Our lesson Program
Riding Lessons in Athens, TX
English and Western riding lessons for kids and adults. Beginners are welcome!
At stepping Up Equestrian, we believe riding is about much more than getting on a horse and learning how to steer. Our goal is build confident riders who also understand horses, horsemanship, and what it takes to become a good horseman.
Whether you’re getting on a horse for the first time or you’re ready to take your riding to the next level, we’ll meet you where you are and help you keep moving forward!
Its about the Journey
Your horseback riding journey is going to have its ups and downs. The ups are wonderful, and the downs can feel endless when you’re in them.
The biggest thing is to stay consistent and keep pushing forward.
The only way to lose is to stop.
Every mistake is an opportunity to grow and learn. As your coach, all I require is effort. If you give it your all, we can grow through the rest together.
What You’ll Learn
Learning to ride a horse takes a lot more than just sitting in your saddle.
Our program focuses on developing the whole horseman.
You’ll learn how to:
Balance in a horse without getting in their way
move with your horse and give clear, precise cues'
Develop a strong and correct riding position
Communicate with your horse
Understand horse behavior and body language
Groom, tack, and care for your horse
Build strength and condition
Grow your horsemanship and knowledge
Build confidence both in and out of the saddle
Group Lessons
Our program is built around group lessons because there is so much to learn from riding with other people.
You get to learn from your instructor while also watching other riders, seeing different horses and learning how to ride and communicate in a group environment.
Our barn is also a place to make friends, cheer each other on and enjoy being around people who love horses as much as you do.
We have a great group of adult riders and kids and plenty of opportunities to get involved beyond your weekly lesson.
Horses are a wonderful and worthwhile investment. It is a life-long journey that will teach you about yourself.
Who Can Ride?
Kids. Adults. Beginners. Experienced Riders
You don’t have to already know how to ride to start.
You don’t need to own your own horse.
You don’t have to be “good enough” to take a lesson.
That’s what lessons are for!
Our riders all start at different places and progress at different speeds. Your journey doesn’t need to look anyone else’s.
The Journey
Your horseback riding is going to be a journey. It will have its ups, and it will have downs. The ups are wonderful, and the downs can seem endless when you’re in them.
The biggest factor is to stay consistent and keep pushing forward. The only way to lose is to stop. Every mistake is an opportunity to grow and learn. As your coach, all I require is effort. If you give it your all, we can grow through the rest.
Time
Learning how to ride a horse takes many skills:
1) learn how to balance on a horse and not to get in his way.
2) you learn how to balance and move in ways to give precise cues.
3) You also must grow in your horsemanship and knowledge of horses.
4) you have to grow in strength.
5) you have to grow mentally. Horseback riding is an intense mental sport. If it were easy, everyone would do it!
Each person takes a different amount of time for each. Growth is also not linear. You may take two steps forward one day and back a step the next. Just keep pushing onYou may take two steps forward one day and back a step the next. Just keep pushing on.
*Due to the time commitment required, we strongly encourage riders to be on a monthly program which will allow the time for continual growth.
We are so excited to help you start or continue this horse riding journey!
Monthly in-barn schooling shows
Summer Barrel Camp
Work book/ binder and levels
Drill team
Email newsletter
Weekly Homework sheets
YouTube How-to videos
Group Trail rides!
Barn Parties
And always adding more!
If you decide to join our awesome riding team, here are a few of our programs:
We hope to see you in our barn family!
Step up. Ride Strong. Rise Higher