Frequently Asked Questions

+Why start with Private one-on-one instruction?

We start with Private lessons, one-on-one, because we focus on safety and proper technique. When riding. any student just starting out needs to have that private instruction with an experienced instructor that can show them the proper safety procedures and teach them the necessary steps to getting started. Each student must be able to halt(whoa), walk, trot (sitting, posting, and two point), as well as guide around cones and walk over obstacles before they will be allowed to ride with a group. This is very similar to the way that a new driver learns to drive in a parking lot before moving to the street

+What to bring to my first riding lesson?

Riders coming to their first riding lesson need to come prepared with a printed and signed waiver form, this can be found on our online forms page. They do not need a helmet prior to their first lesson or riding boots; should you wish to purchase them you may do so, we will outline good brands of Helmets in a listed in the “What is Proper Riding Attire?” below. If you purchase boots you should purchase a pair of paddock boots.

They also need to come equipped with long pants such as jeans or leggings, and the appropriate clothes for the weather. Students should also be wearing tennis shoes or some form of flat soled booth with a heel no longer than 1 inch. We please ask that students come dressed for the weather, if it is cold please wear layers.

DO NOT WEAR

  • Spaghetti Strap tank tops

  • Dangling Earrings

  • Shorts

  • Sandals or any other open toed shoes

  • No embellished jeans that could scratch saddles

+Are there weight Restrictions?

We do follow the general guidelines and veterinary recommendations. Riders must not be over 200lbs, please specify when booking so that we can ensure that certain horses are available at your scheduled appointment time.

Riders must be able to mount their horse, and be able to sit in a balanced position once on their horse.

Please call if you have an questions regarding weight limits.

+What is Proper Riding Attire?

Riders who wear proper clothing will find that it easier to ride in and maintain the correct position and remain comfortable.

Paddock Boots- These are Black or Brown boots that the student can find at any tack store or online tack shop. when riding at the barn you do not need to purchase the most expensive pair you can find, as children often grow fast and often grow out of clothes quickly. We often recommend that students go on Amazon and find a pair that is of reasonable price for them.

Riding Helmet- We often recommend either Troxel Liberty, or Ovation helmets that follow the current ASTM Certifications. We often recommend these because they are adjustable and allow you to keep the helmet for a longer period of time than a non-adjustable helmet.

Bootcut breeches or Kentucky Jodhpurs- we do often recommend that you purchase a pair of Bootcut breeches or Kentucky Jodhpurs. We recommend the following brands:

  • Alympic Jods- Youth and Adult Sizes

  • Kerrits Bootcut Breeches- Youth and Adult Sizes

  • Ovation and Lucky Jods- Youth and Adult Sizes

  • P&S Enterprises Kentucky Jodhpurs- Youth and Adult Sizes

  • American Jodhpurs- Youth, Ladies, and Men’s Sizes

  • SmartPak Piper Bootcut Breeches- Teen and Adult Sizes

  • Irideon Bootcut Breeches- Adult Sizes

Every riding style is different and requires different types of clothing. Some legging style pants are accepted.

Gloves- Students do not need to purchase black gloves, they can purchase any color riding glove for just riding at home. We also recommend a thinner pair for the summer and an insulated pair for the winter.

Silver Star Stables Apparel- You can order Silver Star Stables Apparel and Gear here.

If your student is attending any of the farm event featuring horses, we ask that they wear their Silver Star Stables Apparel.

+What is the Cancellation Policy? What about Emergencies?

We realize that life can bring unexpected surprises. We ask that each student give at least 12 hours ahead of your lesson should you need to cancel, failure to comply results in a $20 cancellation fee. All cancelled lessons must be made up in the month of the truancy if it is not made up then the lesson will be taken off of the purchased package. If there is severe weather that makes it unsafe for travel to and from the barn or for the horses to be ridden we will reach out about rescheduling your lesson. If an emergency occurs last minute we ask that you contact us with an explanation about why you must cancel, Failure to do so will result in the $20 cancellation fee.

+I found Cheaper lessons elsewhere, why are yours more expensive?

Riding is one of those sports where you get what you pay for. Our prices are in-line with some of the top notch lesson programs. We offer a high quality program that focuses on the safety and development of all of our students, this means smaller groups on horses that have been used and trained specifically for all novice riders. They will also receive instruction from skilled, experienced instructors. This allows for growth and development both in riding and working around the horses.

If you find lessons and camps cheaper, we implore that you ask the following questions:

  • Are the instructors very experienced?

  • Can they provide a proof of insurance for both themselves and the facility?

  • what is the rider to instructor ratio? Is their room for growth?

  • Is the Facility clean, well maintained and compliant with all current safety codes?

  • Do they have indoor areas to ride (this is preferable for an all r=year round riding experience)?

  • Are stalls clean? Are stable areas and arenas well lit?

  • Do the Horses look Healthy? Are their feet taken care of?

  • What training have they had the proves that they can take care of a novice rider?

  • Are the horses being over used in daily lessons?

We often pride ourselves on being able to provide a safe and fun environment that allows student to grow and develop into proper equestrians.

+Do I need to purchase a Horse?

Only if you want to! We have safe lesson horses for our beginner riders, and horses that allow for more of a challenge for more advanced riders. Students can even show our farm owned horses in our competitions as part of our academy team.

Once riders are ready to step up a discussion will be had with all parties that and plans will be arranged so that we can choose a horse that is going to be the perfect partner for continuing your journey. we offer both opportunities to lease and purchase a show horse.