Lessons

Riding Lessons From Beginner To Advanced

We operate a large riding lessons program for those with no previous experience through advanced riders.

Violet & Nemo Showing In Hunter Under Saddle

In addition to learning to ride, students also learn how to safely handle the horses while they are grooming and tacking them up, and how to cool out and properly put their horse away.

We feel that riding and horse care go hand in hand. Proper horse care is the basis of good horsemanship.

Nicki & Sage Competing In Cross Country

The students at Spruce Meadow participate in a wide variety of riding disciplines including hunt seat, dressage, jumpers and cross country, but it all begins with a basis in correct, classical riding principles and techniques.

Lesson plans are tailored to each individual horse/rider combination.

Lessons are offered 7 days/week.

Our Lesson Horses

The foundation of any successful lesson program is its horses.  We currently have 20 horses available for lessons and lease. No matter what your riding level we have the perfect horse for you!

Erin Riding Boo In A Dressage Test

Our lesson horses are valued partners and were chosen especially for their temperaments and suitability. They have also won many ribbons in a variety of disciplines in competition.

Our Instructors

Spruce Meadow’s lesson program features several horseback riding instructors. All of them have been part of our program for many years.

Karla & Chip

Karla Deacon, owner & head horseback riding instructor, has operated the lesson program at Spruce Meadow Farm for over 20 years. Karla has trained and competed in hunters, jumpers and dressage. She continues to teach, train and oversee the lesson program at the farm.

Erin & Baraque at the Erie County Fair 2010

Erin Cox teaches lessons several days a week. Erin has been riding at Spruce Meadow Farm for over 10 years and is one of the top horseback riding instructors in the area.

She has competed successfully in Hunters, Jumpers, Dressage & Eventing. She recently trained Baraque, a young Arabian horse, from square one to Reserve Champion Jumper Horse of the Year in the Southtowns Summer Series in 2009 and Champion in both the Adult Hunters and in Jumpers at the Erie County Fair in 2010!

Jennifer and her favorite lesson horse, Chigger.

Jennifer Bisher is our newest instructor at Spruce Meadow. She has been helping out as our back barn supervisor and working as an assistant instructor for the past year.

She has done such a great  job and is so kind and helpful with her students (and the horses) that she is now one of our regular lesson instructors.

Jenn, her youngest son, Joey and our pony, Buttons!

Jennifer has been riding for most of her life and enjoys both Western and English. She has an intuitive way of picking up on the individual needs of both horses and riders.

Jenn specializes in teaching children and beginners. Having two sons of  her own, Joey and Jacob helps keep her “in tune” with young minds! She particularly enjoys teaching good horsemanship and sharing her love of horses.

Jennifer makes everyone feel welcome and is always willing to lend a helping hand.

Lesson Prices

1/2 Hour Private            $35

1 Hour Group                  $30 per person