Lessons
Like our riders, the lesson program at Aspen Acres is different than at many traditional riding barns.
Aspen Acres is proud to offer riding lessons for horse enthusiasts for all ages and interests.
We offer a multi-discipline program covering the basics of English and Western riding, through to advanced hunter, jumper, dressage, western pleasure, and gaming. Riders get to experience a broad scope of disciplines over the course of the year, each of which enhances and supports the others.
Further, Stacey makes it her mission to pair her riders with a well matched horse as their partner. Riders are matched with one horse for the entire “block” of lessons, which gives the team an opportunity to get to know one another and build a fantastic bond. Riders who wish to move from horse-to-horse in different blocks may have the opportunity to do so based on the availability of the horses, and the rider’s skill level.
Please be advised that when you sign up for a lesson block, there are no refunds.
Aspen Acres would be happy to make up missed lessons wherever possible, however when you register for a block, you are booking that spot for yourself, for the identified number of weeks.
Please see our CANCELLATION POLICY (updated) below, and if you have any questions, please discuss this when you register.
Group lessons team riders with others who share a similar skill level or goals. Group lessons are limited to three (3) to four (4) riders in each lesson.
Riders are typically teamed up with others in a similar age group, which just adds to the fun!
Regardless of the number of riders in your lesson, each rider gets individual one-on-one attention from Stacey with work focussed on their specific areas of development. There are no cookie-cutter sessions here!
Lessons are 1 hour in length (ride time).
Students arrive 15 minutes before their lesson to groom and tack their horse (assistance is provided to all new riders until they are capable and comfortable doing so themselves) and remain after their lesson to un-tack, groom and put their equipment away.
Lessons also run rain or shine (or snow…) thanks to the on-site covered arena and heated observation area.
Cancellation Policy
Aspen Acres requires 24 hours notice if you need to cancel a lesson or a lease ride. If you do not provide at least 24 hours notice, you forefeit your lesson time, but are still responsible for the cost of the lesson.
Cancellations can be made either by phone, or through text message.
Lessons that are cancelled in advance according to this policy must be made up within one week. Make up rides will be scheduled with you as soon as possible following notice of the cancellation, and can either be a lesson or a lease ride, depending on availability.
Only one make up ride is allowed per lesson block, and there are no guarantees regarding times or specific horses for make up lessons.
There are no refunds or transfers on lessons. If you are unable to commit to an entire block (multi-week) due to other commitments, Aspen Acres would ask that you not register for that block, and instead add your name to the wait-list for a future session that would work better with your schedule.
Please note that there are no exceptions to this policy.
With respect to COVID-19 restrictions in Niagara, the fluctuating levels of restriction can be changed at any time by Public Health. For those not comfortable riding with the restrictions in place, Aspen Acres asks that those students not register for a block until such time as you are comfortable doing so.
There are no refunds, make up lessons or transferring of lessons to another block should there be another lock down imposed.
Aspen Acres Farms continues to have firm expectations in place for health and safety at the farm, and expects riders and spectators to adhere to them fully at all times.
If you have any questions in this regard, please discuss them during your meet and greet with Stacey (for new riders) or prior to your next lesson, for current riders.