Specializing in English Horseback Riding
Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping
Beginner through advanced levels and all ages are welcome!
Four Star Farm client goals range from improving riding skills with no plans to compet, to riders whose goals are to ride in the Olympics.
We help students achieve happy horse partnerships and success in competition and we are proud to offer a showing and competition curriculum in a positive atmosphere. We strive to create friendship and enjoyment for both riders and horses.
Please download, print and fill out the rider welcome packet so we can get to know you! This packet breaks down what to expect when starting out in lessons, Four Star Farm and Valley Dressage policies and liability waiver, and Four Star Farm payment policies. Thank you!
Private Lessons – 45 minutes
Group Lessons – 60 minutes
*Eligibility for group lessons is determined by instructors and Four Star Farm owner and trainer Natalie Brady
- One-time, single introductory riding lesson – $110
- 4-Lesson Package – one lesson per week* – $375 per month
- 8-Lesson Package – two lessons per week* – $640 per month
*Lessons are taken during the same month - New riders often spend a significant part of their initial lessons learning basic skills such as haltering, leading, grooming, and tacking up. The time spent learning these skills is part of the lesson time.
Text Natalie to set up an initial visit! (707) 312-1119
We ask students who are enrolled in lessons to please create a 10to8 account. This allows you to see your upcoming appointments, past appointments, and who your scheduled instructor will be.
What to Expect
We take a holistic approach to teaching riding. If you are a beginning rider, your lesson time will include learning to halter, lead, groom and tack up (put on the saddle and bridle). Mastering basic horsemanship skills is integral to the safety of horse and rider. These preparatory steps may go slowly at first, taking as long as half the lesson time.
Once your instructor has determined you or your youngster is proficient in these skills, you are invited to arrive early to get your horse ready by the lesson start time. This extends time in the saddle to the full lesson time of 45 minutes for a private lesson.
Students in group lessons are expected to be able to tack up independently.
When you (or your rider) are ready to further your riding journey, we have quality horses for lease, so you can practice outside of your riding lessons and dip your toe into caring for a horse before you jump into ownership.
On-Site Schooling Shows
To provide the experience of showing in a familiar and encouraging atmosphere, Four Star Farm schedules 2-3 on-site schooling shows per year. Riders opt for a dressage test or dressage test plus show jumping round, called a “combined test.” These shows are an affordable opportunity for riders to get show practice.
Leasing
A half-lease with Four Star Farm is a great way to experience what horse ownership entails without the full time or monetary commitment of purchasing a horse or pony.
Half-leasing a Four Star Farm horse gives FSF riders access to their lease horse on three pre- scheduled days per week. This includes two independent practice rides in addition to the guarantee of riding the lease horse on their lesson day (lesson costs are not included in the lease fee, and riders must remain enrolled in at least one lesson per week).
The Four Star Farm Competition Path
Enrollment in the lesson program requires a minimum of one lesson per week. Riders who become interested in competing are encouraged to increase their lessons per week. We offer three on-site schooling shows per year in March, July and October, to give riders a show experience in a relaxed, familiar and encouraging environment before going to an off-site show.
Families interested in horse ownership are encouraged to consult with Natalie about leasing a Four Star Farm horse to try on the responsibilities and costs involved with horse ownership.
Begin your adventure today by enrolling in lessons!