Riding Lessons, Packages & Programs
Nod Hill Equestrian Center
Home of the Exceptional Equestrian™ at USHWR
Whether beginner or advanced, students at Nod Hill Equestrian Center learn the value of connection, partnership and basic horsemanship as an integral part of being a good rider. Horses are partners, teaching skills through constant feedback on the rider’s physical, emotional and mental energy.
And Nod Hill’s gorgeous covered arena with beautiful full-view windows allows for riding year-round.
Thoughtful Riding Lessons
Offering Dressage, Hunter/Jumper & Western
Ages 5 through adults
It’s More Than Riding Lessons—It’s Building Lifelong Connections
✨ Where Riding Meets Responsibility
Our 12-lesson program goes beyond technique. It’s designed to instill respect, confidence, balance, and real partnership between horse and rider. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced rider, this program lays the groundwork for correct riding and responsible horsemanship.
Each 12-pack includes:
10 Riding Lessons – Private: 30 minutes in saddle, Semi-Private: 45 minutes in saddle, Group: 60 minutes in saddle per session to build skills, balance, and confidence.
2 Unmounted Horsemanship Lessons – Hands-on instruction in horse care, tack maintenance, and horse stewardship.
Plan to be here 30 minutes ahead of lesson time to “prep your pony”
This isn’t just about learning to ride—it’s about becoming a true horseperson. Our approach fosters trust, compassion, and understanding that endure long after the arena.
Flexible Scheduling That Works for You
We run lessons in 13-week quarters with two enrollment options:
12-Pack – Weekly lessons for the full quarter. Never miss a week? Add a bonus lesson at the same rate.
6-Pack – Ideal for riders attending every other week, not reserving a regular spot, or joining mid-quarter.
Rolling Enrollment Now Available
Start in any month that fits your schedule. You’ll still have 13 weeks to complete your 12 lessons (including one built-in week for illness or vacation). Need more time due to special circumstances? Just reach out to our management team.
Why Choose Us?
✅ Private, focused instruction tailored to your goals in a quiet environment
✅ A balanced curriculum of riding + horsemanship encouraging partnership
✅ A welcoming community and expert guidance tucked away from chaos
✅ Hands-on care that builds real responsibility, reflection, and confidence
Ready to Ride?
Join us at the Nod Hill Equestrian Center for expert instruction in a serene & nurturing environment where your fees go to help save horses across America.
Space is limited—contact us at USHorseWelfare@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!
🐴 Learn. Connect. Grow—with horses. 🐴
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We have moved to “quarters” for our riding program. Each quarter will run for 13 weeks (3 months). For those who begin after a quarter starts, the purchase price can be prorated to reflect the remaining weeks. Each quarter lesson package will include 12 lessons, 10 mounted & 2 unmounted. This allows for 1 week for illness, vacation, or other absences. If the lessons are utilized before the 13 weeks are up, additional lessons can be purchased at the package rate to bridge the gap. Please note that we still require a 24-hour notice for cancellations or the rider will be charged for the lesson. This is customary in the industry.
For those who already have a package you will be able to finish your current package and then purchase the first semester on a prorated basis. Pricing for the quarters will be $720.00 for the 12 weeks of lessons. Payment needs to be made in advance via cash, check, Venmo, or Paypal.
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Participants should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots and dress for the weather. This program runs in all types of weather; the main barn is heated to 42 degrees.
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You will receive notice should the lesson need to be canceled or postponed.
Lesson packages are not refundable.
As always, lessons must be canceled 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the lesson.
Program Cancellations within 2 weeks before the original start date will be refunded 50% of the payment. No refunds are issued once the program starts.
Any riding lessons a student misses will need to be made up during the semester and are scheduled based on the instructor's availability. A limited number of open slots are available for makeups. We permit 1 lesson to be carried forward into the next semester and students are welcome to take more than one lesson a week.
Questions? Email us at ushorsewelfare@gmail.com
Email us to sign up or for more information
Single Riding Lesson
Kristine Gallagher - Mondays 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Avery Sutton- Tuesdays 1 PM - 9 PM, Wednesdays 1 PM - 4 PM
Audrey - Wednesdays 10 AM - 9 PM, Thursdays 10 AM - 7 PM, Sundays 9 AM - 5 PM
Chauntelle - Fridays 2 PM - 9 PM, Saturdays 9 AM - 5 PM
LADIES NIGHT
Women’s Riding & Social Group
Ages 18+
Fridays 6:00 - 8:30 PM
$395 per 6 week session
Join Ladies Night and become a Friday Friend a warm and welcoming women’s riding group beginning this September, designed to spark confidence, build connection, and nurture community. Meeting Friday evenings from 6–8 p.m. for six enriching weeks, this group is perfect for beginners, those returning to the saddle after time away, and intermediates seeking to strengthen their skills. Through guided instruction, supportive feedback, and shared experiences with horses, you’ll find encouragement, growth, and the joy of riding alongside like-minded women. Whether you’re exploring new skills or rekindling a long-lost passion, or looking for a fun evening with new or old friends, our Ladies Night offers a safe and inspiring space to grow as a rider.
