Children’s Lessons

A young girl with a black riding helmet, hoodie, and gloves cuddling a light brown horse with a white blaze on its face inside a wooden stable.

Woodland is for growing amazing kids

Amazing kids who are confident, compassionate, and caring.

Our Children’s Lessons are taught with three important ingredients:

  • Be safe

  • Have fun

  • Learn something new!

Woodland Horse Center loves introducing kids to the joy and excitement of horseback riding.

Our talented & knowledgeable instructors teach with kindness and patience as young riders learn to walk, halt and trot and improve on the basics of riding. As they grow, the kids will be introduced to more challenging skills so they are ready to join the Children’s Lesson Program when they are 8 years old. Parents are an important part of the lesson as they help keep the horses and ponies going as the rider works on the particular skill.

Our young riders also make lifelong friends that grow and learn together in a supportive environment.

Children’s lessons are available for all levels of riders. From kids with no experience to riders coming back to riding after a break, there is a class for you.

We also offer Show Teams and informal In-House Shows for those ready to complete.

We offer rolling admission so you can join a class anytime!

Contact Us About Children's Lessons
Contact Us About Children's Lessons

Lesson Video

Sitting canter departure. Nice job from both rider and horse!

Sitting canter departure. Nice job from both rider and horse!

Woodland Testimonials

  • Woodland truly cares

    “Of all the barns at which I've ridden, Woodland has the nicest, most caring staff and volunteers. They truly care about the horses and it shows in the temperament of the horses.”

    — Susan C.

  • We love the horses and the instructors

    “My daughter has been riding weekly at Woodland for 2 1/2 years and there has never been a day that we were not excited to go - even in the coldest and hottest weather. We love the horses, the instructors with their friendly approach, and the open space where kids can play.”

    — Sarah S.

  • Jordan loved summer camp at Woodland

    “As always, Jordan loved summer camp at Woodland, and as always, we parents did, too! It was great fun, great physical activity, great learning about responsibility. The staff are completely low key and flexible to our family's needs. It's such a pleasure to be there!”

    — Joey R.

  • A great place to learn

    “I have been riding at Woodland for 20 years. It is a great place to learn the proper way to ride.”

    — Peter F.

  • Definitely for the whole family

    “The instructors are top notch and are great with children. This place is definitely for the whole family. They offer lessons for adults, teenagers, and even the little ones in Pony Pals. I've been riding there for 17 years and my daughter has grown up at the barn. They provide more than just the experience of riding. They also teach respect and responsibility of the horses.”

    — Patti B.

  • So many great memories

    “One summer I went to camp and I haven't left since then. My friends and great instructors keep me coming back. I have so many great memories here.”

    — Therese C.

  • Thank you Saddle Club!

    “My daughter Sophia loves taking care of the Woodland horses. She knows a lot about horses, thanks to the Saddle Club. Thank you Saddle Club!”

    — Johnna J.

  • My daughter’s happy place

    “My daughter calls Woodland her ‘happy place.’ The animals always look clean and healthy, surrounded by people who truly love, understand and appreciate them. Woodland offers so many exciting opportunities for all levels and ages that the only challenge is finding the time to participate in all the activities. My favorite part as a parent, though, is the supportive and caring staff: I have the peace of mind knowing that my child is always taken care of in the most warm and nurturing way.”

    — Masha M.

  • My 5-year old daughter will be a horse lover forever

    “My 5-year old daughter participated in Pony Pals Camp for 2 weeks. I was impressed with how much she learned in such a short time. Our family enjoyed the information she shared about horses every evening. She had a wonderful time and misses the horses dearly. After this experience, she will be a horse lover for ever. She has already asked if she can come back next year. The staff is wonderful, friendly and helpful. The program is well run and organized. I highly recommend it. Thanks for a great 2 weeks!”

    — Meredith W.