Riding Assessments
Our riding assessments are personalized, one-on-one sessions where an instructor gets to know each rider’s horsemanship skills, both in and out of the saddle. These sessions help us understand each rider’s unique strengths and needs, ensuring they’re ready for semi-private or group lessons. This approach lets us create a welcoming, tailored experience for everyone as they move into a collaborative learning environment.
Riding Attire Guidelines
To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, please follow these attire guidelines.
Clothing
Wear well-fitted clothing that’s neither too tight nor too loose, allowing freedom of movement and safe handling. Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, and perfumes/colognes.
Helmets
All students must wear an ASTM/SEI-certified equestrian helmet when riding or working with horses on the ground. Certification can be found under the helmet’s lining, which includes the manufacture date and ASTM/SEI seal. Helmets should be replaced every five years or after any impact. In Ontario, riders under 18 are legally required to wear a certified helmet while riding.
Boots
Proper footwear is essential for safety. Boots should have:
• A secure upper for foot protection (steel toes are not recommended)
• A heel of at least ½ inch (1.5 cm for riders under 18, per Ontario regulations)
• A flat, smooth sole
• Coverage up to the ankle
• A proper fit to avoid slipping through stirrups
Note: Sneakers or loafers are not suitable for riding.
Gloves
Wear sturdy, well-fitting gloves with grip material on the palms to prevent rope burns and blisters. Gloves should have individual fingers (no mitts) and should not be bulky.
Leg Wear
Designated riding pants (jodhpurs/breeches) or strong, durable, full-length pants with no inner seams are recommended. Skirts should allow free movement.
Tops
Riders under 16 should wear long sleeves at all times. Adults may wear short sleeves but should keep shoulders covered; tank tops and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
Pockets
Only carry items that will not cause harm if involved in an accident (e.g., a tissue).
Additional Items to Bring
• A water bottle
• Extra layers (preferably zip-up sweaters for easy removal)
• A waterproof jacket
Following these guidelines will help ensure everyone enjoys a safe, comfortable experience with the horses.
Fee Schedule
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Private Lessons: $100
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Semi-Private Lessons: $90 *
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Group Lessons (3-5 riders): $80 *
*Note: An assessment lesson is required before joining group or semi-private sessions.
Pre-Paid Scheduled Lessons (Reserved Time Slot)
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Lessons are scheduled weekly in a series of six consecutive sessions. Payment for the full series is kindly requested before the first lesson to secure your spot. Thank you for helping us keep your lessons organized and on track!
Pay Per Lesson
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Booked weekly; payment is due prior to each lesson, and the timeslot is reserved once payment has been received.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change! To help us accommodate everyone, please let us know about any cancellations at least 24 hours in advance to qualify for a make-up lesson.
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Each six-lesson series includes one make-up lesson, which should be completed within two weeks.
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Six-lesson series must be completed within an eight-week period.
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Cancellations made with less than 24-hour notice will be counted as a full lesson, and a make-up will not be available.
Thank you for helping us keep our schedule running smoothly!
Code of Conduct
Horses and ponies are amazing animals, but it’s important to remember that they can sometimes be unpredictable and move quickly. Because of their size and strength, even experienced riders and handlers need to take care around them. Our horses are well-trained and carefully managed, but safety is always our top priority. A solid understanding of safe handling and riding practices can go a long way in keeping everyone safe. We encourage you to review our safety guidelines.
Be Mindful - Horse Communication 101
Horses communicate via body language. It is important to learn and understand the various body language cues. Horses experience pain and discomfort, and feel relaxed, anxious, scared, terrified, and sleepy. There are body language cues to represent all their feelings. We need to be listening with our eyes! Learn to recognize these body language cues while simultaneously being mindful of your surroundings. With practice you will begin to notice a correlation between the surrounding environment and the horse's body language.
Being around horses can be both exciting and special, and at times, it can be intimidating or even scary. It's very important that we never take for granted the privilege of working with these magnificent animals, and that we stay present, focused, and mindful in how we interact with them.
Be Present
When approaching a horse, speak to them in a soft and soothing voice. Always walk slowly and approach a horse from the side so that it has a clear visual of you as you approach. Horses have various blind spots in their vision. Approaching or touching them in a place when they did not see you coming can startle them. A horse that wants to be approached will ‘welcome you in.’ He will turn to face you, his ears will be forward, his expression soft and he may take a step towards you. Do not approach a horse that turns away from you without the supervision and advice of your instructor. Horses that turn their heads away often do not want to be touched, and there is a risk that the horse may flee, bite, or kick.
Loud Noises and Sudden Movements
Horses are flight animals and can be easily startled. Work around horses should be done in a relaxed, confident and quiet manner. Cell phones must be on silent at all times around the horses.
Grooming/ Tacking
Whenever possible, position yourself to the side of the horses’ head, neck or shoulder when grooming. Horses are most confident when you are in this area as they can easily see you. Approach and touch their hind end gently, slowly and with caution. When grooming the hind end, stay very close to the horse's side. If horse kicks, it is best you are closer to him than further away (the more the horse extends his leg to kick, the worse it is.) Never walk behind a horse. If you need to walk around the horse, walk in front of him or take a very wide berth around his hind end. If the horse is tied, do not duck under the lead rope. When picking a horses feet, never kneel or sit down on the ground. Rather bend or squat so that you can move quickly if needed.
