Learn More About Our Lesson Program
All lessons at Classical Horsemanship are private, this way we can provide teaching specialized for each student. Riders of all levels are welcome at Classical Horsemanship. Whatever your previous experience with riding lessons or different disciplines, we’ll be happy to work with you.
“I have been taking riding lessons at Classical Horsemanship for the past few months. As a first-time adult learner it was important to me to find a school that treated both their students and “equine teachers” well — with respect, compassion, and patience.
I have been so pleased with the time I have spent with Megan and all the employees at Classical Horsemanship. Everyone is so kind and willing to answer questions or lend a hand if you are unsure about something. I went into this journey wanted to understand all the parts of working with horses; their needs, fears, upkeep, and how to build trust with them. I appreciate that I am learning about how to build a respectful relationship with horses to get to my goals, and not just forcing them to do what I want through fear or punishment.
I highly recommend Classical Horsemanship to riders and owners of all skill levels and ages.”
-Ashley K.
Focus: Partnership with the Horse
In the riding instruction offered by Classical Horsemanship, the rider learns how to ride the horse and at the same time how to train the horse. There is a language that both horse and rider must understand. When you and your horse participate in our riding instruction, you learn how to communicate with each other–an essential skill for successful riding.
Both English and Western riders of all skill levels are welcome. Classical horsemanship is about building a better partnership with the horse, which benefits both the horse and rider in any riding style.
Fundamental: Seat Work
Every riding student begins with seat lessons designed to help the student discover his or her center of balance. This initial seat work establishes a base for communicating with the horse.
Once riders find that center of balance without stirrups or reins, they will find it easier to give the horse clear aids without having to grab or hold to stay on the horse.
The Aids of Classical Riding
Once the seat work is in place, the classical aids are taught. These aids are the ABCs of classical horsemanship. With them, you learn how to direct the weight and thrust of the horse. When you’re able to control the weight and thrust of the horse, you can ask the horse for any movement at any speed.
There are a few simple basic aids, which allow the rider to control the horse’s weight on all four feet and communicate to the horse to stop, go, turn clockwise and turn counter-clockwise.
When you’re proficient with the basic aids of classical horsemanship, you may refine and expand your riding competency by learning the secondary aids. At each stage of instruction, you’ll build on what you learned earlier and grow your horsemanship skills as well as your communication with your horse.
How Many Lessons Will I Need?
The time it takes to learn the basic classical aids varies from rider to rider. Some riders can learn all the basic aids and have good touch quickly. Other riders may need weeks or months to develop their skill and tact with the basic aids.
One rider is not better than the other. Just like the horses, all riders are individuals with their own interesting blocks to be sorted out through the work.
Riding Lesson Packages
Try us out with a single lesson, or purchase packs of riding lessons. When you buy a lesson pack, the lessons must be used within 8 weeks.
Price per lesson varies from $60-$120, depending on instructor and if you need to use a school horse. A school horse fee is added to students who do not lease or own a horse at Falcon’s Landing, or haul their horse in for lessons. This fee is already reflected on the price sheet.
See Price Sheet Here
A 25% discount is offered on a first lesson or pack of lessons for students interested in boarding or training.
Learn with Your Horse or Our Horses
If you have your own horse, we will travel to your barn for riding instruction. Mileage fees may apply. We also have three lovely school horses available for lessons at our barn, Fancy, Pups and Sonny. Learn more about our horses at Meet your Equine Teachers .
Located in the Fort Collins Area
We teach and train out of our barn, Falcon’s Landing, in Northwest Fort Collins, Colorado.
“Megan and her team are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and approachable. My daughter has learned so much over the last six months - not only is she gaining valuable riding experience, she is also gaining so much self-confidence along the way. Classical Horsemanship is an environment where riders get a great balance of building their horse/riding knowledge, discipline, and confidence all the while having fun. It is so fun to watch my daughter smile ear to ear after a lesson where she has learned and mastered a new skill. Not only are the lessons great - the barn is well-run/clean, the staff is friendly, and most importantly, it is evident that the horses receive extremely great care. 5 stars all the way around!”