Youth Riding Lessons
Our Youth Riding Program is designed with one goal in mind: using horsemanship to teach essential life skills that will create resilient, self-aware, and confident young people.
Riders, ages 7 and up, will work with our outstanding staff and horses to learn all aspects of caring for these amazing animals.
Start with our Youth Intro Session
This unmounted program will involve meeting the horses and coaches of Deerfield Farm, horse safety and grooming, and an introduction to our program at Deerfield Farm. At least one parent or caregiver is required to attend with their child.
Contact us for info or to register
The intro session is usually offered on Saturdays from 2:30 - 4:00 pm. Contact us for more information on dates and how to register! Contact Us
For children 7 & up
- 4 lessons a month
- 1 hour, 2 students
Lessons are 1 hour in length and will teach riders to be competent both in the saddle and working with the horse from the ground.
Semi-Private Lessons- Sundays, 9 am - 11 am
- 3-4 Sundays per month with 1 week off
Our Sunday group lessons go beyond riding and include an in-depth curriculum on riding and horse care. This lesson is offered in a group format so that students can connect with other kids and benefit from a community learning environment.
This longer lesson format will feature a riding lesson and barn time.
Private Lessons- Please note:
- 24-hour cancellation policy needed to be eligible for a make-up.
- Payment due at the beginning of the month (no later than the 7th).
Our Team Programs
Deerfield offers a series of world-caliber teams that riders are available to committed riders by invitation only. These teams further their equestrian education, create a community with their peers, and develop skills around working collaboratively!
We offer a non-competitive Pre-Team as well as our competitive Regional and World Show Teams.
Our newest students may be invited to join our Pre-Team program if they show a strong interest in riding, coachability, and a desire to practice leadership skills.
Contact us for more information.
Teams Programs work to:
- Build students' Self-Esteem and Resilience by facing challenges and supporting students through difficulties.
- Create a Community of Accountability for ourselves and our teammates.
- Teach the value of Serving Others in our community at the barn, in our families, and in our larger communities.
- Create Leadership first in ourselves through commitment to our goals and our team. Then through learning to lead their horses as we develop a relationship under saddle and in the barn. Then finally though helping to lead the less experienced team members, becoming mentors and role models for new riders in the program.
- Support Riders in practicing Integrity and Gratitude. Riders are asked to reflect on their behavior in and out of the barn. Who are they practicing being, and is it who they strive to be?
Message from Katie
- Katie“My students and horses are hands-down the biggest source of inspiration and pride for me. All students have the unbelievable potential for greatness in their life and the life of their horse.
We use the horse as a vehicle to look into one’s own life. Through horseback riding our riders learn how to face life challenges and celebrate their accomplishments! Learning to stay calm and centered when you are faced with difficulty is one of the greatest lessons, I believe the horse has to share.
My hope (for the students I interact with) is that out of riding horses, they are able to make a positive change in the world because of the self-discipline, integrity and compassion they learn from their horse.”
