At Bridge Equestrian the first class that all students will need is a ground handling and safety class. This class covers how to be safe on the ground around horses, how to safely catch them, how to tie them, how to groom them, and prepare them for riding at our facility. It explains how the horse thinks, sees, and reacts to various things. This class is about an hour long, and the cost for it is $40 per student. It is important to make sure that the specific safety rules of our facility are taught. We require this class for all incoming students, no matter their experience level. We prefer to start with children students between the ages of 6 and 8 years of age, although we have debuted a Rising Rider program for younger riders (4-7) to bridge between having fun with horses and becoming a regular student. There is no upper age limit for students, we have had some who began riding in their 60s.
Following this class, riding classes are scheduled. Lessons start out private, but when the student is ready, they can join a group. The students are responsible for the saddling prior to the riding classes, with the supervision of a work student or instructor for newer students. Currently, there are lessons available on most weekday afternoons and evenings, and on Saturday mornings, and Saturday afternoons, with Sundays and other times by appointment.
Prices are $58 per lesson per rider for either an hour and a half private or a two-hour group lesson. The actual ride time is a half hour for private and an hour for the group, with the balance of the time spent on the ground preparing the horse for the ride and then for turnout. This price includes using Bridge Equestrian horses, tack, and safety equipment. The ground time is not restricted however (aside from the first lesson ground class), and students may (usually) spend as long as they like tacking up and cooling out the horse – planned around the lesson. While we prefer lessons to be at least weekly, we understand that it may not be possible at all times, and arrange for make-ups or rescheduled lessons when necessary. More is better when trying to build up muscles and skill sets, so if students can ride twice a week great!
We invoice at the first of the month for the entire month to hold the time slot and use a balanced billing system so that the invoices are the same amount every month. If you need to miss a class, we require 48 hours notice and then either schedule a make-up or credit it back to you. We have a variety of really nice school horses, to suit nearly all needs and levels. All students start English or bareback, to promote balance and correct posture. Once that is established, if they choose to ride Western that is also available.
Bridge Equestrian is located at 21634 City Lake Rd., Canyon, Texas, 79015. We have a fantastic facility with a nicely fenced and sandy arena, with access to trails and lots of other amenities.
Call (281) 979-6151 to schedule your classes today!