Woman riding a chestnut horse during a lesson at Switch Willo Stables

Riding Academy

Learn to ride. Learn to care.

English riding instruction for children and adults, from first-time beginners through advanced hunter/jumper riders.

Your Path Into the Academy

Strong riding starts with horsemanship.

New students begin by learning how to work safely and confidently around horses before progressing through the Riding Academy.

HORSEMANSHIP PHOTO

First

Required for New Students

Horsemanship Class

6 Weeks6+ Ages

Learn horse safety, grooming, tacking, leading, stable routines, and how to prepare independently for a lesson.

Explore Horsemanship

Rider working with a horse in a Switch Willo lesson

Beginner Through Advanced

Riding Lessons

Small-group lessons
Semi-private lessons
Private lessons
Children and adults

Each student is matched with an appropriate lesson horse and an instructor who can support the rider’s current ability and goals.

Ask About Lessons

INSTRUCTION PHOTO

Confidence Is Built

One clear instruction. One honest try. One ride at a time.

Rider and horse working in a Switch Willo arena

What Is Included

Everything needed for a good lesson.

A suitable lesson horseMatched to the rider’s experience and current needs.

Appropriate tackThe necessary equipment is provided for each lesson.

Qualified instructionClear coaching focused on safety, confidence, and progress.

A regular scheduleLessons are offered by the month with a two-month minimum commitment.

Tuition and Scheduling

A consistent plan for steady progress.

Monthly Tuition

Tuition is paid monthly. New students reserve a place with an approved contract and payment.

Two-Month Minimum

The initial commitment gives riders enough time to establish a routine and begin building useful skills.

Additional Ride Time

A second weekly lesson may be arranged by purchasing an additional monthly tuition package.

Horse Reservation

A regular lesson horse may be reserved by request when availability and rider suitability align.

Final approval: All contracts are reviewed and require approval from Lesson Director Holly Mortimer.

Horse and rider competing over a hunter fence

From Lessons to Shows

Put new skills into practice.

Lesson horses may attend local shows with riders of every level. Transportation and equipment can be provided as part of the show experience.

View Show Calendar

COMMUNITY PHOTO

Life at Switch Willo

More than lesson time.

Spring

Easter at the Barn

An egg hunt and time together for barn families.

Fall

Halloween Celebration

Costumes, barn fun, and a marshmallow roast.

Winter

Christmas Gathering

A holiday scavenger hunt before the new show year.

Resources and Registration

Everything in one place.

Review the policies and complete the documents that apply to your rider.

SWS PoliciesView > Liability WaiverComplete > Horse ReservationComplete > Lesson ContractComplete > Credit Card AuthorizationDownload > Riding Academy FAQsRead >

Ready to Begin?

Tell us about your rider.

Holly Mortimer and the lesson team will help you understand the next step.

Inquire About Lessons Call 512-565-5983