Riding Lessons
Finnegan Farms is an English Riding Stable located in the heartland of Sturgeon County. We focus primarily on starting and developing the young rider through equitation and dressage, and give them a good foundation for jumping. New riders can expect to learn how to groom and saddle their lesson horses, handle them in the barn and in the arena, learn the basics of riding and eventually work their way up to jumping under the tutelage of experienced and patient instructors.
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Our riding program is always accepting new riders of all ages and ability, so give us a call to start riding! Regular lessons run weekday evenings all year round, with limited weekend spots available! Our riding lesson program is run on a semester system and each semester runs for 10 consecutive weeks. This allows students to get the most out of their lessons. Refunds are not available once the semester has started.
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Unfortunately our schedule cannot accommodate drop-in / one-time lessons.
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New riders joining our program must complete at least one semester of private lessons before they can join a group lesson. These imperative foundation-building lessons are 30 minutes long and one-on-one with the riding coach. Once our riders are successfully able to independently and safely control their horse at the trot they are able to move into group lessons if desired.
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If your child is interested in riding in a more competitive way, we also offer horse lease and show/competition opportunities for our students. This is a fantastic way to get involved in the horse community, set goals, and gain self-confidence in riding and in life! Our show team is always welcoming new members, and we travel to local shows throughout the show season. This includes a carefully selected number of schooling and fun shows to build the confidence of all of our riders, from our beginners to our pros.
Cost
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Private Riding Lessons: $550+GST per semester (30 minute riding sessions)
Group Riding Lessons $450+GST per semester (60 minute riding sessions)
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Like most sports, our lessons are run on a semester system and coaches paid accordingly, so we cannot accommodate make-up lessons or refunds for missed classes.
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Supplies
1. Riding Helmet: all students must have their own equine approved riding helmet. They average $50-$150, and can be purchased at any feed or tack store. Do not purchase used, as helmets should be replaced after a hard fall to ensure safety, and a used helmet may be damaged.
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2. Shoes or boots with a heel: a 1/2” heel or more is for safety, to prevent the foot from going all the way through the stirrup. Flat-sole shoes or boots are not safe for riding.
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3. Dress Code: Close-fitting pants such as yoga/stretch pants, sweats (not too baggy), or riding pants. Please avoid denim jeans, as the seam will be uncomfortable and any bling on the pockets may damage leather saddles. For safety, loose clothing should be tucked in, and no hoods or thumb-hole sweaters please.
4. Safety Vest: though safety vests are optional, it is recommended for riders once they start to jump in the outdoor grass rings to invest in one. They can be bought new or used, and we are happy to help source one for your child at any time.
Summer Riding Camps 2024
*Registration is now Open!*
Open to ages 7+, our 5-day summer riding camps are a great introduction to horses. Camps run Monday to Friday in July and August from 9am - 4pm, and each day is packed full of learning both in and out of the saddle, including two riding lessons, a theory lesson, and lots of fun and learning in between. We change up the material and split kids into groups based on prior experience, so we have campers that return year after year, as well as participate in several camps in one summer!
We work on all of the basic skills needed to get their horse into the barn, groomed, saddled, as well as things such as anatomy, nutrition, body language, horse care, and basic equine first aid. In the saddle we learn the basics of riding, and then delve into different equine sports so that the kids get a taste of the different aspects of riding, such as pleasure/equitation, western games (barrel racing, keyhole, pole bending), jumping, and trail riding.
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Our lesson horses are friendly and patient, and we work hard to match each child with a compatible horse for their week with us. We also take photos throughout the week for parents and children to be able to have afterward. Usually we post these photos (with parent permission) to our facebook page and then you can save the ones you want.
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We do ask for a $100 deposit to hold your spot, and then the rest is due by June 1st. You are also welcome to pay for the whole camp at once, or make several payments before June 1st, whatever is easiest for you. We accept e-transfer, cash, or cheques.
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*Please note that this is a drop-off camp, and we cannot allow parents to stay as is is a distraction to students and disrupts the learning process.
