At Sweet Meadow, we offer many types of lessons. Scroll down to find what exactly you may be looking for.
Please note that Shelley operates this stable very differently from other stables. For instance, methods such as the use of whips/crops and spurs are still very prominent among riding. However, these methods are frowned upon at Sweet Meadow. Instead, it is each riders goal to learn to be independant of such artifical aids, which can be abusive aids. Reasoning? Shelley believes strongly that all of her students will learn how to permentaly fix such problems that may arise using Natural Horsemanship methods instead of using the traditional pain induced philosophy. This is one of the many facts that makes Sweet Meadow Stable different from other stables.
Group Riding Lessons For Children
Updated: 2/24/10
Sweet Meadow's group lesson program is second to none. One of our goals at Sweet Meadow is to keep horses affordable for everyone and that's just what we did. Our two hour sessions coupled with a ground up approach has created the largest group lesson program for children in the area, with over fifty students and still growing. Lessons are given by Shelley herself and most of the time an assistant instructor is also present.
At Sweet Meadow group lessons are unique. Here, lessons are much more than riding. They are complete horsemanship. There is no such thing as jumping out of your car, riding and then going home. Our students learn everything it takes to be a responsible caregiver of horses, an effective but compassionate rider and they are required to go over the days events which they are graded upon. Students learn everything from picking out the hooves, to saddling up their own horse, doing chores around the farm and most of all, mentoring, leadership and responsibility.
At Sweet Meadow, group lessons are held rain or shine. On rainy days the stable hosts indoor lessons which are held inside the barn with emphasis on equine education. Subjects such as hoofcare, horsecare, emergency suitations, tack care/cleaning and educational crafts are done to keep students focus always on learning.
As a student, your child will recieve enough knowledge to own a horse or if students choose, when they get older they can eventually dive into an equine career field very comfortably. Since 1996, Sweet Meadow Stable has produced three students who eventually opened up their own riding stables, two students who now train horses and one teenager who is hired by owners to school their horses right here at the stable. All of these students came to Sweet Meadow with zero previous knowledge or expierence with horses.
Sweet Meadow Stable takes safe horseback riding very seriously. We are one of the only stables where your small child will never be put ontop a full sized horse. All small children start off on small ponies (which are easier to control not to mention lower to the ground if you fall off!) We also use saftey stirrups on all of our stable owned saddles, and provide certified riding helmets if students do not have their own. Also on the property is SMS's very own tack shop called, "The Tack Trailer" a full service tack store offering affordable prices on schooling helmets, show clothes, fly sprays, horse treats, saddles and more. No need to drive all over to find horse related products, everything is right on the property.
Once a month, students participate in "game day" which students ride in once a month. Game days infuse sportsmanship and are a great way to to change up daily lesson routines. Students also compete in a "Student of the month" award offered each month March through November.
The stable boasts a "fleet" of six small ponies ranging from 10 hands to 12.2 hands and two medium ponies all trained to give children-friendly lessons. These same ponies also end up taking many of the students to their first horse shows, summer camps and on their first trail rides.
In our group lesson program, we cover:
*Understanding horse communication
*Safe horse handling skills
* Gentle grooming methods
* Proper tacking techniques
* General flat work (walk, trot and canter)
* Some Dressage
* Natural horsemanship (mounted & un-mounted)
* Indoor lessons
* And Shelley's speciality jumping
Again the focus is not 100% on riding. It is on total horsemanship. This is important to know before choosing a stable for your child.
Students are asked to provide their own supplies. These are:
1. Rubber muck boots to work in.
2. An all natural fly spray (skin-so-soft works great!)
3. Leather wipes for to take care of their saddles.
~ All Group Rates Are Charged On A Monthly Basis ~
~ Group Lessons Are Rain OR Shine! ~
~ Cash rate $130.00 for the entire month or
~ Pay by check for $140.00 for the month.
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2010 Group Lesson Schedule
* Group lessons are 2 hours unless otherwise indicated *
* Monday- Beginner Level 1 4:30 / Private Lessons
Tuesday - Beginner Level 2 4:30 / Private Lessons
Wednesday- Intermediate 1 4:30 / Private Lessons
Thursday- Advanced Group 4:30 / Private Lessons
Friday- Show Prep Lesson For Shows 4:30 / Private Lessons
Saturday- Horse Shows / Private Lessons/ Birthday Parties
Sunday- Closed / Some Birthday Parties
NOTE: Shelley sometimes have availabilities during hours and days not listed here. Please call to see what is available. For instance, sometimes Shelley will teach on a Sunday if that is the only good day for you. Here at Sweet Meadow, we try our best to accommodate everyone.
