10 Best Places for English Riding Lessons in Texas
Michelle DrumNo part of the United States evokes the image of horseback riding like the state of Texas. The Lone Star State is known for its many ranches, and riding is a core part of many a Texan’s identity. Though it’s western-style riding that often comes to mind, Texas offers plenty for English riders as well. If you’re in Texas and looking for English riding lessons, you have many options. Here are ten that you may want to check out.
1. North Texas Equestrian Center
If you’re looking for a world-class equestrian experience with great facilities and a wide range of services offered, you’ll find it at the North Texas Equestrian Center. This equestrian center has an Olympic-sized arena, an official-sized dressage arena, and several other arenas and round pens. They offer a customized program for riders with trainers to develop or enhance English riding skills. They also offer horse training to work on manners, riding with a snaffle bit, and riding with an English saddle.
2. Bailey Oaks Farms
Located on over 40 acres of lush countryside, Bailey Oaks Farms offers lessons for any level of riding skills. Group lessons are offered based on age and ability level, with the Pony Club ranging from ages 5 to 12 and Riding School from age 12 on up. On your first visit, you’ll meet with a trainer to assess your skill level and riding goals, then you’ll be placed in the appropriate class. Your continuing education will work on attaining fun and challenging goals. Lessons focus on English riding skills as well as horsemanship and proper care. Bailey Oaks Farms also offers coaching and mentorship for individual show jumping with a structured and professional approach.
3. Dallas Equestrian Center
The Dallas Equestrian Center is a facility with a focus on English riding and horsemanship, particularly on the principles of hunters, jumpers, and equitation. They teach all levels from beginners through advanced for both fun and competition. The facility is the largest equestrian center in North Texas and boasts two outdoor jumping and riding fields and three covered arenas. They pride themselves on offering the amenities of a large, full-service facility with the personal-touch of individualized programs with in-house trainers. All this, and just minutes from downtown Dallas.
4. North Dallas Equestrian
This world-class equestrian facility offers English riding lessons from ages 5 and up for beginner and intermediate levels through expert competitive levels. Riders have the option to use ranch horses or to bring their own and they can meet with a trainer to craft a customized program that will work for their needs and interests. Not only are there a number of round pens and a covered arena, but this facility also has an official Olympic-sized arena and an official-sized dressage arena.
5. Caspian Equest
Beginners to advanced levels are welcome at Caspian Equest, from age six and up. Beginners learn horse care basics as well as horse behavior while they learn about basic horsemanship and English riding skills with a focus of dressage, hunter, and jumper. They also offer a Show Rider program for those who are looking to compete. Caspian Equest participates in local and regional events to provide valuable competition experience while having fun and improving skills. Lessons focus on establishing and attaining goals while continuously improving knowledge.
6. Windmill Stables
Windmill Stables helps students master a variety of English riding styles, including eventing, dressage, and hunter/jumper. These lessons are part of a foundational program that teaches horsemanship, including riding, horse care, and groundwork. Students aren’t just taught riding. They also learn the importance of respect, relationships, and health for their horse. Trainers have more than 35 years of experience teaching all levels and all age groups. Private lessons are available for ages 7 and up, and small group lessons for two to four people are offered to intermediate and advanced students. Windmill Stables offers two lighted arenas and one with all-weather footing, a round pen, a seven-acre jump field, and riding trails so there’s a lot of room to grow and learn.
7. Whispering Farms Equestrian Center
Whispering Farm offers educational excellence with riding lessons tailored to each individual student’s needs and skill level. Not only are the trainers skilled at training, but they are also competitors dedicated to their skills and continuing their own education. Lessons are available in dressage, eventing, and jumping disciplines for beginners to advanced riders. Students can learn to develop skills, whether their goal is to have fun and learn or to compete. Current students are competing with success in local and regional shows. Whether your goal is a journey of improvement or success in the show ring, Whispering Farms has a trainer that will meet your needs.
8. Rocking J Stables
English jumping lessons are available six days a week for beginners to advanced riders at Rocking J Stables. Lessons include a 30-minute segment on horse grooming, safety, and tacking and a one-hour riding lesson. Private lessons are offered to all students. Once a rider knows how to groom and tack their horse and control the horse trotting under-saddle, small group lessons are also available. The outdoor arena is lit and includes jumps and barrels to practice English jumping skills.
9. Summer Hill Farms
Pleasure riders and competitors are both welcome to join the lesson program at Summer Hill Farms. Their goal is to build riding skills with a focus on safety, comfort, and attention to detail. They produce confident and effective riders at all levels. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are offered and riders are matched based on goals and ability. The programs focus on the English riding disciplines of hunter, jumper, and equitation. Facilities include an all-weather European horse exerciser, a large outdoor lighted arena, and a covered arena with a viewing area.
10. Merriwood Ranch
Merriwood Ranch offers all levels of English riding with a focus on the hunter/jumper discipline. Lessons are offered from August through May with a summer riding camp during the summer. One-hour small-group lessons provide the opportunity to interact with and learn from other riders while offering personalized instruction. Classes are grouped based on skill level to allow for skill progression and continued success. Merriwood Ranch hosts two local horse shows, Dallas Hunter Jumper Scholarship Circuit and North Texas Hunter Jumper Club. The ranch encourages students to participate in these schooling shows though competition isn’t required.
The state of Texas does not disappoint when it comes to English-riding lessons and there are many good options to choose from. If you dream about learning English-riding skills and even competing, Texas is a great place to be.
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