Welcome to Mighty Oak Equestrian

What do i need to buy in order to take lessons?

We require all riders to have their own ASTM approved riding helmet, and boots with a 1.5" heel. Boots may be purchased used, but every rider should have a new properly fitted helmet. As the integrity of a helmet can be compromised by falls, drops, and extreme temperatures (being left in a hot car in the summer) it is important to have a helmet you know has been cared for properly. We do not have helmets to loan to riders due to hygiene and safety concerns. No helmet, no ride, no exceptions!

Just like many other sports, there is equipment that can make the sport easier to perform. Riding boots, half chaps and breeches will offer the rider extra support and comfort. Serious riders should have proper riding attire, while beginner riders can stick to the basics (helmet, boots, and long pants) until they are sure they want to  stick with it.

When do i take lessons? Do I just show up to the barn?

All lessons are by appointment only. they are weekly reoccurring lessons that are taken at the same day and time each week. Lessons are typically in monthly packages (four lessons).

What should i wear to the barn?

All students must wear appropriate clothing in the barn and while riding. Pants are required to be long (ideally breeches or jodhpurs) and all clothing should be fitted, nothing loose or baggy, which could be a hazard. Long hair should be tied back with an elastic or hair net. You can’t ride if you can’t see! We strongly recommend riding gloves are worn, for the rider’s comfort. And in the colder month’s riders should be dressed in layers that can be removed without going over their head (zipper sweaters and jackets). Parents and spectators should wear closed toe shoes, no open toe shoes are permitted in the barn.

What should i expect at my first lesson?

When you arrive, you will fill out our registration package which includes our liability release, registration forms, and optional photo release. Next the fit of your helmet will be checked, and we will make sure appropriate footwear and attire (long pants) is worn. After that our first stop will be in the tack room where you will be shown where to find the equipment you will need for your assigned horse. Once you have found all needed tack and grooming equipment, you will be introduced to your assigned horse. I will give you a few minutes to get aquatinted and then we will go over the safety rules for being around horses. You will learn to lead, groom, tack up the horse, and how to check if tack is properly fitted. Much of the first lesson will be focused on general horse safety and how to get ready for your lesson. The lesson duration you chose will determine how much time you actually spend in the saddle the first few lessons, for this reason we recommend no less than a 45 min lesson for those with no previous experience. Most riders will also learn to mount a horse and how to walk forward, stop, and make simple turns in their first lesson. After the riding portion of the lesson, we will return to the barn to untack, groom, and return the horse to the stall. And will end the lesson by learning to clean up the equipment and put everything away.