Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own horse?

No! HF has a small group of experienced lesson horses available for students.

As riders progress, select students may also have opportunities to lease an HF horse for additional riding and showing opportunities.

Students who own their own horse may also participate in the program when the horse and rider are an appropriate fit.

What ages do you teach?

HF works with both youth and adult riders.

Rather than having a strict age requirement alone, we consider each rider individually based on age, maturity, ability to follow directions and our current horse availability.

What kind of rider is HF a good fit for?

HF is a great fit for riders who are excited to learn, want to become more independent around horses and are interested in progressing beyond simply spending an hour in the saddle.
We value riders and families who are consistent, communicative, willing to learn and respectful of our horses, facility and barn community.
You don’t have to be competitive or have big showing goals to belong here. You simply need to be willing to learn and put in the effort.

Do you take complete beginners?

Yes! Riders do not need previous horse experience to begin lessons.

Beginners learn the entire process, including safely handling, grooming and tacking their horse in addition to riding.

As riders progress, lessons become increasingly tailored to their individual goals and interests.

Do you only teach barrel racing and games?

No.

While HF specializes in WSCA games and barrel racing, good horsemanship and riding foundations come first.

Students work on balance, position, control, feel, timing and communication with their horse before speed is added.

We believe the best way to become a competitive rider is to first become a capable one.

Does my child have to compete?

Not at all.

Showing is an opportunity available to riders who are interested and ready for it, but riders do not have to compete to participate in lessons at HF.

For students who do want to show, we offer opportunities to become involved in our WSCA and competition program as they progress.

How often should riders take lessons?

HF is structured primarily around riders who want to participate consistently.

Weekly lessons are recommended for most students because consistent saddle time makes a significant difference in confidence, skill development and progression.

Riders participating in an HF lease are required to remain in weekly lessons.

What should I wear?

Riders should wear long pants and a heeled riding boot or appropriate western riding boot.

Helmets are required for riders participating in the HF program. 

We can provide additional information on appropriate riding attire before your first lesson.

How long are lessons?

Private riding lessons are approximately one hour and small group lessons are an hour and a half.

Because horsemanship is part of our program, lesson time may include catching, grooming, tacking, untacking and horse care in addition to mounted instruction depending on the rider’s experience and lesson goals.

What happens during the winter?

We ride year-round!

HF has an indoor arena that allows lessons to continue through much of the Minnesota winter. Because our current indoor arena is smaller, winter lessons are primarily private and scheduling may be more limited.

During warmer months, our outdoor arena allows us greater flexibility for small-group lessons, practices and other activities.

Lessons may occasionally be canceled or adjusted due to extreme temperatures or unsafe weather conditions.

Can I just book a lesson whenever I’d like?

HF is structured as an ongoing riding program rather than a drop-in riding experience.

Most of our students ride on a regular schedule, and available lesson spots are limited.

If you’re interested in joining the program, submit an inquiry below and we’ll determine whether we currently have an opening that fits your needs and schedule.

Do you offer horse leases?

Yes, on a limited basis.

Lease opportunities are reserved for riders actively participating in the HF program and are based on rider readiness, goals and horse availability.

Leasing can provide additional saddle time, greater responsibility and more showing opportunities while allowing riders to experience some of what horse ownership entails.

Can you help us purchase a horse?

Yes.

For established HF riders who are ready to make the transition into horse ownership, we can assist with determining what type of horse may be appropriate, reviewing prospects and helping with the shopping process.

Horse ownership is a big step, and our goal is to help riders find a horse that fits their ability, goals and future plans.