Lessons
JC Eventing offers lessons for riders of all ages (5 years and up) and abilities with a focus on the English disciplines of eventing and dressage. Whether you are interested in competing heavily or just looking to ride for fun, each of our lessons builds on a solid foundation of the fundamental basics of riding.
We primarily offer private lessons as we feel this is the most beneficial learning environment, although group lessons for our more advanced students are also available. We frequently host fantastic clinicians that our students have the opportunity to ride with and we also offer multiple home horse shows throughout the year.
We also believe in teaching our students to be all around horsemen, not just riders. Lessons will vary, some focusing on riding, others focusing on groundwork, lunging, and horse care.
Riders who are not yet able to groom and tack independently will spend the first part of their lesson unmounted, learning from their instructor how to get their horse ready. Once riders know how to groom and tack on their own, they are expected to arrive at the barn 20-30 minutes before their lesson to have their horse groomed, tacked, in the ring, and ready to ride at their lesson time. Riders should also be prepared to spend some time after their lesson untacking, brushing, and properly cooling out their lesson horse.
As riders become more advanced, off property show opportunities on our lesson horses are available. We attend a great winter schooling show series with hunter/jumper classes as well as dressage shows, combined tests, and horse trials in the spring, summer, and fall.
Please note that our horses and their safety and care always take priority over anything else. For this reason, lessons will be cancelled if the temperature (or wind chill) is under 25*F or if the temperature (or heat index) is over 90*F as these conditions are unsafe for horses to work in. JC Eventing also reserves the right to cancel lessons due to inclement weather, high wind, or if there is lightning in the area. You will be notified by your instructor with as much notice as possible if your lesson cannot be held.
We have a great selection of lesson horses for all levels and we also accept haul-ins.
We accept payment in cash, personal check, or Venmo. Lessons are paid for individually and payment is due at the time of service (defined as paid by 11:59pm on the day the lesson was taken). For each day a lesson payment is late, a late fee of $5 per day will apply. For new students, payment for the first lesson is due at the time of scheduling.
Please familiarize yourself with our cancellation policy:
Your instructor must be notified at least 24 hours before your scheduled lesson time if you are not able to make it. If you do not give your instructor notice, you will be charged full price for the lesson. Exceptions will only be made for emergencies.
Prices can be found below. We do have a weight limit for our horses advised by current veterinary recommendations; this weight limit varies depending on the lesson horses we currently have available so if you find you are over the weight limit, keep checking back as it does change occasionally. Our current weight limit is 200 pounds.
What should I wear to my lessons?
All riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI certified helmet when mounted at all times. We have helmets for new riders to borrow for their first lesson or two until they get their own. A great starter helmet is the Ovation model which has an adjustable dial for optimal fit; great for growing kids!
Riders must also wear long pants like leggings or jeans. No shorts, skirts, or dresses are allowed. When riders are ready for breeches, we recommend our favorite brand, Esprit (use code JCEVENTING at checkout for a discount!). Also required is a closed toe, hard soled shoe with a small heel, such as a hiking boot or cowboy boot. Absolutely no sneakers or sandals. When your rider is ready for paddock boots, we recommend Ariat, Ovation, or TuffRider.
Please bring a signed copy of our Release and Hold Harmless Agreement with you to your first lesson, found here:
Prices
30 minute private lesson with assistant trainers: $65
30 minute private lesson with head trainer: $70