We currently have limited availability in this program. Please call for availability. Ages 6 and up.
Horsemanship Lessons (FOR THE PUBLIC)
Lessons now occur in 6-Week Series (paid per 6 weeks)
If you are coming to us because you or your child is interested in horses and want to learn the skill of horsemanship and riding, then lessons are likely the right program for you. If the rider has needs in the areas of self-esteem, learning level, attention span, diagnosis, etc. we recommend the Therapeutic/Adaptive riding program so that we can ensure the instructor and teaching style will be appropriate for your needs. If you have questions about this, we can address those via a phone conversation after receiving your application.
The application for BOTH programs is now the Same.
PLEASE NOTE: Our current weight limit is 200 lbs. for rider safety and to maintain the health of our horses. This may vary depending on the support needed by the rider. Riders may be asked to weigh in at random during programming. Please provide accurate weight upon application.
Application Process:
1) Complete the Application- Online Application
2) Download the Physician's forms to send to your doctor (physician's signature required before evaluation appointment). This can be faxed back to our office for faster service.
*A generic physical will not suffice for this as riding has specific risks.
3) Ensure submission of full application
4) We will schedule a phone interview to gather more information and answer questions.
5) We will schedule the evaluation/tour (Evaluation will not be scheduled until all documents are submitted.)
6) Once Evaluation is complete, Saving Grace will contact you to discuss recommendations on program and schedule.
Of course you are welcome to call our office with any questions/concerns.
CURRENT SCHEDULE No Dogs Allowed on Premises for Rider Safety
2025 Series Schedule
Spring I - March 3 - April 12 Makeup week: April 14-19
Spring II - April 28 - June 7 Makeup week: June 9-14
Summer - June 23 - Aug 2 (very limited availability, tentatively closed July 18 - 26) Makeup week: Aug 4 - 9
Fall I - Aug 18 - Sept 27 Makeup week: Sept 29-Oct 4
Fall II - Oct 13 - Nov 22 Makeup week: Dec 1-6
Pricing for Lessons:
On occasion these may be integrated with our Adaptive riding students, however if this occurs we will ensure everyone gets proper attention and skill progression. Our lessons focus on safety and all around horsemanship, from working with your horse on the ground, tacking up, taking care of the horse, to basic Balanced Seat riding skills. We provide a solid foundation that students can then use to progress to any discipline or style. Lessons are always taught by a trained Adult Instructor with several years of horsemanship experience, and provide a fun and educational experience for the true horse lover.
For more information on makeups, weather, payment, and other policies please refer to the application. Standard lesson times are limited as our priority is to serve clients with special needs.
Lessons are RESERVED on a 6-week basis by appointment and are first come, first served. When choosing a lesson time, please ensure that this is a time you can commit to.
*No Outside Dogs Allowed on Premises for Rider Safety*
Commonly Asked Questions:
Horsemanship Lessons (FOR THE PUBLIC)
Lessons now occur in 6-Week Series (paid per 6 weeks)
If you are coming to us because you or your child is interested in horses and want to learn the skill of horsemanship and riding, then lessons are likely the right program for you. If the rider has needs in the areas of self-esteem, learning level, attention span, diagnosis, etc. we recommend the Therapeutic/Adaptive riding program so that we can ensure the instructor and teaching style will be appropriate for your needs. If you have questions about this, we can address those via a phone conversation after receiving your application.
The application for BOTH programs is now the Same.
PLEASE NOTE: Our current weight limit is 200 lbs. for rider safety and to maintain the health of our horses. This may vary depending on the support needed by the rider. Riders may be asked to weigh in at random during programming. Please provide accurate weight upon application.
Application Process:
1) Complete the Application- Online Application
2) Download the Physician's forms to send to your doctor (physician's signature required before evaluation appointment). This can be faxed back to our office for faster service.
*A generic physical will not suffice for this as riding has specific risks.
3) Ensure submission of full application
4) We will schedule a phone interview to gather more information and answer questions.
5) We will schedule the evaluation/tour (Evaluation will not be scheduled until all documents are submitted.)
6) Once Evaluation is complete, Saving Grace will contact you to discuss recommendations on program and schedule.
Of course you are welcome to call our office with any questions/concerns.
