Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lesson Blocks - How do they work?
Aspen Acres offers a lesson program that is divided into blocks. Each block varies from 4-7 weeks long, depending on the time of year. Each block is thematic, and gives students an opportunity to continuously improve on their foundational skills year-over-year. Students register for a full block, paying up front for the number of weeks in that series, and will ride one time per week on a set day and time (please see the cancellation policy). Students are also assigned a specific horse for the entirety of that block, wherever possible.
Lessons are not available to purchase individually, and the block must be paid in full the week before it begins to guarantee your spot.
If the available dates/times are not convenient for your schedule, Stacey may be able to place you on a wait-list until something suitable comes up, however dates and times are first come, first served and there are no guarantees on availability. Students who take a break between blocks are not guaranteed to be able to return to the same day/time/horse when they resume lessons, and if no spots are available, may have to be placed on the wait-list.
Please read the FAQs below for more information.
I have never ridden before - what do I need to know?
At Aspen Acres, we work with riders of all skill levels. If you have never ridden before, or have little experience with horses, we will help you from the very beginning. This starts from learning to groom a horse, the tack used and how to put it on, as well as many of the terms and phrases relating to horses.
Be prepared to come to your lessons with an open mind, a good sense of humour, and a willingness to try. While riding is far from an “easy” sport, the physical and mental benefits can be extraordinary.
What equipment do riders need for lessons?
When you begin your lessons, the only “must have” you need to provide are sturdy boots, with a heel. While you are welcome to provide your own helmet, there are helmets available at the farm to use during your lesson.
Every rider must wear a helmet at all times when mounted.
Some riders may wish to purchase riding pants (“breeches” or “riding tights”), which tend to be more comfortable for longer periods in the saddle, and typically offer better grip. We would be happy to discuss this more if you have specific questions.
We also recommend wearing layers in winter months, as you will likely become warm while you’re riding, however the barns are not heated, so it is nice to have a jacket or some extra layers available for before and after you ride. Note that many typical “winter boots” are too large to fit into stirrups, so please be prepared with an appropriate pair of boots to ride in if you’d prefer to wear your winter boots before and after your lesson.
In the summer, sunscreen is highly recommended when riding outside, and sometimes a little bug spray helps, too! In the summer, riders are still expected to ride in long pants. No shorts!
What is your lesson schedule?
Lessons are offered Monday through Friday, in set one-hour blocks. While we recognise that everyone is very busy, please be advised that there are a limited number of spots per week, and we may not be able to accommodate a specific day/time. Please discuss this with me directly, and I would be happy to provide more information.
Riders ride once per week, at the same time and day, with time before and after each lesson to tack and un-tack and groom their horse.
What happens if I miss a lesson?
We make every effort to make up lessons which are missed, by providing students with notice of vacant spots during the week as they come up. These will not be at your usual lesson day or time, however we do our best to coordinate something that will work with your schedule.
Please see our updated Cancellation Policy for more information.
Do you do trail rides?
We do not offer trail rides to the general public at Aspen Acres. In the summer months, and often even in good winter weather, students at the farm may have opportunities to go on a trail ride as part of their lesson.
Horseplay Niagara is located very near to Aspen Acres, and specializes in trail rides. You can find more information about them here: https://www.horseplayniagara.com/
How old must my child be to ride at Aspen Acres?
Lessons are taught to children aged 5 and up, however there are camps available for younger children. Please click the button below for more information.
Do you do riding camps?
Please see information on our various camp programs here:
Do you offer boarding?
We do not offer boarding at this time.
I have my own saddle/bridle/saddle pad/etc… I want to use during my lessons. Can I?
All of the horses at Aspen Acres have their own properly fitted, and regularly assessed english and western tack, pads, and boots. Riders are not permitted to use their own tack in lessons, with few exceptions. Please speak with me directly regarding these types of requests.
Can I come out to visit the farm?
Sorry, but we do not offer casual “farm visits” to the general public.
Students are welcome to bring an observer with them to their lessons. Observers are not permitted to wander the property during the lesson. We are also happy to take you on a tour of the farm and to meet the animals if you are interested in joining our lesson programs. An opportunity to observe a lesson one evening may be available as well. Please contact me for more information.
What about horse shows? Do you run any?
Aspen Acres runs a number of on-site horse shows for students during the year. These at-home shows are developed specifically to offer divisions appropriate for nearly every level of rider at the farm, and focus on skills learned in the preceding lesson block. Spectators are welcome.
Aspen Acres also has a number of students who show at other local shows at farms around the Region, using Aspen Acres horses.
Students who wish to show off-property are expected to participate in Aspen Acres’ home shows to be eligible, and additional fees apply.
There is also a certain level of experience and self-sufficience needed before being able to show or train off-property. Aspen Acres students who are interested in training or showing off-property should speak with me around those expectations, so they know how to prepare.