Parent & Me Saddle-Up: Eight Weeks of Beginner Horsemanship at Sagehill

OAKBANK HORSE FIELD GUIDE

Parent & Me Saddle-Up: Eight Weeks of Beginner Horsemanship at Sagehill

An 8-week series of weekly one-hour sessions for children ages 5–8 and their parents to learn grooming, tack-up, riding basics, and obstacle games at Sagehill Stables.

Parent & Me Saddle-Up: Eight Weeks of Beginner Horsemanship at Sagehill.

Duration
1 hour
Location
Oakbank
Operator
Sagehill Stables
Category
Horse
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Parents and children ages 5 to 8 attend eight weekly one-hour sessions at Sagehill Stables to learn the fundamentals of grooming, tack-up and riding. In small groups, a riding instructor guides parents as they lead their children through patterns, obstacles and games designed to build confidence around horses; lessons move indoors to a heated arena on cold days and out to a full-sized arena when it’s warmer.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LEARNING

Hands-on Horsemanship: Grooming to Riding

Children and their parents learn grooming, how to tack up, and riding basics under instructor guidance. Sessions use fun obstacle games and patterns so kids gain skills and confidence around horses.

THE SETTING

A Year-Round Arena Setup

On cold days the program runs in a small heated arena; on warmer days lessons take place in the stable’s full-sized arena, giving a safe, weather-ready environment for young riders.

THE FORMAT

Short Weekly Sessions in Small Groups

The program runs as eight weekly one-hour sessions in group lessons of three to five students, with first-time time-slot options on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesday evenings.

What the day feels like

What a Typical Session Feels Like

Each one-hour lesson is coach-directed and practical: families arrive, prepare the horse with grooming and tack-up, and then move into guided riding drills. Parents lead their children on horses through patterns and obstacle games so the experience stays safe, playful and confidence-building for little riders.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this program suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Active FamiliesIdeal for families who want hands-on, instructor-guided time with young children where parents actively participate in lessons.
2
First-Time Young Riders (Ages 5–8)Designed specifically for children aged 5 to 8 to learn basics in a small-group, confidence-building setting.
3
Parents Seeking Group InstructionA good match for parents who prefer structured group lessons (3–5 students) rather than one-on-one instruction.
4
Families Needing Private LessonsNot the right fit if you need private instruction for a 5-year-old; private lunge-line lessons are available for ages 6–8 by separate arrangement.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Children need closed-toe shoes with a 1/2 heel (cowboy boots, equestrian boots, rubber boots or similar) and a properly fitted equestrian riding helmet; helmets are available to borrow. Parents must wear closed-toed shoes.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What ages is the program for?

The program is for children ages 5 to 8 and their parents or guardians.

How long is each session and how many sessions are there?

The program consists of eight weekly one-hour sessions.

How much does each lesson cost and what is the payment plan?

Lessons are priced at $68 + GST per lesson. The payment plan requires a $150 deposit plus two payments of $210.60 per month once you start the program.

Are helmets and proper footwear required?

Children must have a properly fitted equestrian riding helmet (helmets can be borrowed) and closed-toed shoes with a 1/2 heel; parents must wear closed-toed shoes.

How many students are in each group lesson?

Group lessons are three to five students.

Are private lessons available?

Private lunge-line lessons are available for ages 6 to 8; inquire by emailing [email protected]. Private lessons are $98 + GST per lesson.