THEC, hands down, has the most diverse and largest pool of trained lesson horses in the Kansas City area! We have several horses that are appropriate for teaching beginner children and adults on up to horses that can take you to some of the most advanced levels of competition (3 of our lesson horses can be shown up to 4'6"!). All of our horses are chosen for their kind temperament before being trained to join our lesson program. Not only do we have 15 lesson horses- but most of them also attend regular shows and can take you to the ribbons! Two of our current lesson horses have been in the top 15 for AQHA Jumpers IN THE WORLD for several years of their career, while others have year-end, regional and state titles. In THEC, we pride ourselves in taking riders from the ground up- from little to no experience to a rider who can really know how to ride- not just sit on a horse!
 

Hunter/Jumper/Equitation (English riding) - Beginner through Advanced group lessons are offered to ages 7+

All group lessons are taught by Professional instructor Amara Packwood. Amara is highly qualified with a B.S. in Equestrian Science and over 15 years of showing horses. She has trained and ridden horses to many local and regional championships in the Hunter/Jumper and other disciplines. Amara and her own horse, Prince Dell Te Fire, have ridden to two Jumping World Champion titles and have competed in the Grand Prix arena.  One of her current mounts, Colonel Smokey, won the AQHA World Jumping title in 2024- Colonel is also a lesson/show horse in our riding program!

 

"I'm often asked (by parents new to horses), What skills do riding lessons teach young children? The key during the beginning lessons is to teach balance on a horse, the basics of riding and control, relaxation, light hands and a relaxed seat. They develop strength to use leg pressure, control their body to quietly mount and balance to dismount. In addition, they should learn that horses aren't there just to be ridden- they require special diets and care to be able to be happy and healthy. Proper grooming, tacking, cooling out and being put back to pasture is all part of riding a horse. A child should learn to be confident but firm around such a large animal. Only the calmest and kindest natured horses with solid training should be used to introduce a young rider to riding."
-Amara Packwood
 

Horseback Riding Lessons teach our children more than just how to stay on the back of a horse.  That is only a very, very small part of what riding lessons can do for your child.  Imagine the confidence that your child will develop when they have total control over that 1,000 pound horse!  What an amazing confidence booster!  Lessons teach poise, balance and coordination.  Posting the trot, two-point, cantering- it all takes practice and a little hard work. Riding lessons also teach a certain etiquette and manners that are expected in the arena.  These are lessons that will prepare your child to excel wherever their life path may lead them.   The proper manners and etiquette that are learned for the horse showing world are many of the same manners expected in certain situations in life. How to pass another rider in the ring, what to do when another rider is struggling with their animal or how to handle when your own ride doesn't go quite as planned. In the show ring, winning or losing, learning to appreciate what you learned from your performance how to cheer on a friend or even give a hand to a rider less experienced then you. They will gain the poise and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.  We all can say that would be a great asset to have. 
 

Giving your child horseback riding lessons can provide a lifetime of confidence, self assurance and poise that will serve them well during their lifetime.  It is well worth the resources that you put toward the development and education of your children.

Adults can benefit as well! Horses are like dogs in their personality and can be cuddly as well as goofy at times! They also have many therapeutic benefits can help us to ease stress in a fun, athletic way. Students are always welcome to help with horse care that takes place outside of lessons to learn more about how we care for these beautiful animals.