Riding Lessons at Willow Ridge Stables
Horseback riding lessons are taught at Willow year-round in a variety of disciplines, for all ages, and all levels. All lessons are taught by certified coaches and instructors. Lessons may be available in group, semi-private, and private formats.
If you do not board at Willow you can trailer-in your own horse. For students who do not have their own horse, school horses may be available. Students are matched to horses based on experience, suitability, and size. Part board arrangements or leases may also be available with privately owned horses. This is not always advertised, but may be arranged through your instructor.
As students progress, depending on their situation and interest they will be encouraged to seek their own horse or at least a part-board arrangement. Having access to a horse to ride between lessons, and possibly to show, is key to ongoing development as a rider.
All beginning riders, all youth riders, and all riders over jumps, are required to wear an approved helmet and footwear. A few helmets are available for kids who are just trying out a few lessons, but after that they should have their own. Discuss with your coach or instructor about your requirements. Appropriate equipment can be purchased in Saskatoon or online from a variety of sources.
Who rides at WRS?
Any level: Beginners, intermediate, or advanced. Competitive or casual.
Any age: Children, youth, adult, and “re-riders” (returning to riding after a few years).
Many disciplines: Hunters, Dressage, Jumpers, Cross-Country, Reining, Western Pleasure, Trail, Polo (of course), and whatever!
If you are interested in an all-around exposure to horses and horsemanship, a chance to see and experience the full breadth of equestrian sports, to see a variety of performance horses in training, to learn from fellow riders, then Willow Ridge might be your kind of horse facility.
Ideal for those interested in showing on the SHF Provincial Open Heritage or Prairie Cup circuits.
To start with lessons…
To get started riding at Willow Ridge Stables, call the main office at (306) 373-4317 to discuss your training goals and timelines.
If you don’t already have an instructor in mind, you’ll be matched to the appropriate instructor or coach to suit your schedule and needs.
If interested in polo, just contact the Saskatoon Polo Club directly.
Instructors:
Instructors and coaches can request permission to teach using the Willow Ridge facilities. Some of the more regular instructors are:
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Leslie Hierath
Leslie teaches mostly on weeknights. She is a patient and encouraging instructor to all students. Her lessons are usually group or semi-private, and include english or western lessons for adult beginners, youth beginners, intermediate english, and hunter/jumpers on the flat and over fences. Leslie has experience with most riding disciplines, and has experience showing in western pleasure, horsemanship, and dressage, and currently competes on the Hunter/Jumper circuit. |
| Gordon Dalshaug
Gordon is well-known as an instructor of adults with a focus on dressage and classical equitation. His lessons are usually semi-private or private, on weekdays or weeknights. With Gordon, the focus is on developing the partnership between horse and rider, and the conditioning of both. His keen eye has made him popular as a clinician as well. Gordon brings a wealth of experience with dressage as a competitor, coach, and judge. |
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Leanne Brunelle
Leanne usually teaches private or semi-private lessons, focusing on the skills needed for riding western, western pleasure, western trail, and horsemanship. She has a patient and confident way of teaching, whether it is to develop a positive riding experience for the casual rider, or a more competitive edge for the show pen. Leanne has a wealth of experience training horses for western performance, and has successfully trained and shown quarter horses and arabians. |
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Nicole Brown
Nicole is best known as a reining trainer and coach. She has competed successfully across North America with over $70,000 LTE. Her approach to instruction starts with a solid foundation of horsemanship that applies to far more than just the reining show pen. |
Other instructors who may schedule lessons include: Jill McDonald (dressage), Vicki Braun (reining), Judy Hunter (hunter/jumper), Bonnie McCutcheon (reining), Tatiana Gabrusch (hunter/jumper), Victoria Kendall (dressage, hunter/jumper), Karen Coates (beginner english).
Clinics and Special Events:
Occasionally, special clinics or instructional events are hosted at Willow Ridge Stables. In 2010, there will be clinics focused on Jumping, Reining, Western Pleasure, Dressage, and more. Check the Events Calendar for more information, or call (in case we haven’t updated the events calendar because we’re too busy riding horses!)
Call for more information.
Phone: 306-373-4317
