Equestrian Programs
Why choose Seahorse Stables?
At Seahorse Stables Equestrian, our mission is to inspire a love for horses and the natural world through beginner-friendly lessons and camp programs that emphasizes a whole-horse approach to horsemanship. By combining progressive, well-rounded equine education with opportunities for personal growth, we aim to build confident, empathetic individuals who understand the value of stewardship and connection.
Through hands-on learning in horse care, groundwork, and riding, our programs fosters trust, leadership, and self-awareness. We strive to elevate the standard of equine instruction by prioritizing the well-being of both horse and rider, creating a foundation for lifelong skills and a deep appreciation for the horse.
In 2023, Seahorse Stables adopted the HorseSense Learning Levels curriculum to provide consistent, quality education to individuals in our lesson program. This tiered approach includes both mounted and unmounted equine education and allows the opportunity to provide both barn lessons and riding lessons. A "from-the-ground-up" approach is the foundation for our lesson program and is based on respect for both the horse and rider. We believe aspiring riders should receive solid, on the ground training and develop relationships with the horses in our care, prior to mounting and riding. Safety is our top priority.
Seahorse Stables is proud to be a professional member of the United States Pony Club and a lifelong member of the
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my child begin riding lessons?
Our programs are designed for a variety of ages:
-
Mommy & Me Lesson Package: Ages 4–5 (parent/caregiver attends)
-
Saddle Club Wednesdays: Ages 6-10
-
Riding Academy (Private & Group Lessons): Ages 7+
If you're unsure which program is the best fit, we're happy to help you choose.
Does my child need previous riding experience?
No! Our Riding Academy is designed with beginner riders in mind while also providing opportunities for students to progress through more advanced horsemanship skills over time.
Why don't riders spend the entire lesson in the saddle?
At Seahorse Stables, we believe capable equestrians are developed from the ground up.
Our lesson program includes both mounted and unmounted instruction from skilled trainers. Students learn horse care, grooming, tacking, groundwork, safety, horse behavior, and stable management in addition to riding.
This approach develops safer, more confident riders while building meaningful partnerships with the horses.
Are lessons private or group?
We offer several options to meet different learning styles and goals.
-
Private Lessons provide individualized instruction.
-
Group Lessons allow riders of similar abilities to learn together while building teamwork and confidence.
-
Saddle Club Wednesdays combine riding with expanded horsemanship education during a two-hour weekly program.
What should my child wear?
Students should wear:
-
Long pants with stretch or riding breeches
-
Closed-toe shoes with a small heel (boots preferred)
-
Weather-appropriate clothing
-
Long hair secured away from the face
ASTM-certified helmets are required for all mounted activities. Approved riding helmets are available to borrow, although families are encouraged to purchase their own properly fitted helmet over time. Bike helmets are not allowed.
Do you provide horses?
Yes! Lesson horses and ponies are carefully selected based on each rider's age, experience, and confidence level.
Horse assignments may change throughout the semester as riders develop new skills.
How long are lessons?
-
Riding Academy Lessons: 60 minutes
-
Mommy & Me Lessons: 45 minutes
-
Saddle Club Wednesdays: 2-hour program
Lesson length includes both mounted and unmounted instruction.
What if my child misses a lesson?
Because instructors, horses, and scheduling are reserved specifically for each rider, we are unable to offer make-up lessons or refunds for missed lessons due to vacations, illness, sports, or other scheduling conflicts.
Lessons will only be rescheduled if Seahorse Stables must cancel due to instructor availability or another unforeseen circumstance.
What happens during rainy, windy or stormy weather?
Safety always comes first.
Many learning activities—including horse care, grooming, groundwork, stable management, and equine education—can continue in our covered barn areas during inclement weather.
In cases of severe weather or unsafe conditions, families will be notified if lessons need to be canceled or rescheduled.
How are payments handled?
The annual Enrollment Fee reserves your rider's place for both the Fall and Spring semesters.
Program Fees may be paid by:
-
Cash
-
Bank account (ACH) or credit card through Brightwheel
Monthly payment plans are available for eligible semester programs.
Can we join after the semester begins?
If space is available, riders may enroll after the semester has started.
Program Fees will be prorated when appropriate based on the remaining lessons in the session.
Can parents stay and watch?
Parents are welcome to observe lessons from designated viewing areas. We ask that all spectators help maintain a calm, quiet environment so riders and horses can remain focused. Review our Barn Rules for more information.
Saddle Club is an afterschool, drop-off program. Parents are encouraged to wait in their cars, run errands, etc.
For our Mommy & Me program, a parent or caregiver participates alongside their child but does not ride.
How do riders progress?
Students advance through the Horse Sense Learning Levels curriculum by demonstrating both riding and horsemanship skills.
Progress is based on individual readiness rather than age, allowing each student to build confidence at a comfortable pace.
What makes Seahorse Stables different?
We believe riding is only one part of becoming a knowledgeable horseperson.
Our program focuses on:
-
Horse welfare and stewardship
-
Relationship-based horsemanship
-
Groundwork before riding
-
Confidence and leadership
-
Respect for both horse and rider
-
Progressive education through the Horse Sense Learning Levels curriculum
Our goal is to help every student develop not only as a rider, but as a compassionate and capable equestrian.
Program Options:
Riding Lessons
Riding Academy: Riding instruction rooted in safety, stewardship, communication, and foundational horsemanship. Lessons integrate both groundwork and mounted skills to support the development of confident, capable, horse-centered riders.
Saddle Club Wednesdays: Meeting weekly from 4-6pm, Saddle Club is a fun, comprehensive 2-hour experience that blends small-group riding with hands-on learning in horse care, groundwork, and stable management.
Mommy & Me Lessons
Our 4-week introductory series for ages 4–5 (with a parent in attendance) offers gentle, age-appropriate exposure to horses. Young riders enjoy pony rides, grooming, leading, and caring for our smallest equine partners, building comfort and confidence in a nurturing environment.
Horse Camps
Designed for children ages 6–12, Summer Camps introduce equine enthusiasts to the world of horses in a fun, safe, hands-on setting. Campers participate in grooming, feeding, tacking, horsemanship lessons, mounted activities, games, crafts, scavenger hunts, and barn chores. No prior experience is necessary, but ability to follow instructions is required.
Barn Rules & Paperwork
To ensure the safety and well-being of every horse and human, our barn rules and required paperwork help families understand expectations, safety procedures, and how to make the most of their time at the farm.