Cost: $395 for the full six-week session.
September 12 - October 17, 2025
November 7 - December 19, 2025 (No Class 11/28)
January 9 - February 13, 2026
Drop-ins welcome at $75.00/Evening.
Contact 860-593-4298 to reserve a spot for the week
Ages 6 - 18
Equestrian Academy for Youth
The Equestrian Academy at Nod Hill Equestrian Center offers a dynamic experience tailored to children aged 6-18 who crave an immersive journey into the world of horsemanship. Designed for those seeking more – more riding, more knowledge and more time with horses – the academy provides an enriched curriculum that goes beyond the confines of traditional riding programs. Unlike the typical once-a-week sessions, academy students can enjoy the thrill of riding twice a week, allowing for deeper immersion and accelerated skill development. Our comprehensive program extends beyond the saddle, equipping students with a robust foundation in horsemanship that surpasses conventional standards.
Beyond the invaluable riding and horsemanship education, the Equestrian Academy serves as a vibrant hub for forging meaningful connections. Participants have the opportunity to form bonds with like-minded peers allowing them to foster friendships that extend beyond the arena. This enriching social environment not only cultivates camaraderie but also expands a students social reach, providing a supportive community where they can thrive both on and off the horse. Join us at the Equestrian Academy and embark on an unforgettable journey where passion, skill and friendship converge.
Therapeutic Riding Programs
At Nod Hill Equestrian at USHWR, Therapeutic Riding programs are a vital component among our array of equine-assisted therapeutic activities, all aimed at fostering growth and well-being within our community. The Center’s holistic approach to horsemanship emphasizes the profound connection between rider and horse, providing a unique avenue for individuals with cognitive and/or mental health disorders to cultivate invaluable social and behaviors skills and bolster confidence through positive interactions with our therapeutic horses and with peers.
Our Therapeutic Riding Lessons are tailored to accommodate the specific needs of each student, catering to diagnoses such as ADD, ADHD, anxiety and depression, autism, behavioral disorders, PTSD, sensory disorders and a range of other cognitive, emotional and learning disabilities. These carefully crafted sessions led by certified trainers provide a supportive environment where riders can flourish. Therapeutic Riding Lesson prices typically align with our standard rates.
Why choose Nod Hill Equestrian Center?
PLEASE NOTE: WHILE WE AIM TO PLEASE, AS IS CUSTOMARY IN THE INDUSTRY, OUR LESSON PACKAGES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
USHWR & NOD HILL EQUESTRIAN DOES NOT GUARANTEE A PARTICULAR INSTRUCTOR AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PLACE ANOTHER INSTRUCTOR INTO A SLOT OR DAY.
WE ARE UNABLE TO GUARANTEE TIME SLOTS LONG TERM, SHOULD OUR INSTRUCTORS CHANGE AND AVAILABILITY CHANGES, WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH OPTIONS TO SCHEDULE YOUR LESSONS AT A DIFFERENT TIME OR DAY.
THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING OUR POLICIES. YOUR LESSONS ARE WHAT FEEDS THESE SANCTUARY HORSES!
We are a community of respect, relationships and learning.
It is our philosophy that horses are not tools, but instead a partner. Learning to listen to horses and build a harmonious relationship is how one truly learns to ride, so we are committed to teaching horsemanship as an essential part of becoming a good equestrian.
Nod Hill Equestrian Center offers an outstanding opportunity for you or your child to grow into a well-rounded, skilled equestrian. Blending riding, horsemanship and husbandry provides our students with greater knowledge of the sport, increasing their ability to partner with the horses and become better equestrians.
Our oversized outdoor white sand arena is now complemented by our new indoor arena, permitting us to ride and work with the horses year-round.
Specific lessons for children
USHWR now offers English Hunt Seat and Western riding lessons for ages 4 and up. We also offer Dressage lessons for ages 6 and up on specific days. Led by a team of passionate instructors, we offer an unforgettable journey through the world of horsemanship tailored specifically for children.
Our program is designed to instill confidence, respect, and a love for these majestic creatures, all while having an absolute blast! Our dedicated instructors are not only highly skilled equestrians but also possess a special knack for working with children. With their patient guidance, even the most timid riders find themselves trotting with joy in no time. From learning the basics of grooming and tacking to mastering the art of riding with finesse, our instructors make every lesson an exciting and enriching experience.
Helping horses while we learn
As a division of US Horse Welfare and Rescue, proceeds from all lessons directly benefit the mission of US Horse Welfare and Rescue to educate, advocate and rescue horses in need.
