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.
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 leases may also be available with privately owned horses.
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… and any combination of the above.
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 Circuit or breed circuits in English, Western, or both!
How to get started?
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:
Rather than being employed by Willow Ridge, instructors and coaches can request permission to teach using the Willow Ridge facilities. The following coaches currently hold full teaching privileges at Willow Ridge.
- Leslie Hierath (english, hunter/jumper, dressage, beginner western)
- Gordon Dalshaug (english, dressage, equitation)
- Leanne Brunelle (western pleasure, western performance)
- Karen Coates (beginners english, beginners western)
- Nicole Brown (reining)
Other instructors who may schedule lessons include: Jill McDonald (dressage), Vicki Braun (reining), Bonnie McCutcheon (reining), Tatiana Gabrusch (hunter/jumper), Victoria Kendall (dressage, hunter/jumper)
Clinics and Special Events:
Occasionally, special clinics or instructional events are hosted at Willow Ridge Stables. In 2009, there will be clinics focused on Jumping, Reining, Western Pleasure, Dressage, Centered Riding, 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
