Horse Basics: From the Ground Up

Experience personalized, one-on-one instruction designed for beginners and anyone looking to feel more confident around horses. Learn the fundamentals of horse care and riding in a welcoming environment where every lesson is tailored to your experience, goals, and pace.

Horse Safety

Session

$50/Person

Perfect for beginners, this hands-on session introduces horse safety, behavior, and communication through guided ground-based learning. Gain confidence, learn essential handling skills, and build a strong foundation for your first riding experience

You'll learn:

  • 30 minutes private non-riding session

  • How to safely approach, greet, and move around a horse

  • How horses use their vision, hearing, and body language to communicate

  • Safe positioning and body awareness when working around horses

  • Basic horse anatomy and essential tack terminology

  • How your posture and movement influence your interactions with horses

Perfect For:

  • First-time riders

  • Guests preparing for a trail ride

  • Anyone new to horses wanting to feel more comfortable and confident around horses before riding

Foundational Riding

Session

$195/Person

Build a strong foundation in horsemanship through personalized instruction that emphasizes safety, partnership, and progressive skill development.

You'll learn:

  • 60 minutes private riding session

  • Safely approaching, haltering, and handling your horse

  • Grooming and preparing your horse for riding

  • Understanding tack and riding equipment

  • Leading and communicating with your horse from the ground

  • Proper mounting and dismounting

  • Developing a balanced, secure seat

  • Walking, steering, stopping, and guiding your horse

  • Progressing to the trot and canter as your skills and confidence grow

Beginner Riding

Package

$750/Person

Learning happens over time. Save with our four-lesson package while building confidence, strengthening your skills, and progressing at a pace that feels right for you.

You'll learn:

  • Package: 4 x 60 minutes Foundational Riding sessions.

  • Save when you purchase the series

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Progressive instruction tailored to your goals

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Program Highlights

  • Beginner friendly

  • Ages 6+

  • No experience required

  • Experienced, supportive instructors

  • CHA-aligned, safety-first instruction

Our Approach

At Silver Saddle, we believe learning begins with trust, patience, and partnership. Every lesson is tailored to your experience, goals, and comfort level, creating a supportive environment where you can build confidence one step at a time. We emphasize safe horsemanship, thoughtful instruction, and developing a meaningful connection with your horse as you learn.

What to Expect

  • Private, one-on-one instruction tailored to your experience and goals

  • Experienced instructors in a welcoming, supportive environment

  • Patient, well-trained lesson horses thoughtfully matched to each rider

  • Lessons include time both on the ground and in the saddle, progressing at a pace that's comfortable for you

  • All tack and riding equipment provided

  • No previous horse experience required

  • California Horsemanship Association (CHA)-aligned, safety-first instruction

  • Relax before or after your lesson in our comfortable, air-conditioned clubhouse with complimentary refreshments

What to Wear

  • Closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel

  • Long pants and comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement

  • ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmets are required for all mounted lessons. You're welcome to bring your own, or we'll be happy to provide one.

Programming is ground-based, so plan for time outdoors and close interaction with horses. Choose clothes you’re comfortable moving in and that don’t mind a little dust or the occasional horse “kiss.”

Ready to Begin?

We'd love to welcome you to the barn. Private and small-group options are available — reach out to find the fit that's right for you.

Canine

Resort

Luxurious daycare, grooming and enrichment for dogs

Equine

Programs

Horse basics, equine Assist Therapies, wellness and more...

Learn More

Private & Community

Events

Private parties, seasonal festivals, and gathering

Membership

Join the Silver Saddle Community