The Stanford Red Barn’s community lesson program provides an opportunity for community members and Stanford-affiliated people alike to begin or improve their English riding skills under the tutelage of our well-respected and experienced trainers.
We offer five levels of English riding instruction in a group setting. Appropriate classes are offered for first-time riders through riders looking to finesse their skills over fences in a group lesson setting.

Interested?
If you are interested in getting involved with our community lesson program, contact Avery Brown, program coordinator, by e-mail.

Class Descriptions

Beginning English Clinic: This class is for riders with less than 15 hours of time in the saddle or for those returning after a long break from riding. Emphasis is on learning to safely handle the horse on the ground, as well as correct position while riding at the walk and trot. Basic terminology, ring etiquette and proper use of aids are also included, as well as balance and strength-building exercises. A hands-on class with one-on-one instruction and supervision. Note: This class meets for two hours; one hour of riding and 30 minutes before and after to prepare / put away the horse.

Beginning Flat: This class is for riders who have completed at least one beginning clinic class and obtained the instructor’s approval to safely tack and untack their own horse. Students will learn to safely mount / dismount, walk, trot (sitting), halt and turn one’s horse. A class with a slow pace and a continuing emphasis on supervision and safety.

Advanced Beginning Flat: This class is a continuation of the Beginning classes, with more intensive work at the trot (sitting and posting), jumping position, and use of the different rein aids. Riders will also learn to back their horses and master simple transitions. Canter work will be introduced. Riders at this level are expected to groom and tack horses on their own, but with supervision.

Intermediate I & Intro to Jumping: This class reviews all of the skills in Beginning and Advanced Beginning. Riders will do more work at the canter and work over cavaletti, leading up to 18” crossrails with neck straps for balance. Riders will learn to lengthen and shorten the stride, bend and counter-bend, change leads, and maintain position at the two-point in all three gaits. Emphasis is on refining rider position, improving the base of support through strength and suppleness, and demonstrating control of the horse in a pre-jumping format.

Intermediate II-Jump: This class incorporates all of the skills in Beginning through Intermediate I, with the addition of riding without stirrups, more demanding strength and balance exercises, counting strides, jumping with related distances and bending lines, and simple courses of jumps.

Advanced Jumping: This class is for riders who are correctly demonstrating all of the skills in Intermediate II, and are deemed ready for more exacting work over fences. Counter-canter and lateral movements will be introduced with an emphasis placed on correct position of the rider, and mastery of the aids. Roll-back turns, USEF-style tests within courses, and simple gymnastics are also a part of this class.

Western Riding and Horsemanship: This class is for riders with less than 15 hours of time in the saddle. Emphasis will be placed on learning how to safely halter, lead, groom and tack the horse before riding, as well as correct position while riding at the walk and jog. Basic terminology, ring etiquette and proper use of the aids are also included, as well as balance and strength-building exercises. . A hands-on class with one-on-one instruction and supervision. Note: This class meets for two hours; one hour of riding and 30 minutes before and after to prepare / put away the horse.

Beginning Dressage: This is a class for riders who would like to learn about dressage as a unique discipline and who are already comfortable riding at a walk, trot and canter. Dressage tack will be used and an emphasis placed on proper technique in obtaining the horse’s correct movement. A great addition to our hunt seat lessons!

Intermediate Dressage: This class is for more advanced dressage riders and is open through instructor approval.
Note: New riders entering the program may be asked to take an initial evaluation lesson so that they can be assessed and appropriately placed in a group. Changes from one level to another may only be made with an instructor’s approval. Continuing students will be placed in levels deemed appropriate by their current instructor.