• What is a riding lesson like?

As a volunteer you will assist the rider in following through with instructions to the best of their ability by walking next to them and providing hands on support if needed. No experience is necessary as you are supported and guided by the instructor.  Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older and leaders must be 15 years of age or older.

As a rider you will initially be screened to determine your goals for the lessons and those goals will be incorporated into activities.  You will learn riding skills and apply them through obstacle courses, games of balance and problem solving, and a lot of showing off.

• How much does it cost?

Lessons cost $30 each. We are currently offering 6 week sessions.  Scholarships are available on a limited basis for riders with financial needs.

• What about weather?

HSSR will cancel lessons in weather extremes including, but not limited to temperature extremes, high winds, tornado warnings, severe thunderstorms or lightning.  Call HSSR at 791-4868 two (2) hours prior to your session for notification of cancellation.  The answering service will have a recorded message indicating if lessons are cancelled.

• What if I can’t come to a lesson one night?

Riders - Please call 791-4868 in advance if you will be missing a lesson.  This is important so we can let volunteers and instructors know ahead of time.

Volunteers - If you know you will be gone, please give at least a weeks notice so the HSSR staff can find a sub.  You can also call 791-4868.  Your rider is dependent on you to be there and subs are hard to find at the last minute.

• As a rider or volunteer, what do I need to wear?

Riders are required to wear long pants for riding.  Long pants will protect the rider’s legs from rubbing against the saddle or surcingle leather.  For the rider’s safety, boots with a heel are also required.  The safest boots are those with a smooth, hard sole and heel.  If a rider is unable to acquire appropriate footwear, they can borrow a pair from HSSR for the duration of their riding session, though we cannot ensure we have the size you will need.  (Goodwill often has many boots on hand, and Farm & Fleet has reasonably priced boots as well.)  Inform the instructor if for any reason a rider is unable to wear boots so accommodations can be made.

Volunteers – You will need supportive boots, such as hiking boots, to protect feet from the horse and for walking in the deep sand arena.  Shorts are fine since you will be walking along side of the horse.

Confidentiality is a policy that we adhere to, to the best of our ability, and we ask all that volunteers to adhere to this policy as well.

• Where is HorseSense for Special Riders located?

We are located on top of the bluffs at Red Horse Heights at N3046 County Road FA. Please see the Directions page for more details and a link to the map. - Click Here for Direction Page

We are leasing this facility from a private party.  Please observe and respect the parking areas and the family’s privacy.  Accessibility issues should not be a problem and will be individually addressed.

Please Note:

No pets please!

Family is responsible for siblings during lessons.