Semi- Private Lessons For All Ages
This is a great opportunity for mom's and daughter's to ride at the same time, siblings or friends wanting to do something together.
Shelley is the instructor for all semi-private lessons.
Semi-private lessons consist of the info listed above in Shelley's specialties.
Semi-Private Lesson With Shelley
(One hour) $35.00 per person
Private Riding Lessons For All Ages
Sweet Meadow Stable offers "one-on-one" private lessons for those students who want a concentrated environment. A private atmosphere ensures maximum learning without any distractions. We offer the following in Private lessons:
Private Lesson's With Shelley
People as from Philadelphia PA, Sterling VA, Washington DC, and beyond come to Shelley for her equine knowledge. With her "out of the box" thinking she offers a fresh approach towards teaching her students. Another thing about Shelley? She is positive. Unlike traditional "drill sergeant" instructors, Shelley keeps an eye for your positive attributes and gently lets you know your weaker ones too.
Shelley is also up to date on the latest horse training methods, equine sciences and new riding techniques. She knows what works, and applies her knowledge to all her lessons. Shelley is a slow and methodical teacher. Nobody is pushed beyond their natural ability, thus keeping Sweet Meadow Stable a very safe place to ride. Learning is kept at a comfortable, but forward pace. You will be asked your personal goals for riding and she will come up with a plan to help you achieve exactly what your looking for.
Sweet Meadow Stable has four horses for our adult and older children to experience. Each horse teaches something different and you will be able to ride them all when your ready. All of our horses are safe riding mounts and have been in our lesson program for years.
~Shelley offers private lessons in one or two hour blocks~
Shelley specializes in the following:
* "Horse Whispering"/ Natural Horsemanship Lessons
* SAFE riding tactics for all disciplines
* Equitation- English & Western (proper riding)
* Dressage- (Intro, Training, Level 1 and 2)
* Hunters & hunter ponies
* Leadline riders (age 9 and under)
* Western Pleasure * "Problem" horses
* "Problem" riders (more often the case)
* Beginner Adult riders
* Nervous & unconfident riders of all ages
* Extensive horse training techniques
* Students seeking complete equine knowledge
* Problem solving (before the problem begins theory)
* In-depth horse communication (reading body language)
*Perfecting your jumping course
* Horse care 101
One Hour Lessons $65.00
1/2 Hour Lessons- $35.00
NEW! Two Hour Lessons $130.00
Shelley Wright is also available for:
* Trailer Loading Issues ($250.00 to fix this problem)
* Clinics (on any speciality listed above)
* Lectures (on Equine Podiatry, Natural Horsekeeping, Horse Whispering)
* Writing Articles (Featured on feedscoop.com and many others)
* Demonstrations Of All Kinds
To book any of the above venues, please visit our contact page and shoot Shelley an email.
Working Student Program
Are you on a strict budget and still want to ride horses? Sweet Meadow may have the program just for you or your child. The stable sometimes has openings for people to exchange work for the following,
1. Stable Work (mucking, feeding, repairs.)
2. Horse Show Help (entry booth help, announcer, stable hand)
Contact Shelley to see if any working student positions are available today!
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Thoughtful Letter On Our Lesson Program 7/21/08
Subject: Thanks so much!
Hi Shelley, We just want to say thank you again, for providing such a great "first horse experience" for our girls Kallie and Ellise. Kallie loved her private lessons with you, and was over the moon when you suggested she participate in your end of month schooling show. The look of pride on her face (photo attached) when she competed and won her first ribbons, is something we will never forget. Both she and Ellise really enjoyed their semi-private lessons too, as well as all the attention they got from you and your great helpers like Amanda and Andi. Ellise had a fantastic time in your beginner summer camp, and I know her big sister was a bit jealous that she got to spend all that time with Allie at Sweet Meadow! They are both hoping to sneak in a few more lessons this summer, and they have already asked if they can attend camp next summer. We really can't say enough about how impressed we are by your teaching methods, professionalism, horse care and dedication to fun as well as safety. Your respect for the kids and horses is evident and came through in all of our interactions with you. Thanks again for such an all-around great horse experience for all of us!
Best, Peg and Tim Kates
Kallie Kates on "Cedarcrest Tappenzee Eurp" on 6/28/08
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We Love Feedback!
Have you rode at Sweet Meadow Stable? Tell us your experience by a writing an email and letting us know what you thought!Send all emails to: Shelldubz2@aol.com