Hidden Farm is a full service boarding and lesson facility in Apalachin, NY.
Lessons and Boarding
Lessons
Our riding lessons are based on Centered Riding and Dressage techniques and philosophies. It is our strong belief that if a new rider is taught to ride in a centered and balanced way through correct position, it will not only help the horse stay happy and comfortable, it will provide a sturdy foundation for the safety and pleasure of the rider. Once a rider can ride this way, she/he can go into any desired discipline, whether it be Dressage, Jumping, Western or just good old trail riding! We do jumping lessons for students with their own horses.
Private Lessons, (one per week) are 30 minutes (in the saddle time):$45 each lesson
Group Lessons, (one per week) are 50 minutes (in the saddle time):$40 each lesson
All lessons must be prepaid at the beginning of each month (at your first lesson of that month). A couple of times per year there are five week months, so the monthly cost will be for 5 lessons on those months.
We do ask for a high level of commitment to your lessons. Riding is not the easiest sport to learn, although lots of fun and so satisfying! Never forget that we are dealing with live beings that have a mind of their own. Learning how to communicate properly with a horse takes time and practice…none of us is born knowing “horse language” and that's why riding lessons are important if you wish to learn to ride well. Missed lessons usually mean taking a step or two back. “Perfect practice makes perfect” (a great quote fromGeorge Morris).
***UPDATE!!! Actually, I just found out that George Morris was not the author of that quote....apparently, Vince Lombardi first said it! But, I did see George in action, using that quote and it fit the situation perfectly! I still love ya George!
Cancellations: If you must cancel a lesson, you may make it up on another day WITHIN A MONTH (if your cancellation is in the last days of the month, we will allow an extra week in the next month for a make-up). Make-ups not used within the month will be lost. No worries, we have lots of time options that can be used for make-ups!
Contact us for an email containing a copy of our Liability Release form.
Comfortable clothing is a must for riding! Jeans that are not too tight or snug fitting sweats are fine. Ankle length (or higher) boots with a ½” heel and smooth sole are required for stirrup safety reasons. We have ASTM approved helmets here that may be borrowed for the lesson. No shorts or sandals. In fact, there are no sandals allowed in the barn at all…and that includes siblings, friends and even parents!
If you are sure that your child will enjoy to continue to take lessons, ASTM approved helmets, riding breeches and paddock boots can be found at reasonable prices from online companies such as Doversaddlery.com orStatelinetack.com. Ebay is a great source for bargains once you know exactly what you want.
We have a rider weight limit of 150 pounds. It is a fact that horses, although fast and strong by nature, really do not have the ability to carry too much weight on their backs without eventual back injury (contrary to what many believe!). We are very careful to insure the health of our horses by limiting the total weight of rider plus tack.
In an effort to keep the lesson fees from rising, please pay in cash.
Enjoy this video of a typical beginner lesson:
For the Littlest Riders:
.Very young horse lovers may be too small for formal, traditional riding lessons but they can still get the "horse riding experience" here at Hidden Farm. 30 minute Lead Line lessons are available for $45 each lesson.
Boarding
We offer full board on our 40 acre farm. We love our boarder's horses as much as we love our own! It's a known fact that horses are generally healthier, not to mention happier when they are allowed lots of pasture time. The horses are turned out as much as possible, weather permitting. The coldest day, the wettest days and also the hottest days will keep them indoors but in decent weather, they'll all enjoy the great outdoors!
Full board price: $345 per month
Hay is included but feed and supplements not included. We will feed whatever you provide for your horse.
Riding Lessons for Boarders (using their own horse): $35 per lesson (no additional discounts)
Contact us for a PDF file copy of our Boarding Contract for your printing convenience.
Full board price: $345 per month
Hay is included but feed and supplements not included. We will feed whatever you provide for your horse.
Riding Lessons for Boarders (using their own horse): $35 per lesson (no additional discounts)
Contact us for a PDF file copy of our Boarding Contract for your printing convenience.
HorseTraining
We have been using natural horsemanship methods to train horses long before the term “natural horsemanship” became popular! We believe in working “with” the horse to teach him to respect us in a way that comes easily to him. We ride all winter inside our covered dome round pen.
Training Board: $600 per month (includes full board and
daily training)
Individual Training Sessions: $ 50 per session
One of the training methods that we use before backing a horse is "Long Reining". Here in this video is a young colt named Bubba, a little horse that was brought to us by his owners for training. This was his first time with the long reins:
Boarding Contract
Contact us for an email containing a PDF file copy of our Boarding Contract for your printing convenience.