Private Lessons

   Riding Lessons

Over 35 horses in order to address a variety

of skill levels

In addition to troop riding, Seaton Hackney Stables offers both private 50 minute lesson  and semi-private lessons for our riders who want more flexibility in scheduling or individual attention. Private lessons are a great way for students to have one-on-one instruction, developing strong bonds with the instructor and their horse.

Instructors work closely with their students, adjusting and advancing the course of study based on each unique rider’s needs.  Riding cards are available at a discounted rate. Our team of instructors specialize in all levels of riding for a multitude of disciplines including English, Western, cross country, dressage, and equitation. Individual lessons provide the rider with the opportunity to focus on developing their strengths and correcting their weaknesses.

In addition, Seaton Hackney Stables houses over 35 horses in order to address a variety of skill levels. As the riders progress through the levels and acquire new skills or explore different disciplines, Seaton Hackney Stables can provide horses that accommodate the riders’ unique needs. Riders also have the option of Equisharing (leasing) horses in order to continue fine-tuning their riding skills.

Riders must schedule their lessons in advance, either in person or via the telephone 973-644-3355. Horses are fitted with their own proper saddles. In order to insure that the horses do not get sore backs, riders may not bring their own saddles to use on a horse without having the saddles approved by management.

Being Prepared For Lessons

All riders should plan to arrive 15 minutes before the lesson starts and report to barn office for their horse assignment.

In the event the student is late we will attempt to compensate him or her for the lost time if both the instructor and the horse’s schedule allow. In the event that it cannot be accomplished the time will be forfeited without the right to future compensation.

If the instructor or the facility causes the tardiness, the student’s lesson time will be extended so as to achieve the entire lesson time or the student will be compensated for the missed portion.

Please note that lesson time includes tack adjustment, warm-up, cool-down (on or off the horse) and tack re-adjustment in preparation for exiting.

Cancellation Policy

From time to time we understand it will be necessary for you to cancel a lesson. Due to the nature of our business and the schedules for both instructors and horses, we ask that you please cancel your lessons as quickly as possible. In order to avoid being charged in full, all cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson time.

Cancellations must be called in to the barn office 973-644-3355.

In the event that 24-hour notice is not given, the client will be charged for the full amount of the lesson.

Instructor Cancellation Policy

If a particular instructor is unavailable on a given day, the Seaton Hackney will make every effort to provide a substitute instructor. If a substitute instructor is provided, the lesson will remain as scheduled. This shall not constitute cause for cancellation and subsequent credit to the client. If one cannot be provided, the client will be contacted and the lesson will be canceled at no charge.

In the event an instructor will not be available for an extended period of time, the client will be contacted and given the option to reschedule with another instructor or canceling at no charge.

Our Lesson Horses

At Seaton Hackeny there is a horse to fit every rider from the beginner to the advanced, for both English, Western and Dressage.

Although we will always attempt to accommodate a client’s request for a particular horse, we can not guarantee that the requested horse will always be available.

What To Wear

For your safety and comfort, we ask that you adhere to the following dress code:

Helmet – All riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmet. If you do not have your own, we have a wide selection of helmets for you to borrow.

Pants – All riders must wear full length pants – jeans are preferred, but any pants will work. Shorts or skirts are not acceptable attire. Cultural/religious accommodations can be made – please notify us when booking the lesson.

Shoes – All riders must wear boots that come above the ankle and have a small, defined heel (e.g. hiking boot, work boot, rain boot). Sneakers, “Ugg” style boots, open toes, or flat soles are not acceptable footwear.

If you would prefer to get your own riding equipment, we can guide you to a tack shop where you can purchase riding apparel and gear.

Waiver Form

More advanced riders are encouraged to consider both troop and private lessons. In addition, riders can take semi-private hour lessons at a discounted rate. Advanced riders can participate in off-site shows and enroll in Seaton Hackney Stables’ advanced camp programs that are held in New Jersey during the summer and Florida in the winter.

Dressage and eventing lessons are another option for experienced riders who wish to expand their riding capabilities. Seaton Hackney Stables has an on-site cross-country course and offers seasonal clinics to accommodate those riders who are interested in eventing.

