Switch Willo rider and horse at a championship presentation

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.

Young rider practicing horsemanship with a horse

First

Required for New Students

Horsemanship Class

6 Weeks6+ to Adults

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

This program is for riders who do not own their own horse. Each student is matched with an appropriate Switch Willo lesson horse and an instructor who can support the rider's current ability and goals. Regular Riding Lessons and Boarding Lessons are separate programs with separate pricing and enrollment.

Ask About Lessons

Board

For Horse Owners and Boarders

Boarding Lessons

Lessons for riders who board or own their horse are offered through the Boarding & Training program. Scheduling, lesson structure, and special pricing are handled separately from the Riding Academy.

Explore Boarding Lessons

Membership Fee

Includes horse care & facility maintenance

The membership fee supports the horses, people, equipment, and property that make safe, consistent Riding Academy lessons possible.

Horse Care

Horses

Purchase 46 horses (currently)
Hay, feed & supplements
Veterinary care, including vaccinations, exams, joint injections, and medications for inflammation, allergies, and other needs
Ten grooms who feed, water, clean stalls, provide shavings, and handle turnout
Horse trainers who provide training as needed and train young prospects for years before they enter the lesson program
Horse tack & grooming supplies, including bridles, bits, saddles, saddle pads, fly spray, hoof dressing, and thrush medications for feet
Weekly shavings & manure-waste removal

Property and Operations

Facility Maintenance

Purchase & maintenance of all farm equipment, including a tractor, skid steer, multiple trucks and horse trailers, and work trailers
Staff salaries for 12 instructors, 10 grooms, the barn manager, and two full-time repairmen
Stall, barn & grounds maintenance and repairs
Insurance for vehicles, trucks & trailers, barns & buildings
Liability insurance & property taxes
Utilities

Instructor coaching a rider during a lesson

Confidence Is Built

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

What Is Included

Everything needed for a good lesson.

Everything listed below is provided by Switch Willo.

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 four-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.

Four-Month Minimum

The initial four-month 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.

Monthly Membership

A $100 monthly membership fee is charged in addition to tuition. It supports the care of the lesson horse the rider uses, including veterinary bills, supplements, and general care.

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

Two Switch Willo riders at the IEA National Finals

Interscholastic Equestrian Association

Ride as part of a team.

IEA gives eligible middle- and high-school riders the opportunity to compete as a team without needing to own a horse. Riders draw horses supplied by the host venue, testing adaptability, preparation, and effective riding. Switch Willo riders can pursue team competition, regional qualification, and national-level goals with coaching from the barn's instructional team.

Ask About IEA