Riding Lessons

LTRA is thrilled to announce a significant addition to our team and formalized lesson program launching this September. We are proud to welcome Jay Skoog, a Certified Horsemanship Association instructor and owner of Foundations Skill Centre. Jay will be our new coach offering high-quality riding lessons at LTRA. Jay will deliver a blended program focused on riding and horsemanship skills to both specialized populations and the public. Designed to build skills, enhance equestrian knowledge, and have fun, these classes are a perfect fit for everyone from beginner riders to those more advanced looking to brush up on their skills & technique.

Class size is limited and spots will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis in order of when registrations are received. The only exception is that priority will be given to active therapeutic riding clientele.

Lesson Times

At this time we will be offering 6 classes per week. We will first be filling the Thursday classes and then adding the Wednesday classes once these are full. The class days and times are:

• Wednesdays | 4:00pm-5:00pm

• Wednesdays | 5:15pm-6:15pm

• Wednesdays | 6:30pm-7:30pm (full)

• Thursdays | 4:00pm-5:00pm

• Thursdays | 5:15pm-6:15pm | Intermediate Class

• Thursdays | 6:30pm-7:30pm | Advanced Intermediate Class

NOTE: At this time, only current students of Jay are able to sign up directly for the intermediate-level classes. All other individuals will be placed in the most appropriate class at the discretion of our coach following the assessment or initial class they participate in.

About Our Riding Lessons

• Skill-Building : Whether you are new to horses, want to brush up on the basics, or advance into an intermediate class, these engaging sessions are sure to meet your needs. Additionally, the riding lesson program is a perfect opportunity for current client's seeking to advance beyond the regular Therapeutic Riding programming within a structured skill-building riding lesson format.

• Inclusive Environment: Open to all who can ride independently in a group setting (support persons welcome to attend but only riders permitted within the arena dirt unless predetermined with the coach).

• Focus on Unique Populations: Are you a community organization or group that is looking for a modified lessons? Reach out. Part of our mission at LTRA is to ensure that equine experiences are accessible to all, so we are happy to discuss if lessons and/or our other program offerings could work for you!

Who Are They For?

Our classes are crafted to be fun and engaging, perfect for those taking their first steps into horseback riding. With small class sizes, each rider will receive ample attention from our experienced instructor. Our adaptable approach ensures that riders of all skill levels have a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience.

• Age Requirements: The riding lessons are available to everyone 8-years old and above.

• Inclusive and Empowering: True to our commitment at LTRA, these classes are inclusive and welcoming to all. Designed as skill-building sessions, they are ideal for anyone able to ride independently and participate in a group setting. Whether you're exploring the equestrian world or looking to polish your riding skills, our classes are tailored for diverse abilities and needs. If you're uncertain about the suitability or fit, our team is here to guide you in choosing the service that best aligns with your aspirations. For participants with aids or supports, your support person is warmly invited to attend the class alongside you.

• Required Skill-Level: Riders must know the basic of how to stop and turn while riding to safely participate in a group class setting. If you are starting out as a complete beginner or just not quite there yet, that is no problem! We have coaches available to teach you these basics in a smaller setting to get you ready to jump into the group classes! Please contact our office if you would like to schedule pre-lesson introductory sessions.

Rider Rules

• All students are required to register and pay before lessons begin. You will be contacted for payment at the time you are placed in a class.

• A signed waiver, proof of membership and proof of insurance (if purchasing the $10 LTRA membership) is required prior to commencement of riding.

• All students are required to wear long pants & closed-toe shoes with a heal. If you do not have any of these items, please contact LTRA so arrangements can be made to have these provided. Helmets are required for all participants in lesson programs. Helmets are provided unless you have an approved properly fitting helmet of your own (must be pre-approved by the coach).

• All students are asked to be on time.  Any students that have not arrived within 10 minutes after the lesson start time, will not be able to ride as any unused horses will be taken out of the arena.

• Movement between class levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate) will be at the sole discretion of our coach.

