Welcome to Stillwater Valley Farm!
Our mission is to coach capable, confident riders who will grow into well rounded horse people. Whether you wish to compete one day, just love horses, or want some exercise, we offer a fun and welcoming environment that aims to teach proper Saddle Seat horsemanship regardless of your ability level. Being teachable is the best thing you can bring to the table. Horseback riding is a physical activity, like any other sport, so be prepared for some sore muscles from time to time. However, if you trust in the process, we will help you achieve your goals! At Stillwatervalley Farm we believe that communication is key, so please feel free to talk with your instructor(s) if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help.
Barn and Safety Rules
- Be kind and respectful to everyone including our horses and barn cat
- Look before entering arenas and enter quietly as someone may be riding
- Supervise children
- Don’t run or make sudden movements
- Don’t shout or make loud noises
- Don’t enter a stall without permission
- Don’t stand behind or go under a horse
- Don’t feed horses unless it has been approved
- Don’t stick hands in stalls of horses you don’t know
- If you are not riding a horse please remain in designated areas
- Please clean up after yourself
- Please be respectful during other rider lesson times
Lesson Pricing
We currently have two lesson options: monthly and quarterly tuition. Anyone wanting to take a trial lesson must pay by cash or check at the time of the lesson.
Quarterly tuition: Payment received every 13 weeks. Payable by check or credit card (additional 3 % fee). Payment is $585 due on the first day of each quarter : January 1st ( first quarter), April 3rd (second quarter), July 3rd (third quarter), and October 2nd (fourth quarter). If lessons are terminated before the end of the quarter, all used lessons with be re billed at the full rate ($52 per lesson) and a credit will be returned to you for the unused portion. If you start after the beginning of the quarter your lessons will be pro-rated.
Monthly tuition: A flat rate of $225 for one lesson per week regardless of the number of weeks in the month. No refunds if lessons are terminated before the end of the month. A debit/ credit card must be added to the iclass pro system and will be charged on the first day of each month. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you choose to pay by check a credit card is still needed in case a check is not received by the 1st.
*Any missed lessons will need to be made up within the same calendar year they are issued.*
What style of riding am I learning?
Saddle Seat is a style of horse riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high action of certain horse breeds. In Equitation classes, only the rider is being judged, therefore any horse that is suitable for that style of riding and is capable of performing the required class routine is acceptable. “True horsemanship” is described as the acquired ability to produce the maximum performance of the horse through the perfect form and control of the rider. The saddle Seat breeds we have at Stillwatervalley Farm are mainly American Saddlebreds, but we also represent the Friesian and the Dutch Harness Horse. While some of our beginner horses do not exhibit the “high action” of the show horses, their job is to give you a good foundation to help you progress to those more advanced horses.
What attire will I need?
Helmets are strongly encouraged but not required. We offer helmets to use, but to ensure a proper fit we recommend purchasing your own. Helmets should fit snug to the head approximately 1 inch above the eyebrows. Hair should be worn in a low ponytail at the base of the neck to ensure proper helmet fit. When checking fit, put on the helmet without the chin strap fastened and shake head “Yes” and “No” the helmet should not move.
Riding boots: The style of riding boot we suggest for our students are paddock boots. Paddock boots fit just above the ankle. Correct riding boots are a necessary piece of equipment to allow the rider to learn to maintain proper foot placement on the stirrup, as well as have correct ankle support. Please be sure if purchasing boots that they are Paddock boots, not tall boots!
Riding pants: The style of riding pants we suggest students wear are Kentucky Jodphurs. Kentucky Jodphurs have a flared bell bottom and fit over the boot with elastic underpasses that run under the boot to keep the pants from riding up. The pant should be slightly longer than the heel of the boot. These pants are traditional in Saddle Seat riding. Proper riding pants are designed to have grip in the appropriate areas, and seam placement to avoid discomfort.
Riding gloves: Riding gloves aid in the ability to grip the reins and help with discomfort such as friction and blisters.