T E S T I M O N I A L S

Dear Marc and all the team,

Our daughter, Selda, loves her experiences at SHS. Riding first in PEP, then in troop sue has many encouraging, confidence-building instructors. In shows she feels proud and capable. As a volunteer, she enjoys the feeling that of responsibility and solving problems. Now as a CIT she loves the nice people, the responsibility and the appropriate level of challenge. She has become so independent, in part because of the trust and mentoring everyone their gives her: from the office, to the ring, to the stalls, and now at Lake Rickabear.

We applaud you all for the encouraging, safe, positive culture you have nurtured. We are also grateful for all the opportunities for self-development, learning and job skills you have offered Selda. I can imagine you might have some stress and hard days. Hold on to this screenshot and know that you are doing a great job! 7/2022

I would like to thank you and your staff for the time you dedicated to our kids. It was such an incredible day all around and you just topped it off for them. They loved the horses. Your staff and your kindness is so greatly appreciated. We will be sending an email to all the parents of the students that participated to give them your name and phone number of your stable. Thanks again and if there is ever anything we can do to help you as a organization please ask. The Lions club and Leos club would gladly help.
Barbara G.

Looking forward to it! Jillian is proudly riding in your groups for children with special needs and we continue to be very grateful of your support and for giving our daughter a place where she feels like she belongs!

Jodi G.

My son Anthony “AJ” Laska attended pony share camp at Alverthorpe Park in Abington, Pennsylvania from July 7-10, 2014. I have to tell you how impressed I was with the program and the staff. Fernando was very organized and kept the program moving at a good pace. I loved how he taught them the basic safety rules, which is not easy with younger children. Emily, Luisa, and Hector were FANTASTIC too. They really made the activities enjoyable and fun. My son was one of the youngest children there, and they were so kind and patient with him. The staff demonstrated their knowledge of the horses and took good care of them. They also made sure that each child had time to ride. As a mother, I was just so delighted and thrilled with the program that I can’t wait to enroll him again next year! So a big “thank you” again to Fernando, Emily, Luisa, and Hector for a wonderful week.

 Mary L.

I was one of your first Equishare riders back in the mid ’80s. My horse was DJ. I am still thankful for the training you gave me. I still ride for pleasure and enjoy watching my daughter ride who is starting to show and is part of the USEF High School Equistrian Athlete Program. Looks like you are doing amazing work with children in NJ. Wish you all the best for a great 2015.

Trish M.

My daughter has always had a wonderful experience at Seaton Hackney, the staff have never been anything but welcoming, the horses are wonderful and Kaylea loves them all. We have tried other barns, but as a beginning family we were not welcomed at other barns as much as we have been at SHS. Thank you for all you do for your riders and horses!

Erin M.

Seaton Hackney has helped me become the rider that I am today, especially Gillian. Gillian is fun but focused on my safety. My daughter has ridden at Seaton Hackney Stables since she was four-years-old. She always enjoyed participating in the horse shows at the facility and enjoy the Barn shows in the fall and spring. I also had fun at Seaton Hackney at camp this past summer.

I have learned responsibility of taking care of the horse and the tack. Riding has helped me learn about competition and both winning and losing.

Kathyrn D. 

I love the stables because I get to ride my horses and it’s fun. I also like grooming the ponies. Elvis always remembers who I am and licks my hand. He’s fuzzy and cute.

Cat Z.

As the dad of a young lady that rides at Seaton Hackney, I could not agree more about the quality of the facility and of the instruction they provide.

Pete

Seaton Hackney Stables has changed my life. I can honestly say that without the joy of horses, I would have gone through life with an emptiness that I didn’t even know existed. The horses and the staff are part of my family. It’s an amazing facility with quality instructors and horses.

Stacey G.

Trail Riding

Two friends and I decided to go horseback riding and we were looking for a stable in Northern NJ. While there were a few in the area, we chose Seaton Hackney and had a great time. When you call to set up your ride in advance, they prep you extremely well and set great expectations. It didn't feel commercial what so ever, and we always felt we were in great hands. Our instructor Jen was AWESOME, always making sure we were good but also empowering us to ride. Price was pretty decent for a group, less expensive than other stables in the area. The trail was pretty and actually public, so a bunch of people were so happy to see us. Every point of contact was very welcoming, and I will definitely be coming back here.  

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