Horseback Riding Lessons

What We Teach

We teach all levels…and specialize in teaching first-time riders, beginners and improvers.

The basics of horse care, proper handling and grooming.
The understanding of horse equipment and tacking up.
The fundamentals of riding, correct mounting and dismounting techniques, proper position and accurate aids for the utmost control.
The essential patterns and exercises for both horse and rider.
The principles of jumping, progressing from a basic position over a single jump to mastering the art of riding a course.
The skills needed to prepare and succeed at showing.
Safety and self-confidence.

We pride ourselves here at Greyden in saying all our instructors have gone through years of courses and practical experience, and all our instructors have the certifications and/or training to teach you to ride.

While we are a riding school, we also Show! An optional part of the lesson program, showing with us is available for riders capable of handling a horse off-property. Greyden Equestrian attends shows on the Southwest Trillium Circuit, Caledon Dressage, Old Orchard Farm Schooling Shows, and each year our team attends the full show season at Teen Ranch Hunter/Jumper Shows.

We are a Facility Partner with Ontario Equestrian, and actively participate in preparing and testing riders for the Equestrian Canada Learn to Ride Program 1-8 throughout the year. We also offer preparation training for Equestrian Canada Coaching Candidates up to the Competition Coach Level, and host Coach Evaluations throughout the year.

Our Lesson Program

Lesson Times

Our riding lessons are available 12 months a year. We ride inside our indoor arena in the winter/rainy season, and outdoors in our 220′ x 220′ jump ring as well as our 65′ x 130′ dressage ring in fair weather.

Our barn is heated in winter.

We teach Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings. Weekends are reserved for:

project/practice rides
clinics – makeup lessons
part-boarders
pre-show lessons and show prep afternoons
our Little Rider’s Club (seasonal)

Skill Levels + Times

5pm lessons – Beginner Riders under 18

6pm lessons – Advanced Beginner to Novice Riders

7pm lessons – Intermediate and Advanced Riders

8pm lessons – Adults of all levels

Lesson Costs

Our busy lesson barn is always bustling, and beginning this month we have space available for new riders! Our lesson payment structure is monthly, and if you can not attend one of your lessons, you have up to one month to schedule a make-up lesson. Lesson payments are due at the start of each month. In addition to regular lessons, we offer Learn to Ride Levels 1-8 preparation, along with evaluation by our in-house Certified Evaluator (Mary-Anne), or an external evaluator as required.

Group lesson for beginners/adults (5pm and 8pm) $185 per month. $231.25 for months with 5 weeks.

Regular group lessons (6pm, 7pm) $215 per month. $268.75 for months with 5 weeks.

30-Minute Private lessons $250 per month or per package of 4 paid at once. $312.50 for months with 5 weeks. Assessment private lessons $62.50.

Co-board includes 1 lesson per week, 2 free rides per month, shared locker $260.

Co-board for leisure adult riders shared locker $230 (non-competitive, non-progressive, leisure riders)

Part board for leisure adult riders $460 (non-competitive, non-progressive) includes 2 lessons per week, 4 free rides per month, personal locker

Part board regular lesson riders $520 includes two lessons per week, 4 free rides per month, personal locker, first choice at horse for horse showing on property and off

Board indoors $700 + hst = $791

Board outdoors $500 + hst = $565

Part and co-boarding opportunities are available for existing students in the school and are not available to new students. After a period of time with us, these opportunities will become available to new riders.

Our typical approach for a rider entering our riding school is to require a 30-minute private assessment lesson to determine the rider’s ability prior to admission into one of our regular lesson nights. This must be done in order to determine horse and ride-time suitability.

Want to Join the Riding School at Greyden?

We’d love to have you. Email us to book yourself in at admin@greydeneq.ca. PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR DRIVE TO THE FARM TO ARRANGE. EMAIL ONLY. Thank you. If you haven’t heard back from us in a few days, please check your spam.

Please note: Complete and total beginner riders are required to have a minimum of 4 x 30-minute private lessons prior to admission into group lessons to ensure the rider is capable of riding at the walk and (some) trot, unassisted. See costs above. Following the 4 private lessons, an evaluation will take place to determine if the rider is ready to move to group, or if they may need further private lessons. Get on our roster by emailing us at admin@greydeneq.ca. WE HAVE ROOM FOR NEW RIDERS BEGINNING THIS MONTH.

*Our horseback riding lessons have a rider weight limit of 185 lbs for beginner riders. This is an equine welfare industry standard based on a maximum of 20% of horses' weight plus tack. We do not have larger horses to accommodate more weight than this at this time and will not risk the welfare of our horses. This weight limit will be updated should larger horses join our team!

FAQ: What Do I Need to Start Riding?

What to wear: You must wear a shoe or boot with a heel (quarter to half inch), snug fittings pants (leggings or jogging pants) or breeches, and a snug fitting shirt without a hood. You might also like to ride with riding gloves, which you can purchase at any local tack store. You are also required to wear a helmet. If you have a riding helmet of your own, great - that will ensure the best fit. We do have helmets at the stable and will do our best to find one that fits you best. Helmets are sanitized between uses.

You MUST sign the liability waiver form (sent to you prior to the start of your first lesson) and bring it with you on your first night of lessons. If you do not do this, you can not ride. Safety is our TOP priority, and a little bit of education goes a long way with horses. All persons entering the property, whether they are riding or spectating, must sign the waiver.

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your lesson, as learning to tack up and fit a helmet is part of your experience in getting you ready for a group lesson.