Leading your Horse
Always position yourself to the side of the horse somewhere between his head and shoulder so that he can clearly see you. Never walk with the horse behind you, if he is spooked from behind he can easily run into you. Always hold onto the horses lead rope and not the halter. Never wrap the rope around your hand or attach it to yourself. Do not use a rope that is overly long for there is greater risk of it wrapping around your hand or a leg should the horse make a sudden effort to escape.
Feeding/Treats
Never carry food on your person or feed a horse without your instructor’s permission. Do not interrupt a horse whilst he is eating from a feed bucket.
Bringing in or Turning out your Horse
Do not attempt to enter a field with a horse while other horses are crowding at the gate.
Always turn your horse to face the gate to release them and then back away.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and positive experience for everyone at Woodlands Equestrian!
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Do I need prior experience to start riding lessons?No prior experience is necessary. We offer beginner lessons for those new to riding and more advanced lessons for those with prior experience. Our instructors will assess your skill level and tailor lessons accordingly.
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What is the age range for riding lessons?Woodlands Equestrian offers lessons to children as young as 3 years old and adults up to 120 years old. We tailor our programs to different age groups and skill levels to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all riders.
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What should I wear to a riding lesson?For safety reasons, riders are required to wear full-length pants, a certified helmet, and boots with a minimum ½-inch heel. Additionally, riders under 16 are required to wear long-sleeved shirts. Please refer to our Riding Attire Guidelines for more details.
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Are helmets required?Yes, all students must wear a correctly fitted, ASTM/SEI-certified equestrian helmet when riding and when working with or around horses on the ground. Woodlands Equestrian will provide helmets if you do not have your own.
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How long are riding lessons?Our riding lessons are 1 hour long, including time for mounting, warming up, riding, and cooling down. We encourage riders to arrive 15 minutes early to assist with grooming and tacking up prior to the lesson.
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Can I take private lessons instead of group lessons?Yes, we offer private, semi-private, and group lessons. Private lessons are ideal for riders who prefer one-on-one instruction or have specific goals they would like to work on.
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What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy for lessons?Please refer to our Cancellation Policy.
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What types of horses do you have?We have a variety of horses and ponies suitable for all levels of riders, including Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Welsh and Shetland Ponies. Our staff carefully selects horses based on their temperament and suitability for each rider.
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Do you offer trail rides or only arena lessons?We offer trail rides to more advanced riders in addition to our arena lessons. We offer indoor and outdoor arena lessons.
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How do I sign up for lessons?You can sign up for lessons by visiting our registration page.
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Where is Woodlands Equestrian located?Woodlands Equestrian is located at 111204 Kennedy Road, Markham, ON.
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What should I do if I have more questions or need assistance?Feel free to contact us by phone, email, or through our website’s contact form. Our staff is happy to answer any questions and assist with anything you need.
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Do you offer leasing or boarding services?Yes, we offer horse part boarding options for riders looking to have a more personalized experience with a specific horse. Outdoor and indoor Boarding services are available for those who own their own horses. Please contact us for more details on availability and pricing.
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Are there opportunities to participate in competitions?Yes, we provide opportunities for riders interested in competing. Our instructors can guide you through the process, from training to participation in local and regional shows.
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What safety measures are in place for riders?Safety is our top priority. We adhere to all safety standards set by Equestrian Canada and Ontario Equestrian, including the use of certified helmets, proper footwear, and well-maintained equipment. Our instructors are certified professionals trained in safety protocols.
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Do you offer lessons year-round?Yes, we offer lessons throughout the year. Our facilities are equipped to handle various weather conditions, ensuring a consistent riding experience for our students.
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Can I watch my child’s lesson?Absolutely. We have designated viewing areas where parents and guardians can comfortably observe lessons.
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What if I have a fear of horses but want to learn to ride?Our instructors are experienced in helping individuals overcome their fears. We start with groundwork to build confidence before progressing to riding, ensuring a comfortable and supportive learning environment.
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Do you offer therapeutic riding programs?We refer all our Equine Therapy clientele to Chava Farms located in Markham Ontario.
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What is the student-to-instructor ratio in group lessons?We maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure personalized attention. Group lessons typically have no more than 4 riders per instructor.
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Are there any weight restrictions for riders?To ensure the safety and well-being of our horses, we have weight guidelines in place. Please contact us to discuss any concerns, and we can provide more specific information.
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Do you offer gift certificates?Yes, gift certificates are available and make a wonderful present for horse enthusiasts. Please contact us to purchase.
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What is your policy on inclement weather?We monitor weather conditions closely. In the event of severe weather, lessons may be rescheduled for safety reasons. We will notify you as early as possible if there are any changes.
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Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?All fees are outlined in our pricing structure. There are no hidden costs; however, additional services such as leasing, boarding, or competition coaching may incur extra charges. If you need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.