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!