• LTRA will provide the lesson horses. We are unable to accommodate riding instruction on personal horses at this time. The only exceptions to this are if the horse is boarded at LTRA and/or it has been pre-approved by the coach who will determine if it can safely participate within the class setting. Any rider riding their own animal will be required to submit an attestation that their horse is in good health, that they are up-to-date on vaccinations (minimally the 4-way), and the rider must show proof of AEF insurance. IMPORTANT: Any horse with visible injury or illness will be asked to immediately leave and no refund will be issued. LTRA reserves the right to suspend the use of external horses at any point including times there are cases of transmissible diseases in the area.

Meet Jason Skoog - Riding & Horsemanship Coach, Trainer, Clinician, Farrier & Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator

At the heart of our program is Jay Skoog, a versatile and experienced coach who wears many hats. As a certified horseback riding lesson coach, trainer, farrier, and equine assisted learning facilitator, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every lesson and interaction. With certifications from CHA with English Level 2 and Western Level 3, he is equipped to guide riders of various levels toward their goals. Jay’s approach is grounded in setting clear expectations and establishing healthy boundaries —principles he believes are essential to building strong, trusting relationships with both horses and people. Whether you’re looking to improve your riding skills, deepen your understanding of horsemanship, or work on personal development through equine-assisted learning, Jason is here to help you succeed!

Jay and his wife Amber are no strangers to LTRA. As owners of Foundations Skill Centre and certified Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) practitioners, they have been invaluable supporters of our community. They have partnered with LTRA to offer specialized programs this year, including an empowerment retreat for those who had experienced domestic violence and a peer-to-peer program where youth from the Raymond 4H Horse Club taught skills to LTRA clients in a supportive and fun environment. We are absolutely thrilled to collaborate with such skilled and compassionate individuals. This partnership promises to bring new opportunities for inclusive riding lessons, EAL programming, and more to our community.

For the general public, the classes are reasonably priced at $50/Class. A discounted rate of $30/Class is available to current LTRA Therapeutic Riding participants.

Preliminary Fees:

• Initial Assessment | $25: A riding assessment is required of all riders new to LTRA which will allow for a 1/2 hour session with our coach prior to participation in the general lessons. This session, typically not mounted, will include assessment of your abilities, selection of a properly fitting saddle, and appropriate pairing between the riders and lesson horses. This one-time assessment is not required for riders continuing lessons or for active Therapeutic Riding participants looking to expand their skills. You will be contacted to arrange for this assessment prior to commencement of your first scheduled class.

• Annual LTRA Membership | Individual $30 | Family $65: A membership is required to ride at LTRA.  However, if you have your own AEF membership, we are not required to collect the insurance portion of the fee making the annual cost only $10.

Affordable and Commitment-Friendly Riding Classes:

• At LTRA, we've priced our Riding Lesson Classes to be both accessible and value-packed; offering you quality equestrian training without breaking the bank. To ensure consistent progress and a cohesive learning experience, riders are expected to sign up for a month at a time. This structure helps us maintain the high standards of our classes and allows our riders to truly immerse themselves in the equestrian experience.

• Understanding that plans can change, we ask that if you decide to discontinue your classes, that you provide LTRA with a 2-week notice. This courtesy allows us to offer your spot to the next eager rider in line, ensuring that everyone gets a fair opportunity.

Subsidies Available:

• We are committed to ensuring that Equine Services are accessible including those facing financial barriers. We have a subsidy available for limited-income households. We encourage you to contact LTRA's 'People & Programming Coordinator' who will be happy to provide more information on this program.

Registering for riding lessons can be done through the form below.  The waiver must be completed before the beginning of the riding assessment (if applicable) or the first scheduled class.

Payment:

Please do not pay for the riding lesson fees until you are confirmed to be placed within a class. At such a time, you will be provided with information regarding payment option; including doing so through our website or coming into our office. Classes will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis. A waitlist will be maintained in the order of registrations received.

More Information

Please contact us for more information on our riding classes, fees and any other questions you may have.