Lesson Programs

Woodloch runs a comprehensive year-round lesson program that covers both Western and English riding. Learn the basics in a fun, relaxed, and supportive atmosphere! Lessons go beyond just riding; students learn to catch, lead, groom, tack up, ride, and care for their horses. Our instructors and lesson helpers guide students through the process, emphasizing safe horse handling both on the ground and in the saddle.

For experienced riders, we offer more specialized lessons in many different disciplines, including Western Pleasure, Games, Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, and trail riding. Each of our instructors brings a unique perspective and experience to Woodloch’s overall guiding philosophy of effective communication, and will work with you to help you accomplish your goals.

We believe in creating well-rounded horsepeople, so we also offer opportunities for our students to participate in fun activities outside of regularly scheduled lessons. We have schooling shows, drill teams, clinics, day camps, trail rides, and more. We will also consider leasing out our school horses during certain times of the year to our more advanced regular lesson students only. Half lease and quarter leases might be available. These extra opportunities are available to Woodloch students at the discretion of the instructor. Minimum skill levels may be required for some activities.

2024 Lesson Prices

Photo by Heather Ford
  • Hourly Group Lessons (Package of 4 Consecutive Weeks, on lesson horse) – $230, or $220 if paid in cash
  • Hourly Group Lesson (Per Session) – $60
  • Private Lesson (1 Hour) – $90
  • Private Lesson (45 Mins) – $75
  • Private Lesson (30 Mins) – $60
  • Semi-Private Lesson (2 to 3 Riders, 1 Hour) – $70 per Rider
  • Semi-Private Lesson (2 to 3 Riders, 30 Mins) – $55 per Rider

Accepted payment methods are cash, check/money order, and credit/debit card (a 3% processing fee will be added to all card charges).

Group Lessons

Please register for lessons in advance at the lesson office or by phone at (651)429-1303 (office hours are 3:00-7:00PM Mon-Fri, and 8:00-11:00AM on Saturdays). All lessons must be prepaid with a signed liability waiver on file. Lesson schedules and instructors may change seasonally as needed.

Mondays
  • Ava Brune: 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm

Tuesdays

  • Maia Ramberg: 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm
Wednesdays
  • Tatum Gray: 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm
Thursdays
  • Ava Brune: 4:00pm, 5:00pm (Special Needs Lesson), 6:00pm, 7:00pm
Fridays
  • Tatum Gray: Jumping Lessons* 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm
Saturdays
  • Jacqui Bertelsen: 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am

**Riders need instructor’s permission prior to registering for group jumping lessons &/or training lessons.

Private Lessons

Private/Semi-Private Lessons are great options for riders looking to advance their skills in certain areas with more personalized instruction. Please note that any individually-scheduled lesson (I.e. not part of our regularly-scheduled group lessons) must be scheduled directly with the instructor & are subject to availability.

Contact an instructor to schedule a private lesson.

Important Lesson Information

When you check in prior to your lesson, it is your responsibility to sign up for the following week or note that you will not be there; we encourage students to stay in a consistent time slot to assist with planning and continuity. We limit the size of our lessons, and your time slot is yours until you change it.

If you must cancel your lesson, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. If Woodloch must cancel a lesson due to inclement weather, we will try to let you know as soon as possible and will not charge you for the lesson; all lessons are canceled if the true temperature is 0 degrees or below.

Riding Attire & Gear: Students are encouraged to wear proper riding attire (jeans/breeches, riding boots/cowboy boots/hard-soled shoes) and dress for the weather. ASTM/SEI-approved equestrian helmets are highly recommended for all mounted activities (bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle etc. helmets are not suitable for equine activities and are not allowed in riding lessons). While Woodloch Stable cannot provide helmets to riders for liability reasons, Troxel Helmets are available for sale in the lesson office in a variety of sizes, colors, & styles – you can also order a helmet of your choice by filling out an order form.

Rider Weight Limit: For the health and safety of both horse and rider, Woodloch has a weight limit for lesson students. Each lesson horse may be ridden by riders weighing 20% or less of the horse’s weight. If a horse cannot comfortably or safely carry its rider’s weight, instructors reserve the right to switch the student to a larger horse (if available) or perform groundwork exercises only during their lesson. See this article and study showing the link between horse soundness and rider weight. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your instructor.

Schoolies

We have a variety of lesson horses to help you build your riding foundation & advance your skill level. Each lesson horse is unique, offering new learning challenges to our students!

In Memoriam

“Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls, they give us hope.” – Toni Robinson

Woody

CHA Stone School Horse of the Year, 2004
So God Made a Lesson Horse (the Poor Amateur’s Almanac)

Woody
Woody

Dodger

Dodger, photo by Lauren Osman