Private Lessons at Lonestar Ranch!
The lesson program is based on a whole-horse approach and is heavily based on an organization called Pony Club. We don't want to teach riders, we want to turnout horse people. The lessons are heavily based on riding but the students will learn how to catch, halter, cross-tie, groom, tack, and untack horses as well, and if time allows they will learn even more horse care information such as parts of the horse, how to bandage, take temperature, pulse, respiration, plus much more!
For the first lesson, we like for prospective students to come for a single lesson that will serve as an evaluation to make sure it is a good fit! If you decide it is what you are looking for, then we can enroll you in the lesson program!
For our beginner rider, everything is taught and supervised in one-on-one instruction, and as the student becomes more competent then they will be given a chance to pass a basic test of grooming and tacking in order to come to their lessons a little early in order to get their horse ready so we can have even more time for riding and other horse knowledge. Beginners are strongly encouraged to take private lessons; being able to have the one on one time with an instructor is crucial to a good foundation of riding.
The initial evaluation lesson is $125, and if you choose the enroll the cost is $95 per class afterwards. Email us to get started!
Here are some policies that answer some of your questions:
Cancellations:
All lessons -To cancel a lesson (regularly scheduled or makeup) you must give 24 hours notice and must notify the lesson director in writing (either text or e-mail, voicemails and verbal cancellations do not count). We enforce a strict 24 hour cancellation policy. Any cancellation that is less than 24 hours will result in a "no show" and will be charged the full lesson price.
Semi-private - If you are enrolled in a semi-private - you and the other student are tied to the lesson, if one person cancels and gives the proper 24 hour notice then the lesson will be cancelled for both students. If one student does not give 24 hours notice then the lesson will still go on and be taught as a private lesson with the student missing the lesson being charged for the lesson per the cancellation policy stated above.
Unenrollment:
If you wish to unenroll in the lesson program we ask that you give a months notice to do so, but we understand this is not always possible. In either case a student may use 1 makeup after they are unenrolled in the program and any additional makeup lessons will be forfeited. Giving the months notice allows us to make sure all makeups are used before unenrolling.
Inclement weather:
Inclement weather cancellations are up to the lesson director and lessons will be canceled based on temperature (generally under 25 degrees), rain, and safety of riding areas. All lesson students will be notified via text message by 2:30 (or earlier) if lessons are canceled.
Makeup lessons:
Makeup lessons are held during open lesson spots during the week and on some weekends. 24 hour cancellation notice applies to makeups as well. Please note that your regular instructor may not be the one to teach your makeup.
Payment:
Once enrolled in the program you can pay by credit card, cash, or check. Credit cards are generally charged no later than the 7th of each month. If you pay by cash or check, payment is due on the first lesson of the month. All checks to be made out to Texas Trail Rides. Invoices are not sent unless requested.
