Riding Lessons

On Course Equestrian Services is proud to offer personalized horseback riding lessons in Harford County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. We have a small herd of trusted lesson horses that are suitable for the most beginner to the more advanced rider. We offer tiny-tot to adult lessons!

Horseback riding lessons at On Course Equestrian Services are taught in lesson groups of 2-5 students. This allows for you or your child to have personalized attention during the lesson. Riding times may vary – you will be grooming, tacking up, riding, and un-tacking all in the allotted hour. As you become more comfortable grooming and tacking up, you will be able to prepare for your lesson faster and have more time to ride. If you have long hair, it must be pulled back in a low ponytail or braid when riding. Keep in mind that a helmet must fit over your hairdo! We provide helmets of various sizes and they must be worn while riding at all times. Long pants and boots with an approved heel are required for safety while riding. The lesson time that you choose is reserved weekly. If you are sick or cannot make your lesson for any reason, please call within 24 hours to reschedule.

In most cases, lessons will not be cancelled due to bad weather. If we cannot ride, then we will have an inside lesson (horse management lesson) in the barn unless otherwise discussed. There is so much to learn about horses other than riding. This gives us a great opportunity to understand the “dirty” work and get a better understanding of the total care and management of horses. We will be going over parts, colors, and breeds of horses, nutrition, day-to-day care, emergency care, stall cleaning, tack cleaning, etc.

Parent Information

We love that parents & siblings are interested in learning along with the students as well as watching them ride. Feel free to assist with brushing and tacking up, however at times the student may need to do things independently.

Everyone knows that when riding a horse, no matter what level you are at, you may fall off. At some point during the year, your child or a child in their lesson will fall off. When this occurs, you need to trust in the fact that the instructors know how to handle this situation. We know that it is scary to see someone, especially your child, scared or hurt. If another child is injured, please refrain from entering the ring or trying to take your child off of their mount. It is important to encourage independence and perseverance – we will encourage your child to get back on their horse if they fall off and aren’t injured.