CURRENT SCHEDULE No Dogs Allowed on Premises for Rider Safety
2025 Series Schedule
Spring I - March 3 - April 12 Makeup week: April 14-19
Spring II - April 28 - June 7 Makeup week: June 9-14
Summer - June 23 - Aug 2 (very limited availability, tentatively closed July 18 - 26) Makeup week: Aug 4 - 9
Fall I - Aug 18 - Sept 27 Makeup week: Sept 29-Oct 4
Fall II - Oct 13 - Nov 22 Makeup week: Dec 1-6
Pricing for Lessons:
- Standard Lessons (Riding and Horsemanship Lessons) - Options may depend on availability and skill level*
- Half Hour Private $270/Series ($45 per lesson) – recommended for young beginners
- Hour Private $390/Series ($65 per lesson) – serious beginners or independent riders
- Hour Group $300/Series ($50 per lesson) – very independent riders at walk/trot
- Equine Assisted Learning/Ground Sessions
- 50 min group/private $240/Series ($40 per lesson)
On occasion these may be integrated with our Adaptive riding students, however if this occurs we will ensure everyone gets proper attention and skill progression. Our lessons focus on safety and all around horsemanship, from working with your horse on the ground, tacking up, taking care of the horse, to basic Balanced Seat riding skills. We provide a solid foundation that students can then use to progress to any discipline or style. Lessons are always taught by a trained Adult Instructor with several years of horsemanship experience, and provide a fun and educational experience for the true horse lover.
For more information on makeups, weather, payment, and other policies please refer to the application. Standard lesson times are limited as our priority is to serve clients with special needs.
Lessons are RESERVED on a 6-week basis by appointment and are first come, first served. When choosing a lesson time, please ensure that this is a time you can commit to.
*No Outside Dogs Allowed on Premises for Rider Safety*
Commonly Asked Questions:
- How long are lessons? Therapeutic lessons can last 30-60 minutes depending on the rider's stamina, attention span, and safety. Private sessions are approximately 30 minutes. Group sessions are approximately 55 min. Group lessons include helping groom, tack and ready their horse for the lesson.
- How often are lessons? Lessons occur weekly in a series of 6 weeks.
- How much are lessons? Adaptive riding is $50/lesson for a 6-week series. Ground School is $40/lesson. Our cost is actually closer to $130/hour and we scholarship the difference for every family because we fundraise as a nonprofit to make it more affordable. If the fee is difficult for your budget, you can request additional scholarship to reduce the cost further. Please email us to request a scholarship application or call the office at 704-209-6577. *If your child has the Goods and Services Waiver or other accommodations that would pay for this service, your Care Manager can request an invoice for this service. We do need your application and an initial evaluation before we can approve billing.
- Are discounts available? We reduce the cost automatically from $130 down to $50 for every client. However, we do offer Scholarships. Please email us to request a scholarship application.
- When do you schedule the lessons? We schedule therapeutic lessons Monday through Friday throughout the day, and every other Saturday. After school hours and Saturdays typically have limited availability. *Summer hours are morning or late afternoon/evening to avoid the heat. If we do not currently have availability in a timeslot that works for you, we will put you on the waiting list and contact you as soon as something becomes available.
- How long is the evaluation? Evaluations typically take 20-30 minutes and do not usually include riding. However, we may determine a mounted evaluation is best. Mounted evaluations may take up to 45 min.
- Can we come one time and try it? Our insurance does not cover one time rides. However, depending upon the participant we may need to do a mounted evaluation instead of a ground evaluation in order to assess if we can safely accommodate the rider. We recommend clients attend a 6-week series to gain the most benefit. Sometimes fear or sensory issues can cause riders to be hesitant at first and they may need to come a few times to be comfortable mounting the horse.
- What if we are out of town or sick? If we are notified you have a preplanned absence at the beginning of a series, we will prorate for appointments and vacations. Or you can makeup the lesson in the makeup week or apply a credit to the next session. We allow one pre-planned absence per 6-week series. However, if you miss your appointment due to last minute issues/illness, you will not receive credit because we have reserved that timeslot for you for those 6 weeks. Exceptions can only be made at the discretion of the Executive Director.
- What happens if the weather is bad? If it is safe to do so, we offer ground lessons for riders when the weather isn't appropriate for riding. If that isn't an option we will schedule a makeup or give a credit. We will contact you at least one hour prior to the lesson time for inclement weather. If you need additional notice please let us know.
- Do we need our own helmet? It is ideal and more sanitary to have your own if you are able. However, we do have helmets here that you are welcome to use until you are able to acquire your own.
- What type of shoes should the rider wear? Riders should wear closed toed shoes that will stay on and not slip off. Ideally a boot with a low heel and no or very little tread (cowboy boot, winter dress boot, English riding boot), however the rider can wear tennis shoes as we do have safety stirrups to prevent issues. Crocs, sandals, and slip on shoes are prohibited in the saddle and riders will be unable to do mounted activities that day.
- What type of clothing should the rider wear? Riders should wear pants to avoid saddle rubs, and clothing appropriate for the weather/temperature of the lesson. Jackets should be zipped up for safety. Gloves are recommended for winter riding or sensitive skin.