Adult Programs Adult Programs
Equestrian Programs for Adults
Ready to remember why it is you fell in love with horses in the first place? We're guessing it wasn't strictly for the thrill of riding around the arena (as important as the academic side of riding is for us all!!). Our programs for adults are all about helping people discover the joy and adventure to be found in the world of equestrian sports and disciplines. We'll be adding to this roster of activities in 2025, so stay tuned and check back often!
Contact us to sign up or for more information: [email protected]
Equestrian Vaulting
We are pleased to partner with the Manhattan Riding Club to offer Introduction to Vaulting classes!
Often described as gymnastics performed on horseback, vaulting’s origins can be traced back to Roman games which included acrobatic displays performed on cantering horses. Modern vaulting was developed in post-war Germany as a means to introduce children to equestrian sport, and it remains a popular training and competitive endeavor all across Europe. Modern vaulting competitors are judged on their ability to smoothly execute compulsory movements demonstrating strength, flexibility, and balance—making sure to face all four directions and cover all parts of the horse from neck to croup—during their routines. They are also evaluated on the technical difficulty and artistic expression associated with freestyle routines.
Sign up for our upcoming dates here: MRC Vaulting
Carriage Driving
We offer private carriage driving lessons upon request, where we will meet at nearby Rockefeller State Park to explore the beautiful carriage roads. Driving instruction covers the fundamentals of learning about the harness and vehicles, hitching and unhitching, and the unique safety protocols specific to this discipline, as well as the art of driving a single horse hitch.
Carriage driving is rich in history and tradition, but there is also a thriving community around pleasure and modern sport driving today. Our instructor Megan has a background in combined driving (a three phase sport similar to ridden Eventing), and has also trained and driven for pleasure for many years.
Contact us to inquire: [email protected]
Natural Horsemanship
Have you been looking for meaningful ways to connect with your horse on the ground, whether to improve their manners or help them to become calmer and softer? Is the idea of "feel" elusive, and you'd like to de-mystify this skill? Maybe you've been following the conversation in the horse world about our "social license to operate" and are uncertain where the line of assertiveness crosses into real or perceived abuse. Most of us have heard about "natural" horsemanship and positive reinforcement training, but it's not always obvious how to apply these principles to our horses.
Groundwork sessions to teach the fundamentals of kind, respectful relationship-building with horses rooted in natural horsemanship and positive reinforcement philosophies are available for private groups of two or more students.
Contact us to inquire: [email protected]