Riding Lessons

Lessons are offered in English and Western styles of riding.  We also offer Natural Horsemanship lessons for you to better understand natural horse behavior; these lessons are suitable for the beginner rider as well as the more seasoned rider of any discipline.  Obstacle training is also available. Lessons are offered to anyone who has a desire to learn…

 How old should a child be before riding a horse?
Every child develops differently, with that said our suggestion is that children should be at least seven years old to take a lesson at County Line Stables. We have found through years of experience that most children are not physically or mentally ready for lessons until they are 7 years old. They usually want to be around horses or ponies and get rides on them, but may not necessarily be ready to handle formal lessons yet. Starting too early with lessons often results in frustration for the child and a waste of money for the parents. What we DO recommend is exposure to horses through our  Pee-wee Pony Rider lessons. The child is often most happy with this. When it is time for formal lessons on horses, children have gained experience from the Pee-Wee Pony Rider Lessons and  seem to learn quicker and develop a comfort around the animals that allows them to advance their riding more quickly.

How many lessons will I need to become a good rider?
The answer to this is based on how quickly you learn and to what level you wish to advance. As a beginner you will learn the most in your first few lessons and as you progress the amount that you will learn will be less, but the quality will be greater. We only sell our lessons one at a time because we let you decide if you are satisfied with the instructor, horse and your progress. We do not want you to remain our student simply because you paid for a certain number of lessons and you have to use them up.

Lessons are available with your own horse or County Line Stables has several suitable horses and ponies to assist in your education. Private and semi-private horseback riding lessons are available.

Appointments are necessary for lessons. Please call us at (518) 842-2978 to schedule your lesson.

A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.

A rider who has a firm seat, is confident with basic ground work, while seated hands have softened and can stay  in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride on a regular basis.

All the attributes of an intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for several hours per day.

At County Line Stables, We are proud to offer lessons on an individual scheduling basis and do not require a lesson series. As a result, we have the following policies:

► Missed Lesson Policy
In the event that a rider needs to miss a lesson a minimum of 4 hours notice is required. After the 3rd missed lesson students will be required to pre-pay for their lessons prior to the lesson.
(reimbursement will be offered with 24 hour advance notice of cancellation)

► Be On Time
Please come 5-10 minutes before your lesson. If you are late, it cuts into your time of the lesson.
All lessons will begin promptly on time and end on time in order to maintain schedule for previous and following lessons and rides.

► Pants are Required
All riders are required to wear long pants to avoid bruising. Pants should be comfortable and either loose fitting or stretch material to allow for leg and hip flexibility.

► Boots and Closed-toed Shoes Required
It is required that all riders wear boots or closed toed shows with a small heel. Sandals, clogs and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

► Age and Weight Limits
Children entering riding lessons should be at least 7 years of age. It is suggested that children under 7 years of age enjoy our Pee-Wee Pony Riders Lessons.

► Safety
A riding waiver must be completed in order to ride. Being around horses is inherently dangerous. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. For your safety and the well being of our horses the weight limit is 250 lbs. Any rider weighing more than 200 lbs. is required to give advance notice so that a suitable horse may be arranged.

Prices

Lesson prices are based on a 1 hour of time. Students are expected to groom and tack their own horses (15min), and students that do not know how, are taught as part of their lessons. Riders too small will always be assisted. Riding in the seat minimum 30 min and un-tack and groom (15min). All beginner lessons start with basic horse psychology, grooming and tacking before riders enter the riding ring. Beginner riders are required to take private lessons until they can safely be put into a group setting. Max 4 students per group.

    Rates       $35.00/private lesson

                    $30.00/Semi-private lesson

    Hours    Call (518) 842-2978 for an appointment with one of our instructors.

County Line Stables is a smoke free, alcohol free and drug free environment. We reserve the right to refuse any potential rider.

Horse Trainer  ~  Pasquale (Pat) Coppola

Pat is a self-taught horseman, well versed in methods of gentle-breaking young horses and fixing horses with problems. His methods of training are based on the influences of well known Natural Horsemanship clinicians and trainers. Pat has attended and participated in many clinics and has studied the techniques of Tom and Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Joe Wolter, Clinton Anderson, Buck Brannaman, Brian Neubert, Monty Roberts, and Pat Parelli to name a few. From these trainers he uses the techniques that work best for him. Pat  has been able to achieve a high level of success for both the horse and rider. Pat is able to recognize what the horse does naturally and uses his body language and non verbal cues to build trust with the horse. With his own personals training style and the “firm but      fair” motto he builds a relationship of respect and uses this relationship to get positive training results.

Instructors

 Pasquale Coppola

Pasquale, one of the owners of County Line Stables, offer lessons to children, adults and seniors in a safe and instructional environment. He incorporates his many years of personal horse experience into his instruction.  By sharing his training experiences  and accomplishments that he has developed over the years with anyone who wants to mingle the fun of horseback riding while learning about riding skills, horse behavior and getting useful everyday riding information will surely benefit from his instruction.

The focus of the program is not shows, ribbons or success in the ring, but the ability to ride safely with a horse in the arena, ring or on a trail in real life situations; whether it be on the farm or away. While our lessons are based on Natural Horsemanship techniques, you will get instruction on classic riding techniques as well, but the goal of our program is to develop rider confidence, useable real-life skills and the knowledge necessary to ride and handle a horse with confidence. These lessons along with basic horse care lessons will enable any individual to have the skills to become a successful rider and/or horse owner. Then you can use these essential foundation skills to help you advance with your personal equine goals.