Q: Who will be my instructor?
You'll take riding lessons from one of Four Star Farm's instructors: Natalie Rooney Pitts, Linda Betts or Katie Cooper. Each offers in-depth knowledge and experience and can thoroughly explain not only how to do something but also the "why" behind what you're doing. Along the way, clients learn to reason out the "why" as well. All the Four Star Farm instructors are patient and kind with an abundance of knowledge and experience to share, and they love what they do!
Q: What kind of riding lesson will it be?
Four Star Farm specializes in English riding. All the instructors offer a high degree of personal attention, and this individual attention makes clients feel comfortable communicating their needs, goals, and any insecurities.
Q: How do I schedule my riding lesson?
Please call Natalie at 707-312-1119 or e-mail to arrange scheduling at either the Bodega location or Kenzo Estate in Napa.
Q: What do I need to wear or bring to my riding lesson?
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with a defined heel. Boots are preferred. Four Star Farm provides helmets.
Q: What is the riding lesson cancellation policy?
Four Star Farm requires 24-hour notice or the lesson fee is forfeited.
Q: When are riding lessons scheduled?
In Napa, riding lessons are scheduled seven days a week and in Bodega every day except Mondays—and of course not when we are at shows!
Q: Do you give riding lessons when it is raining?
Yes. Four Star Farm East in Napa features an indoor arena, and the Bodega facility has safe footing suited for all kinds of weather. If your lesson is in Bodega, and it is raining heavily, it will be rescheduled.
Q: If I've never ridden before, what will I learn in my riding lessons?
You'll learn how to groom, put a saddle and bridle on ("tacking up"), and the basics of control and steering. Best of all, you'll have fun! Your instructor will talk with you about your riding background when scheduling your lesson.
Q: What are the riding lesson horses like?
Four Star Farm instructors place a high priority on safety, so the lesson horses are patient and talented, and make it easy for you to learn. Since Four Star Farm horses are also experienced competition horses, they are good teachers. For more advanced riders, lesson horses schooled through the upper levels of dressage as well as eventing are available.
Q: What are the benefits of taking riding lessons?
You'll experience a welcoming, fun, relaxed, and for our younger clients, a kid friendly atmosphere. Adult clients often consider their riding lessons weekly therapy! Riding is great exercise for building both cardio and core strength, and is excellent for improving posture. Riding and working with horses teaches not only horsemanship skills but also responsibility, confidence, self-esteem, respect, compassion, trust, patience and teamwork—values that are often missing in other areas in life but gained in Four Star Farm's programs.
Q: How long will it take me to learn to ride?
Probably not as long as you think! Beginner clients who take 1-2 lessons per week should acquire basic competence within a few months. Riding can be a fascinating, lifelong journey and for those of you who get hooked, Four Star Farm works towards having you lease or half-lease one of the program's horses so you can practice in between lessons. If your goal is to compete in dressage, jumping or eventing, Four Star Farm can help you with developing the necessary skills safely. And when you're ready, Four Star Farm helps clients purchase the right horse!
Q: What additional riding and horsemanship learning opportunities do you offer?
Four Star Farm horse camps provide a fun and intensive way to get more horse-handling and riding experience. Also, Four Star Farm is one of the few United States Pony Club Riding Centers in Northern California, and joining is a great way to learn more. Participants do not need to own a horse.
Q: Do you have an e-mail list?
Yes! Keep informed about upcoming activities and events by signing up!