Introductory prograM
We are proud to offer an introductory program that gives riders and families the opportunity to determine whether this sport — and this level of commitment — is truly the right fit before making a larger investment. While traditional lesson barns once served as the primary entry point into the industry, that model has become increasingly difficult to sustain at a high standard of care.
In many lesson programs, horses are required to work long hours with a high volume of riders in order to keep costs artificially low and the business financially viable. While there are certainly exceptions, this often comes at the expense of the horses’ long-term soundness, quality of care, consistency in training, and overall happiness. At Hidden Hills, the horse always comes first, and we believe that quality training requires consistency, individualized attention, and proper management rather than maximizing the number of rides in a day.
For that reason, riders continuing beyond the introductory program move into a lease arrangement, which allows for greater consistency, stronger horse-and-rider partnerships, and a far more productive training experience for both horse and rider.
What is the focus of the program?
Our introductory program is designed as a short-term foundation program for riders who are new to the sport or returning after time away. The program consists of up to six months of structured instruction with one to two lessons per week, depending on the rider’s goals, schedule, and rate of progression. During that time, students are introduced to foundational riding skills, horsemanship, horse care, grooming, tacking, safety procedures, and general stable management in a professional training environment.
The purpose of the program is to create a sustainable and horse focused way to give riders enough time and exposure to determine whether they are ready to move forward into the long-term commitment of training and horse ownership. As riders progress, consistency becomes increasingly important, which is why students transitioning into the full training program are expected to have their own horse in order to continue developing effectively and responsibly.
Why do i need my own horse at the end of the program?
Leases are often an ideal option for beginner and developing riders because they provide flexibility while still creating consistency and accountability. Lease arrangements can range from short-term trial periods lasting only a month to long-term full leases spanning years, with structures that vary from feed leases to monthly or annual agreements depending on the horse, rider, and goals involved.
Most importantly, leasing allows riders to fully immerse themselves in the responsibilities and realities of horse ownership without immediately taking on the financial and long-term commitment of purchasing a horse. It creates a more consistent partnership for both horse and rider while avoiding the revolving-door nature of many traditional lesson programs, where the horse is often expected to carry the physical and mental burden of constantly adapting to a high volume of inexperienced riders.
Who is this program for?
Our introductory program is designed for riders, children or adults, who are serious about building a correct foundation and gaining a realistic understanding of what involvement in the sport truly entails. It is ideal for beginners, riders returning after time away, or families looking for a structured and professional introduction to horses, riding, and horsemanship before committing to a lease or full training program.
This program is best suited for students who value education, consistency, and quality instruction over quick progression or a casual “pony ride” experience.
