Horseback Riding Information

1. Payment is due by the 5th of each month (or first lesson of month) in order to receive the $10 discount. Current “package of 4” rates are $135 group -$195 private if paid by the 5th ($10 more after the 5th). These 4 lessons must be used within a 4 week period to get the discount but some may use them all in a week. Lessons are also offered as singles at $45-$65/lesson, although packages are more cost effective. These are a one hour (approx. 30-40 minutes actual riding time, depending on # students) group (2-6 people) or private lesson. There are no refunds.

2. Lesson package must be used within the month. Multiple lesson packages may be purchased at a discount for people wanting to ride more than one time per week.

3. Tack up/cool down time is an important part of the lesson for teaching horse management, responsibility, respect & work ethic. If more riding time is desired, see longer lesson times/prices. If you do not wish to include the tack up period in your lesson, there is a fee of $15 per lesson for us to have your horse ready for you to mount however no extra riding time will be provided besides the allotted saddle time for that lesson.

4. If you arrive late, you will forfeit part of your actual riding time as the lesson will end at the pre-appointed time.

5. Currently, we are offering special Introductory starter packages for “Pee-wee” and “Young Rider” introductory lessons with our assistant instructors. These are a very basic low-key starter lesson. ( ~ In order to get the discount, packages must be used up within a 4 week period.)

*** A child may or may not be ready to move up to a higher level of riding after a few months of Introductory lessons. If parents desire a more intense competitive type lesson, they may enroll with our head instructors at any time.

* A pee-wee rider is considered 6 & under. (some exceptions may be made but please realize that these are basically a glorified pony ride because of attention span at that age.) Lessons are 30 minutes broken down as follows: 15 minutes tack up (getting the pony ready), 10 in the saddle, 5 minutes untack & put away. These lessons are $80 month for a pkg. of 4 or $25 for a single lesson.

* Young riders are 7-11 years old. 45 minute lessons consist of 15 minute tack up, 20 minute in the saddle, 10 minutes untack. Price $105 month for a pkg. of 4 or $35 for a single lesson.

6. There are 4 weeks of scheduled lessons in a month. On those months with 5th weeks, the 5th will be used for pre-scheduled make-ups or you may purchase an extra lesson at the pro-rated price.

7. A 24 hour notice of cancellation is required to be eligible for a make-up lesson. With proper notice of cancellation, we will schedule ONE make-up lesson for each lesson package purchased. Make-up must be completed within 21 days. We cannot guarantee that your instructor will be able to schedule a make-up lesson for you.

8. In the event that Sunspring must cancel lessons due to extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances, make-up lessons will be scheduled. Sunspring will make every reasonable effort to contact its students should it become necessary to cancel lessons.

9. Student is required to bring safe shoes (riding boots are preferred) to wear for safety reasons. A safe shoe consists of being sturdy, totally enclosed and with approx. 1” heel. Thrift stores are a great resource for finding something to start out with.

10. No shorts for riding – as blisters can be very uncomfortable.

11. Student is required to wear a helmet while mounted. Student may purchase their own or borrow one from Sunspring. It is recommended that if student is continuing lessons for any length of time that they purchase their own.

12. Student is welcome to bring guests, parents & siblings to watch. However, they must remain quiet, non-interfering and sitting in designated observation areas. With permission, parents must accompany children to look at the other animals after or before the lesson starts.

13. A release form must be read and signed by student (or guardian if under 18) before lessons can start.

14. Student’s or guardian’s signature on this form indicates that they have read and will comply with, but are not limited to, these regulations in order to have services here at Sunspring Ranch.