About Us

Riding Instruction

Bookmark’s premier hunt seat lesson program emphasizes the classical seat and is suited for beginners and experienced riders alike, ages 3 and up. Each student receives instruction based on individual abilities and goals. We want every student’s experience to be educational, enjoyable and safe. Lessons are taught in private, semi-private or group formats. In order to maintain consistent progress, we encourage students to ride in at least one lesson per week, usually scheduled at the same day and time each week. Our large indoor arena allows lessons to continue year round regardless of the weather. It is located in the main barn and is easily viewed from our heated observation room.

Each rider receives instruction based on their personal ability and initially, this is best accomplished in private lessons. As students advance, instructors may suggest hour long semi-private (2 riders) or group lessons (3 or more riders). For young beginning riders, half-hour private lessons offer an opportunity to get started riding without as great a time or cost commitment.

Our school horses are well trained, sound and schooled regularly. Our first consideration in matching horses and students is ability level and what that particular horse/pony can teach a student.

Lesson Structure

Half-hour Private: $45

Grooming and tacking will be done by Bookmark staff. The half hour lesson is primarily devoted to riding. This format is most appropriate for younger or very beginning students.

Hour Private: $60
Hour Semi-Private: $50
Hour Group: $45

This hour format includes training on the grooming, tacking and cooling out process and offers a longer riding time.

Lesson Payment Policy

Lessons are paid in advance each month (4 or 5 weeks) to ensure a student’s weekly time slot.
We accept cash, personal check, MC and Visa.
(There is a $15 fee charged for returned checks)
If a lesson must be cancelled, students should contact their instructor to schedule a make-up lesson.

Our instructors combine the wealth of their background and experience to teach the classical hunt seat discipline in a safe, fun, and educational manner.

Riding Attire Guidelines:

• Riders should be neat in appearance with hair pulled back and shirt tucked in.

• Helmets: SEI/ASTM approved helmets must be worn at all times while mounted. Bookmark has a small supply available for new students to borrow until they have the opportunity to purchase their own.

• Boots: Proper foot wear must be worn. We suggest paddock of field boots, but any hard soled boot with a sturdy ½” heel is acceptable. Paddock boots or “Granny” boots are a popular style and can often be found inexpensively at local discount retailers. (Cowboy boots or fashion boots with a high heel and deep angle to the arch are not recommended.)

• Pants: Jodphurs/Breeches are comfortable. Straight leg jeans (with stretch) are appropriate for beginning lessons.

• Shirts: T-shirts, Polo shirts are appropriate (no tank tops please). In colder weather, sweatshirts and polar fleece make good layers to add. Any shirt or coat must not hang below the waist as you sit in the saddle.

• Gloves: are appropriate year round.