Riding Lessons
Riding lessons at Second Hearts Ranch & Petting Zoo begin April 4th. Our program focuses on teaching true horsemanship, helping riders build confidence, responsibility, and a strong relationship with the horse.
Our program teaches much more than just riding. Students begin by learning the foundations of horsemanship, including how to safely interact with and care for horses.
During lessons, students learn:
- Horse safety and behavior
- How to lead a horse
- Grooming and brushing
- How to tack up and prepare a horse for riding
- Basic riding skills
Riders start with the basics and gradually progress as their confidence and skills improve. Students typically begin riding at the walk on lead line, and as they gain experience they move on to walking, trotting, and eventually cantering.
The goal of our program is to help students become true horsepeople, building trust and a relationship with the horse rather than simply riding.
Lesson Pricing
Private Lessons
- $70 per hour
Group Lessons
- $55 per hour
Maximum 3 riders per group
Lesson Schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
- Private Lessons
- 4:00 PM
- 5:15 PM
- Group Lesson
- 6:30 PM (maximum 3 riders)
Wednesday
- Group Lessons Only
- 4:30 PM
- 5:15 PM
What a Typical Lesson Looks Like
Each lesson is designed to teach both horsemanship and riding skills in a safe, supportive environment.
A typical lesson may include:
Meeting and preparing the horse
- Grooming and brushing
- Learning how to tack up the horse
- Understanding basic horse safety
Riding instruction
- Mounting safely
- Practicing balance and control
- Learning to walk, steer, and stop
- Progressing to trotting and cantering as skills improve
Hands-on farm experience
After the lesson, students spend 15 minutes helping with simple farm chores, such as feeding animals or brushing horses. This helps riders understand the care and responsibility involved in working with horses.
Our goal is to help riders develop confidence, responsibility, and a strong relationship with their horse.
Age Requirement
Riding lessons are available for children ages 5 and older
A younger experience for children under 5 may be available upon request
Helmet Requirement
Helmets are required for all riders
- Some helmets may be available to use temporarily at the start of lessons
- After 4 lessons, riders must purchase their own properly fitted riding helmet
This allows families time to decide if riding lessons are the right fit before purchasing equipment.
Dress Requirement
For safety and comfort, riders should wear:
- Long pants (jeans or leggings)
- Closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel
- A riding helmet (required)
Helmets may be borrowed temporarily, but riders must purchase their own after four lessons.
Avoid sandals or open-toe shoes.
Meet the Instructor
Riding lessons at Second Hearts Ranch are taught by Melissa Blair, owner of Second Hearts Ranch & Petting Zoo.
Melissa has been involved in agriculture since 1996 and has owned livestock for nearly 30 years. She studied Animal Science at Oklahoma State University, earning a BS in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Economics.
She has been riding horses since 2008 and has extensive experience teaching riders of all skill levels. Melissa taught mounted patrol riding for five years and has worked with Boy Scouts who had never ridden before, preparing them to ride in ceremonies, parades, rodeos, and shows.
Melissa started Second Hearts Ranch to give kids the opportunity to experience animals, learn responsibility, and build meaningful connections with horses and farm life.