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Riding Academy

The Cottage Hill Farm Riding Academy caters to people new to the world of horses. These private one-on-one sessions are meant to introduce children (age 4 and up) and adults of all ages to horseback riding in a safe and positive environment.

Beginners of any age can expect to learn the following skills:

  • Understanding general horse behavior and rules around the barn.
  • Learning to lead the horse and grooming basics.
  • Understanding the equipment and learning how to tack up to ride.
  • Learning basic riding skills on the ground and applying these skills in the saddle.

All lessons range from 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Once riders have advanced beyond these beginner skills, they can graduate to our regular lesson program utilizing our horses or their own horse.

For our young Riding Academy participants, we offer a structured environment to learn about horses from top to bottom. We provide children with the foundation needed to be successful equestrians, whether they decide to pursue competitive endeavors or simply want to enjoy their time at the barn.

For our adult Riding Academy participants, we offer scheduling flexibility to work around your busy schedule. Lessons will be relaxed and designed around your comfort level. Our specialty is starting adults seeking new experiences in the saddle and life!

Please note that all riders must have appropriate pants and boots prior to starting in the Riding Academy. If you are brand new to horses we can help guide you in these purchases. Helmets can be provided.

Meet Our Horses

Bosley-min

BOSLEY

This cutie is one of smallest residents of CHF, but he has the biggest heart! Bosley is always happy to introduce new kiddos to riding, and can take them from their first ride to their first jump. He’s also a trail master.

Bravo-min

BRAVO

This stoic warmblood gelding is reserved for our more experienced riders. While he doesn’t jump, he has a lot to teach those interested in learning more about dressage. He is also a fabulous trail horse.

Lacey-min

LACEY

The official mini mascot for CHF, Lacey is the perfect partner for our littlest academy students that might not be ready to ride but want a safe introduction to horses. Her small stature make her very unintimidating, which really helps build confidence for those wanting to be more comfortable around the barn.

Maybelline-min

MAYBELLINE

Our resident ‘sassy’ AQHA mare can take beginners from their first jump to their first course. She is very willing and has a lot of show experience to share with her riders. She’s also always up for a trail ride.

Melvin-min

MELVIN

This tall warmblood gelding has been there, done that and gotten the ribbons to prove it. He is a fabulous teacher for our beginner adult students looking to start their riding careers. He will teach you, love you and take care of you.

Percy-min

PERCY

A medium Welsh pony, Percy is used most often by our intermediate riders. He loves attention and can often be found hamming it up for visitors. While he loves a good trail ride, Percy also has show experience in the hunter and jumper ring.

Bosley-min

BOSLEY

This cutie is one of smallest residents of CHF, but he has the biggest heart! Bosley is always happy to introduce new kiddos to riding, and can take them from their first ride to their first jump. He’s also a trail master.

Bravo-min

BRAVO

This stoic warmblood gelding is reserved for our more experienced riders. While he doesn’t jump, he has a lot to teach those interested in learning more about dressage. He is also a fabulous trail horse.

Lacey-min

LACEY

The official mini mascot for CHF, Lacey is the perfect partner for our littlest academy students that might not be ready to ride but want a safe introduction to horses. Her small stature make her very unintimidating, which really helps build confidence for those wanting to be more comfortable around the barn.

Maybelline-min

MAYBELLINE

Our resident ‘sassy’ AQHA mare can take beginners from their first jump to their first course. She is very willing and has a lot of show experience to share with her riders. She’s also always up for a trail ride.

Melvin-min

MELVIN

This tall warmblood gelding has been there, done that and gotten the ribbons to prove it. He is a fabulous teacher for our beginner adult students looking to start their riding careers. He will teach you, love you and take care of you.

Percy-min

PERCY

A medium Welsh pony, Percy is used most often by our intermediate riders. He loves attention and can often be found hamming it up for visitors. While he loves a good trail ride, Percy also has show experience in the hunter and jumper ring.