Riding School Courses
All riding classes are offered for ages seven through adult. New classes are opened as demand requires — email or call us at 503.636.1319 for scheduling information. Before your first lesson, you will need to fill out a Lesson Order Form and our Non-Member Waiver.
- Private Lessons
- Orientation Lessons
- Beginning Flatwork
- Intermediate Flatwork
- Beginning Jumping
- Intermediate Jumping
- Advanced Jumping
- Advanced Flatwork
- Adult Classes
Private Lessons
Private lessons at the Riding School arranged by the Riding
School Director only and are available only as scheduling allows.
Private lessons run for 30 minutes and are based on the rider's
skills and interests. This is a great way to get back into riding,
to test the waters before you dive in, or to polish up the skills
you are working on in group lessons.
Cost: See
Lesson Rates
Orientation Lessons
This a one hour class designed for new students to become
oriented to the Lake Oswego Hunt Club, learn how to safely handle
the horse from the ground, and independently prepare the horse for
riding. When the student has successfully tacked the horse up, the
class will move to the arena, where students will learn the
beginning basics of controlling a horse at the walk and trot. Riding
is done in a very controlled environment either on a longe line,
with a leader, or independently depending on the rider's needs. When
the student is able to able to safely and independently tack up the
horse, ride at the walk, and is learning more about the trot, the
student is ready to move into Beginning
Flatwork.
Cost: See
Lesson
Rates
Beginning Flatwork
Pre-requisite: Orientation Lessons, or demonstrated ability to tack up and ride independently at the walk and trot.
This 2 hour class is designed for the beginning rider, or for the
returning rider who wants to brush up on their skills and
confidence. Students are expected to arrive a half hour before the
riding portion of the lesson to groom and tack up the horse. The
riding portion of the lesson may be 50 to 60 minutes in length
depending on when the class arrives in the arena. The student will
learn correct equitation at the walk, the sitting trot, the posting
trot on the correct diagonals, and the two-point at the walk and
trot. The student will also learn to use leg aids in addition to
reins, and will independently control the horse at the walk and
trot. After riding, students are expected to groom, "put away" the
horse, and properly re-store the equipment. To move out of Beginning
Flat, students must be able to ride confidently at the walk, sitting
trot, posting, and two-point at the trot while maintaining the
correct equitation. Students also must demonstrate a secure seat,
independent hands, and control of the horse at the walk and trot in
order to begin canter work.
Cost: See
Lesson
Rates
Intermediate Flat
Pre-requisite: Beginning Flatwork or ability to walk, trot, and learning the canter, and to prepare the horse for riding independently, as well as basic equipment care.
This 2 hour class is designed for riders moving out of Beginning
Flat and who are learning, or ready to learn, the canter. Riders are
expected to independently prepare the horse for riding as well as
"put away" the horse after riding. At this level, riders will learn
precise handling of their horse at the walk, trot, and canter while
maintaining proper equitation and control. Class content includes,
but is not limited to: balancing in two-point at all three gaits,
riding without stirrups, control over ground poles, proper rein
contact, following hands, and canter leads. Riders who successfully
complete this class will be to ride safely and confidently in all
three gaits, and will also be eligible for leasing our school
horses.
Cost: See
Lesson
Rates
Advanced Flatwork
Pre-requisite: Intermediate Flatwork, or ability to ride confidently at walk, trot, and canter
This two hour class is designed for riders moving out of
Intermediate Flat, or who have the ability to ride confidently in
correct equitation and control at the walk, trot, and canter.
Students are expected to independently prepare the horse for riding
as well as "put away" the horse after riding. Advanced riders will
ride with or without stirrups at the walk, trot, canter, and in the
two-point at the walk, trot, canter, with or without stirrups.
Students will do more intensive ground pole and cavelletti work to
prepare for jumping, and will also work on canter changes, leg
yields and turns, the beginning steps of collection, the beginning
basics of Dressage and Jumping, and school horses with manageable
vices that need a more experienced hand.
Cost: See
Lesson
Rates
Beginning Jumping (to 1’ 6”)
Riders who wish to proceed to jumping, who have mastered the
skills in Advanced Flatwork and who
are assessed as ready by the Riding School Director, may join this
class. Riders will learn to balance over poles and cavaletti, and
when their skills are solid in these areas they will begin jumping
over small cross bars. Jumpers are expected to balance their own
passion for jumping with their horse’s physical well-being. Riders
in jumping classes are required to take
Advanced Flatwork at the same time.
Cost: See
Lesson
Rates
Intermediate Jumping (1’6” to 2’)
Riders who have mastered the skills required in
Beginning Jumping, and who have been
approved by our lead instructor as to their skills in the saddle,
and by the director as to their horsemanship on the ground, may
proceed to Intermediate jumping. The student’s base should be very
solid, crest releases will be taught. Students will learn distances
and striding. Riders in jumping classes are required to take
Intermediate Flatwork at the same
time.
Classes: One (1) or two (2) mounted lessons per week
Cost: See
Lesson
Rates
Advanced Jumping (2’ to 2’6”)
Riders who wish to proceed with jumping, who have mastered the
skills in Intermediate Jumping
and who are assessed as ready by our lead instructor may join this
class. Riders will learn full eight (8) jump courses with emphasis
on turns and striding. Students can alternate between releases.
Courses will be ridden both over stadium jumps and cross country.
Jumpers are expected to learn the art of balancing their own passion
for jumping with their horse’s physical well-being, and off-horse
classes will emphasize higher level horsemanship skills. Riders in
jumping classes are required to take
Advanced Flatwork at the same time. Riders in the advanced
jumping course are required to assist with one beginning level class
each month.
Classes: One (1) or two (2) mounted lessons per week
Cost: See
Lesson
Rates
Adult Classes
Never taken lessons but always wanted to learn? Nervous about
horses but still want to ride? Used to ride but it's been several
years? Adult classes are tailored-made to suit your needs! We teach
beginning through advanced riding for adults. Call the
Riding School at 503.636.1319 to find out which adult class
would best suit your needs!
Cost: See
Lesson
Rates
Adult Horsemanship Classes
Trying to learn more about horses for your horse-crazy kid but feel a little nervous? Or are you an experienced rider who wants to learn more about stable management, horse care, and this crazy horse industry? Our Adult Horsemanship classes will meet your needs! We cover topics from safe trailering, safe handling and turn-out, horse needs for vet and farrier, etc. Classes run a six-week basis with a different subject each week. Some classes will be hands-on. You’ll receive take-home information each week. Call the Riding School today at 503.636.1319 for more information!