been completely cooled out after their ride before returning to their stall. Students are also expected to return their horse’s tack (with the bit rinsed off) to the tack room and to groom their horse again after the lesson.
In the interest of safety and the welfare of the animals, we request that you refrain from feeding any treats except the horse ridden by you in your lesson.
Unfortunately, when inclement weather requires that classes be conducted inside the arena, lessons can become somewhat more crowded than usual. In these instances, in order to maintain a reasonable number of students riding for that hour, lessons are limited to two (i.e. one group and one semi-private with a maximum of eight horses in the ring at one time). Also, for safety reasons, lessons will not be conducted during thunder-storms. Please call the barn to check the status of your lesson on days with particularly bad weather is threatening.
Jump lessons are conducted no more than every other week (for those classes that are deemed ready for jump-work). However, in the interest of the well being of the horses, lesson content will always be subject to the discretion of the instructor/school and in some instances a jump lesson may need to be replaced by instruction on the flat (i.e. the day after a schooling show).
Rates
(HST not included, All lessons are 50 minutes in length)
(HST not included, All lessons are 50 minutes in length)
| . | Private: $150 Semi-Private: $112 |
Private (before 4pm Monday - Thursday): $120 Semi-Private (before 4pm Monday - Thursday): $95 |
Group Lessons: $80 (Maximum of 6 students per class) |
All lessons must be booked in advance and paid by VISA or MASTERCARD. All lessons are a personal reservation, therefore lessons are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Gift Certificates
A truly unique gift for the horse enthusiast in your life. Available singularly or in combination for all of our services. Please inquire with the office for purchase.
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