Lessons
Bennett Farms offers lessons to riders of all experience levels. We specialize in teaching Saddle Seat and Western riding styles, and cart driving. We love to share our passion for horses with others!
Saddleseat Lessons
Developed in America, Saddle Seat riding is an elegant style of English riding that is designed to show off the motion of the horse, particularly at the trot. Saddle Seat is best exhibited with horses with high necks and high steps, and while many breeds can be used, American Saddlebred horses are born with these well-suited traits naturally. Riding Saddle Seat requires great strength and balance on the part of the rider, and encourages finely tuned movements and commands, as the goal is to exhibit the horse and make it look like no work at all! Learn more about Saddle Seat.
Western Lessons
Developed in the American West for working ranches, Western is a comfortable style a of riding that is designed to use the natural instincts of the horse with light rein use in only one hand. A more relaxed style of riding, Western is best exhibited with calm and responsive horses. Riding Western requires a good understanding of horse instincts and subtle commands to encourage gentle and controlled motion under saddle for a seemingly effortless ride. Learn more about Western.
Driving Lessons
Driving refers broadly to working a horse that is hitched to a wheeled cart. Driving is a great way to work with horses in a low-impact method. Available to both horses and riders of all ages, driving encourages equestrians to learn how to communicate with their horses without a saddle. Learn more about Driving.
Horse Care Lessons
Now it's time to get up close and learn more about caring for horses! Horse Care Lessons are a great way to broaden your equestrian knowledge and ask those questions you've always wanted to ask. Great for beginners who want to get familiar with horses and learn how to take care of them in and out of the riding ring.
Lesson Details
Lessons:
Saddleseat, Western, and Driving Lessons:
Lessons are private (one student and one trainer), and are 30 minutes long. Horses are readied for the students ahead of time. It is recommended to arrive no later than 5 minutes before your lesson as lesson duration will not be extended to make up for lost time. Lessons are taught either in the barn aisle or large outdoor ring, depending on weather conditions and student comfort. Driving lessons are only offered in the large outdoor ring. As lessons may be outdoors, please be prepared for sun exposure and warm or cool weather exposure. Students must wear long pants and boots or closed toed shoes (with minimal tread) for comfort and safety. Riding pants and boots preferable, recommendations are available on our What Do I Need? page. Equestrian specific helmets are recommended, Bennett Farms can provide upon request if you do not have your own.
Horse Care Lessons:
Lessons details will vary depending on request. Students must wear long pants and boots or closed toed shoes for safety. As lessons may be outdoors, please be prepared for sun exposure and warm or cool weather exposure.
Rates:
Saddleseat, Western, and Driving Lessons:
Individual Lesson..............$75
Package of 6 Lessons......$425
Horse Care Lessons:
Lessons are available only upon special request and prices may vary. Call us today to ask for availability and to receive a quote!
Payment:
Accepted forms of payment: cash, personal check, and credit card (Master Card, Visa, Discover, American Express).
Booking and Availability:
Lessons can be scheduled over the phone by calling the Bennett Farms main line at (818) 232-1072. Important notice: Due to limited lesson availability, Bennett Farms is now processing lesson requests via waitlist. To learn more and join our waitlist, please CLICK HERE.
Safety Release Form:
For first time lessons, all clients or client guardians must fill out the Bennett Farms safety release form (CLICK HERE) prior to their lesson time. Filling out the form does not guarantee a lesson, clients must call the main line first to schedule a lesson.
Cancellation Policy:
Bennett Farms has a 24-hour cancellation policy. Lessons cancelled within the 24-hour window before the scheduled lesson time will be charged the full amount. No-Shows will be charged the full amount. Bennett Farms does not assume canceled lessons for inclement weather (such as rain or wind) and the cancellation policy remains in effect.