Blue Ridge Riding Academy provides private Saddle Seat riding lessons for children and adults. Briefly, Saddle Seat riding is done "on the flat" meaning that no jumping is involved.  It is an English style of riding (as are Hunt Seat and Dressage), but it is a uniquely American style of riding used primarily on American Saddlebreds, Morgans, Arabians and Friesians.

From the first lesson, riders are taught control, balance, and timing: to have compassionate hands, a strong seat and effective legs.

Lessons generally take 45 total minutes. The mounted lesson provides 30 minutes of riding time. These 30 minutes include intense instruction in actually riding the horse not just being a passenger.  We also teach our riders how to properly care for the horse and tack. This includes general grooming of the horse including fitting and maintenance of tack either before or after their mounted lesson. This thorough involvement insures that  riders understand all aspects of the art of horsemanship. Our Tiny Tots program is for children ages four to six. The Tiny Tot lesson provides 20 minutes of riding time.

All lessons are private. We instruct Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with morning, afternoon, and early evening appointments year round. Please arrive ten minutes prior to your scheduled riding time to insure that you are ready to ride.

Cost

Each lesson is $35.00 per lesson.  A package of twelve lessons is $360.00 dropping your per lesson cost to $30.00. However, packages must be paid in advance. A $35.00 cancellation deposit is required if paying per lesson. The deposit will be refunded should you have no unexcused absences.

You must wear long pants and closed shoes to your lesson. Shorts, skirts, and capri pants are not acceptable. Sandals or open-toed (or open heeled) shoes are not safe. Once you decide to continue riding, you will need riding pants (Kentucky jodphurs) and a hard-soled ankle-high boot with a half-inch heel. Please make sure you buy Kentucky jodphurs (not breeches).  Our staff can assist you in selection of clothing and boots.

Cancellation Policy

Please cancel your riding lesson at least 24 hours in advance. We understand emergencies occur and we will work with you to reschedule your lesson in those cases. If a lesson time is reserved and you fail to cancel, you will be charged for the lesson. If you choose to pay per lesson, a $35.00 cancelation deposit is required at your first lesson. Your deposit will be refuned in full should you have no unexcused absences. As we compete in the spring, summer, and early fall, lessons may have to be rescheduled. Students will not be penalized for lessons rescheduled due to instructor absence.

"Horses lend us the wings we lack."  ~Author Unknown