Riding Lessons
Seaton Hackney Stables offers 50 minute private, semi, and group lessons throughout the year in our all weather footing. We offer lessons 7 days a week to accommodate our riders.
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.
Seaton Hackney Stables houses a variety of horses, cobs and ponies for any skill level.
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. 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. The duration of the lesson is based on what the student can handle physically, and what the goal is for that particular day.
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.
More advanced riders are encouraged to consider our IEA Team.
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.