At Delaney Stables, riding is part of a bigger picture.

Our lesson program is built around developing a good understanding of horses and learning how to communicate with them. Students learn to groom, handle, tack, ride, and care for their horse, while also learning why we do things the way we do. As students gain experience, they are encouraged to take on more responsibility and become increasingly independent.

We work with adults and children, from newer riders through more experienced equestrians, on our horses or yours. Whether your goal is to become a confident recreational rider, develop your horsemanship skills, prepare for competition, or simply learn more about horses, we will work with you to help you move forward.

Getting Started

New students begin with an evaluation lesson. This gives us a chance to get to know you, talk about your experience and goals, and determine where you will be most comfortable starting.

Our horses have different personalities, strengths, and levels of experience. Matching the right horse and the right type of lesson to each student is an important part of the program.

Lesson Options

Regular lesson programs are weekly lessons duemonthly.

Private Lessons

Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction and are a good choice for students who benefit from individual attention or have specific goals they want to work toward.
$335/month

Group Lessons

Group lessons provide the opportunity to learn alongside other students while still receiving individual instruction. They are a good fit for students who enjoy learning with others and are ready to work in a group setting.
$260/month

Lessons with Your Own or Partnered Horse

Students who own a horse or participate in the Horse Partnership Program receive a reduced lesson rate because they are providing their own horse for the lesson.
Private: $305/month

Group: $240/month

Flex Private Lessons

Flex lessons are available for students who cannot commit to a regular weekly lesson time or who need occasional additional instruction.
$85/lesson on a lesson horse
$80/lesson with your own horse

Horse Partnership Program

For students who want to spend more time with a particular horse and become more involved in barn life, the Horse Partnership Program – known by some as leasing – provides an opportunity to work with a designated horse two or three days each week.

Partnership includes the use of the horse, routine veterinary and medical care, and use of the horse’s tack and grooming equipment. Lesson fees and a prorated share of routine farrier expenses are separate. Weekly lessons are required.

What to Expect

A lesson at Delaney Stables may include more than the time spent riding.
Depending on the student’s experience and goals, lessons may include grooming and handling, preparing the horse, riding, cooling out, and caring for the horse afterward. Understanding all the joys and benefits of ‘barn time’ is key to our commitment to you.

Students are expected to participate in the care of their horse and to learn how to safely and thoughtfully work around horses.

What to Wear

For riding lessons, students should wear:

~ An ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet
~ Long pants that are comfortable for riding
~ Boots with a defined heel and a smooth or lightly treaded sole
~ A shirt with short sleeves appropriate for riding

You do not need expensive riding clothes to get started. If you are unsure whether something you already own is appropriate, we are happy to help you decide.

Payment & Scheduling

Regular lesson programs are paid monthly. Payment is due by the 20th of the preceding month. A month is a calendar month.

Flex lessons are paid at the time of booking.

Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged at the full lesson rate.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are interested in lessons, please contact Jill to schedule an evaluation and talk about the best place to begin. Call 802-484-3138 or email DelaneyStables@gmail.com
Training Horses and Teaching People

Tacking Up
Quality
Horsemanship
Work Ethic
Little’s Day
Best Day Ever!
An evening view

Jill literally got me back in the saddle. After a bad riding accident, my heart so needed to reconnect with horses, but my body and confidence had both been shattered. The bones had healed, but I barely had the strength to throw my leg over a horse’s back. Fear had me clamping into a rigid crab’s pose at the slightest loss of balance. Somehow, Jill found something that first day to build on, as she did the next lesson, and the next, and the next. She paired me with her solid, honest, school ponies. She kept me moving through my fear. As my body has slowly healed and my strength and confidence gradually return, she continues to scaffold each step forward with skill, and a masterful sense of timing, anticipating when I need kind support or a no-nonsense nudge. I am beginning to find my way again in an avocation I love with all my heart, but was uncertain I could continue. There are many horse people out in the world. But Jill is a truly gifted and intuitive teacher. Horse centered, student centered, I cannot recommend her more highly.

Julie Burchstead