English Riding Lessons
Does Your Kid Love Horses?
If you have a horse-crazy kid between the ages of 7 and 17 and want to be assured that you’re signing them up for high quality riding lessons where safety, horse care, and teamwork are the top priorities, our English Riding programs are for you.
Our programs include English Riding lessons and non competitive jumping for students of all levels and abilities. We focus on dressage skills to ensure our students have the basics to succeed in their chosen discipline.
Our horses are well schooled by professional, qualified and engaged coaches, making them safe and fun for young and beginning riders.
Our English Riding programs are designed to foster a love of physical activity and the outdoors, while building skills in collaboration, communication, and horsemanship. Your child will learn how to care for horses while building confidence, gaining skills and making new friends.
All lessons are taught by knowledgeable instructors with extensive experience. We can arrange private or group lessons based on your experience and scheduling.
English Riding Program Details
Spring (April–June) & Fall (Sept.–Nov.)
Duration: 12 weeks
Cost: $500+HST
Days & Times:
• Tuesday, 5–7 pm
• Friday, 5–7 pm
• Saturday, 1–3 pm
Summer (July–Aug.)
Duration: 8 weeks
Cost: $375+HST
Days & Times:
• Tuesday, 5–7 pm
• Friday, 5–7 pm
• Saturday, 6–8 pm
Class Size: Six students max
Age: 7–17 years
Skill: All levels & abilities
Private Lesson: $65/hour
Semi-Private Lesson: $55/hour
Upcoming Riding Programs
Riding Lessons
Fall 2024Dates: Sept. 9 through Nov. 25
Cost: $500+HST
Days & Times:
• Tuesday, 5–7 pm
• Friday, 5–7 pm
• Saturday, 1–3 pm
PA Days
Fall 2024Dates:
• Nov. 15
Cost: $75+HST/day
Time: 8 am–4 pm
Class Size: 10 students max
Details: Bring a packed lunch! PA Day Programs include horse activities, games, crafts, and learning about horse care. Appropriate for beginner to advanced equestrians.
Required Equipment & Clothing
For the safety and comfort of your child, please ensure that you arrive for any riding activity prepared with the following:
An ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet must be worn by all participants at all times while riding at White Forest Farm. If you do not have a properly fitted ASTM/SEI certified helmet, let us know so we can provide one.
Long pants, preferably fitted and stretchy (e.g.: leggings). Breeches or jodhpurs are ideal but not necessary.
Closed toed, sturdy shoes are a must (NO sandals or Crocs are permitted in the barn, and please no boots with zippers on the inside—they cause extensive damage to the saddle). Riding boots are preferable (Blundstones or paddock boots), but hiking boots with minimal tread and a heel are also suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer one time trail rides?
No, we do not offer one time, tourist-type trail rides.
Existing students are offered trail rides once they reach a level in their riding ability where they can maintain control of their horse. We feel riding out the arena is an essential part of being a well-rounded equestrian.
Are there specific age groups for programs?
No, there are no specified age groups for our riding programs. We offer programs to kids and youth aged 5–17 for vaulting programs, and 7–17 for English riding lessons. We prefer to have a range of ages as it promotes collaboration and cooperation within the group and age does not coincide with stage of skill development.
Do you need experience prior to joining a English Riding lessons?
For our English Riding lessons, vaulting lessons, PA Day programs and Summer Riding Camps, you do not need any prior experience in order to join. Our programs are designed to help our students learn from the ground up in a supportive environment. We also ensure that we have the flexibility in our programs to progress students at difference paces within the same class.
For riding lesson series and vaulting lesson series, we will divide groups based on skill progression for each individual in the group.
For our clinics, prior experience may be required depending on the clinic. If you are unsure about registration for a clinic, please reach out by email at info@whiteforestfarm.ca, or give us a call at 613-447-7347, and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
How do I pay for an English Riding program?
There are three options for payment:
- During online registration. Payment can be made either in one payment, or in equal amounts for each month of the semester.
- E-transfer of the full amount for the semester prior to the start of classes.
- The first month by e-transfer to confirm your spot, and then provide post-dated cheques for the first of each month for the remainder of the semester.
What happens if my child misses a class?
If a lesson or program is cancelled by White Forest Farm, it will be made up at a later date. If the student cancels or misses a class, they will not be offered a make-up class.
Are parents allowed to stay and watch the lessons?
If you book a private or semi-private lesson, parents may stay and watch the lesson. Our group vaulting and riding lesson programs are drop-off only, as we prioritize supervision and teaching of the students in the program. If parents remain for the duration of the lesson, both the instructor’s attention and the student’s attention is split throughout the lesson, increasing risk and decreasing the effectiveness of the learning environment.
The last lesson of the 12-week series is a show where students have the opportunity to show their parents, siblings and extended family and friends what they have learned during their lesson series!
Do you offer biweekly lessons?
Our vaulting and riding programs are sessions of 12 weekly lessons. Each lesson builds on the next, and there is significant sequencing required to develop skill and physical literacy. Biweekly lessons are not frequent enough to allow students to build a solid foundation for their riding or vaulting and see consistent progress. This often results in discouraged students, which we like to avoid if at all possible!
Are your programs co-ed?
All of our programs are co-ed. We strongly encourage both boys and girls to join our programs.
Experience the Joy of Connection with Horses
If your child or teen loves horses and wants to experience the thrill of English Riding or Vaulting, register them for a class or riding camp today. Our programs will help them gain confidence, make new friends, and improve their horsemanship skills.
Have questions? Contact us today, and Coach Bronwyn will get back to you as soon as possible.