Class Info & Cost

As mentioned in our explanation of our program at Hope for the Trail, therapeutic riding lessons are equestrian skill-based lessons for people with challenges. The focus of these lessons is skill development and progression while improving the rider’s physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social skills. Taught by a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and assisted by volunteer aids, helping the rider reach their full potential is of paramount importance. It is Hope for the Trail’s philosophy to accept riders into the program regardless of financial means. Financial assistance up to 75% of the session fee is available for those who feel they cannot pay the full fee. To apply, please fill out, and submit, our Financial Assistance Application.

Private classes are 30 minutes in length, and are recommended for riders who desire the one-on-one attention to improve their skills. Private lessons are especially beneficial for students who are honing their skills for competition. Financial assistance is NOT available for private lessons. In the event that a student signs up for a group lesson and, due to enrollment is the only person in the time slot, they will pay the group rate with the understanding that the available spots will be subject to filling.

Group classes, containing 4-5 riders, are 1 hour long, while groups containing up to 3 riders are 45 minutes in length. Group classes are beneficial due to the opportunity to interact with other riders and families. The riders can also learn from the other students in the class and enjoy group activities. All riders new to Hope for the Trail, and therapeutic riding, are strongly encouraged to register for group lessons. Riders are scheduled by age, skill level and availability. Again, financial assistance is available and based on the family’s financial need.

If riders are added to the schedule after the session has begun, the fee will be pro-rated. Payment balances must be received in full prior to your rider’s first lesson.

• It is very important to make sure that riders attend their assigned riding times, not only to maintain the rider’s progress but also to ensure we can serve as many riders as we are able and that volunteers are not wasting their valuable time and needlessly tacking horses. We understand that illnesses, doctor’s appointments, work, traffic or other situations arise, but ask that you contact Hope for the Trail as soon as you are aware that a rider is going to miss or be late for a lesson at 817-374-4780.(See 24-hour policy below)
• For group classes there are no makeups or refunds for non-weather related absences.
• For private lessons missed, make-ups may be scheduled depending on volunteer, arena, horse and instructor availability.
• Arrival time: Riders need to arrive 10 minutes prior to the lessons scheduled starting time. Repeated lateness will result in consideration for being dropped from the program. For the safety of all, riders arriving after the lesson has begun (all other riders are mounted and the arena gates are closed) will not be allowed to ride.
• 24-hour notification: If a rider cannot attend a scheduled lesson, please notify Hope for the Trail 24 hours in advance, for reasons other than sudden illness, to avoid a $20 fee.
• No shows: Riders having two no-show/no-notification occurrences within a session (6 week) period will be notified that they are being dropped from the program.
• Repeated cancellations with notification: Riders who continually cancel attendance will be considered for dismissal from the program. Extenuating rider circumstances will be considered in the decision.
• Extended Absences: Hope for the Trail requires advance notification of absences longer than two weeks. Depending on a rider’s circumstances, HFTT may reserve a rider’s spot during the absence, temporarily fill it with a new rider or permanently fill the spot and place the rider on the waitlist.

Attire and Equipment

• Appropriate clothes for riding are long pants and hard soled boots with a low heel. Since we use safety stirrups on all of the English and most of the western saddles, sneakers are permissible. Dress for comfort and according to the weather. Undergarments that provide adequate support and comfort are necessary.Wear close-fitting clothing for safety as well as comfort. Loose or baggy clothing can get caught and tangled in equipment.
• No dangling jewelry is permitted.
• All riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved Equestrian Helmet. If you
  forget your helmet, Hope for the Trail will provide you with one for the lesson.

  We only stock a limited number of helmets, so please remember to bring it.
  You can purchase your helmet online through Amazon, State Line Tack, Dover Saddlery, or locally at Teskey’s or Horseman’s.

  Riders may also bring their own English stirrups and stirrup leathers providing the stirrups are safety stirrups and in good condition. Having your own stirrups helps save time in the adjustment of stirrups.

Ready to get started? Go directly to New Therapeutic Riders Application, now!