Any shoe with a heel may be worn while riding, so long as the heel is about one inch in size. As you become a more proficient rider, you will want to purchase riding pants and boots. Two boot options are acceptable for lessons: tall leather boots, or paddock boots with half chaps. Please no rubber boots, they are unsafe.

For winter riding, students should wear long johns, winter weight boots and gloves. Please remember riding arenas are not heated, so you are riding in temperatures very much like outdoors (without the snow and wind, of course.)

Do I just ride or can I help to take care of my horse?
At Volo, we believe that we are building horsemen not just riders. With that goal in mind, we ask students to participate in the care of their horse. This care includes tacking up before and un-tacking after their ride. We also ask that riders spend time after their lesson cleaning the tack they have used and grooming their horse.

How long is each lesson?
New students ride for 30 minutes. In addition to the ride time, they will spend 15 minutes learning to get the horse tacked up to ride. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled lesson time for tacking up.

When students are ready to go into a group lesson, plan to spend about two hours at the barn. Students should plan on 30 minutes prior to their lesson to tack up, an hour to ride, and 30 minutes after their ride to put away their horse and the equipment used.

When can I ride in a group?
Riders move into a group lesson after they can walk and trot off the lunge line. A rider also must show that he or she can control the horse well enough to be safe in a group of horses. Some new riders move into a group in as few as six lessons. Other riders ride privately for several months before moving to the group setting. Students who have prior riding experience are asked to take one private lesson so that we can help find the best group for them.

Can I ride the same horse each time?
Once you have tried several horses, we try to match you with a horse you like, and ride well. Our horses are special to us and one of the ways we can make their job easier and better is to give them students who they like, and who like them. Remember your horse is 50% of the teaching team! One way to ensure that you will ride the same horse each time is to join our lease program. Ask your instructor for more information on leasing.

Can I have the same instructor for each lesson?
We try to keep our instructors on a regular schedule so that each week you will have the same instructor. We do need to make substitutions at times. If it is necessary to make a substitution, we will try to let you know ahead of time. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to tell you ahead of time if we need to make a substitution for your instructor.

Do I have to pay for lessons I don’t take?
Students who cancel lessons with less than 48-hour notice will be charged for the missed lesson. If we are given more than 48-hour notice, we will not charge you for your lesson. Students who do not keep a regular riding schedule may lose their ride time.