Lesson Programs
We provide horseback riding instruction with the safety, happiness, and well-being of students and horses being of primary concern.
HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS
Willow Brook Farm provides horseback riding lessons for riders starting at the age of four through High School . We specialize In the very beginner rider through advanced . Whether you are riding for recreation, showing locally or as part of our IEA team ~ we will support your growth as an Equestrian!
Our program is centered around balanced seat training. The philosophy of the farm is to teach our riders how to ride in the safest possible manner, to understand how their riding can effect the horse, and have fun in the process! Our Massachusetts licensed trainers will help you develop your riding skills, knowledge, ability, and confidence in all aspects of Riding ~ In and out of the saddle! We have riding lesson programs for very young beginners, preteens, and teens . Students may choose to ride for their own pleasure or may want to grow their competition skills to ride on our IEA team or show locally .
LESSON PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Lessons are $60. Riders come once a week to their lesson time. All riders are started in 30 min private weekly lessons for safety and proper instruction. Riders arrive early to their lesson to groom and tack their horse, if they are capable. If a rider is still learning, our working students will assist or have your horse ready! Hour group lessons are offered for intermediate to advanced riders. Group lessons are matched based on ability and rider age. Trainer recommendation required. Riders do need their own ASTM approved riding helmet and proper riding boots. We will loan a helmet for an initial trial lesson. We offer lessons Monday through Saturday, giving our equine partners a day of their own on Sunday!
HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM
At Willow Brook Farm, we believe learning proper horsemanship skills is the key to a successful and complete rider. Our horsemanship program is designed to train riders on proper grooming, tacking, handling, care, and feeding of our beloved equines. All while bonding with other riders in our barn family! Classes are for riders currently taking lessons at Willow Brook Farm. These 2 hour drop off classes are offered in three seasonal sessions. Riders come once a week during the sessions in Fall, Winter or Spring. Summers are busy, as we offer the best Equestrian Day camp in the Metrowest Area! Visit our camp section of out website for complete info.
SHOWING
We take the pressure out of showing and add back in some fun! We like to expose our riders to a variety of showing opportunities. Showing is offered never required , We encourage all level riders with no pressure to join. We have many riders that ride recreationally and many that show ~ Something for everyone! We host shows at our farm and travel to other shows locally.
• January and February – onsite clinics
• March, April, May – in-house horse show series
• May and June – off-site Hunter shows and Hunter Pace
• June – IEA Team Registration
• July and August – Jumper shows at Willow Brook Farm and local barns
• September – IEA show season starts
• September – onsite Celebrate Holliston Horse show
• October – Fall Hunter Pace
• December – in-house Holiday show
IEA TEAM
We proudly host an IEA Middle School and High School competitive show team at Willow Brook Farm. IEA is the Interscholastic Equestrian Association where Riders in Middle School (as young as 9) and High School compete on Horses they have never ridden before! IEA is a National organization, with thousands of competitive riders across the country. Riders compete at their local Region level and gain points to move onto Zones and even National level competition. Our team is comprised of over 30 riders and we are always accepting new teammates!
To become more familiar with IEA, please visit their website ~ RideIEA
To join our Willow Brook Farm IEA family, contact us today!
WORKING STUDENT PROGRAM
Our working student program is a unique opportunity for our advanced riders to mentor younger riders and aid in the daily operations of our lesson program. Working students assist trainers with lesson prep, assisting younger/new riders, tacking, grooming, and care of horses during scheduled lessons. There are limited working student positions, therefore an application process is in place. Students must be advanced riders and present themselves as a role model at Willow Brook Farm to initially be considered.
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