
Hunter/Jumper Riding Lessons
About our lesson program
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 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.
"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.
LESSON PRICING
Go to www.thec.acuityscheduling.com to book your first lesson!
PRICING
Lesson services we offer:
Introductory/Evaluation Lesson
$85/lesson
This lesson is a private, one-on-one, lesson with your instructor to evaluate your current riding level as well as discuss what you need to work on to progress to your individual goals
These lessons are approximately 45 minutes of riding time and will be catered to meet the individual rider's needs.
An evaluation lesson is required before being approved to move into Group Lessons.
GROUP LESSONS
$200/month
1 weekly group lesson (4 total)
Minimum 3 month commitment.
Ages 7-Adult
Beginner-Advanced levels
Group lessons are 1 hour of riding time. Classes have 5 riders per class. Rider must be able to walk and trot safely to be allowed to join groups.
Each rider is assigned a horse for the day, based on their skill level and individual goals. The student is responsible for showing up 30 minutes early to catch, groom and tack their mount as well as staying approximately 30 minutes after their lesson to untack and take care of their horse.
Lead Line Lessons
$200/month
1 weekly group lesson (4 total)
Month-to-month commitment.
Ages 4-7.
Lead line lessons are walk-only and are up to 25 minutes of riding time. This is a one-on-one lesson with your instructor. Student must provide sturdy riding boots with a 1/2" heal and will be required to wear a properly fitted riding helmet. Horse will be tacked by your instructor, though student may be asked to assist with some basic skills as part of their learning experience.
MEET OUR LESSON HORSES
We have over 15 horses of all levels to meet the needs of our riders as they progress in their riding ability.
Stormy
Show name: Tally Ho Irish Storm
Breed: Irish Draught Sport Horse
Born: 2018
Beginner-Advanced.

Ariel
Show name: Left Speechless
Breed: unknown
Born:
Beginner-Intermediate.

Rosebud
Show name: Angelica Rose
Breed: AQHA
Born: 2011
Intermediate-Advanced

Peach
Show name: Peachy Keen
Breed: AQHA
Born: 2006
Beginner-Advanced. 16 hands. Peach joined our program in 2011 and has quickly become a favorite in our lesson program- she's sweet, easy to ride and has a great jump!
Jumps up to 4'6", shown to 4'
Peach is a Show Team mount.

Spirit
Show name: Jet a Bar Spirit
Breed: AQHA
Born: 2022
Beginner-Intermediate. 15 hand gelding. Spirit was Amara's 2-year old western pleasure horse as a senior in high school and showed for 2 years total as a junior horse (with several state placings!). Now he's an excellent teacher for riders of all ages and levels. Small but mighty! (jumps 3', shown at 2')
Jumps up to 3'
Spirit is a Show Team mount.

Rajah
Show name: Prince of Thieves
Breed: AQHA
Born: 2006
Beginner-Advanced.
Rajah is a Show Team mount.

Ice
Show name: Ice Ice Baby
Breed: unknown
Born: unknown
Intermediate-Advanced.
Ice is a Show Team mount.

Lilly
Show name: Galinda
Breed: Swedish Warmblood
Born:
Intermediate-Advanced

Spencer
Show name: Spencer Twist
Breed: unknown
Born:
Beginner-Intermediate.

Colonel
Show name: Colonel Smokey
Breed: AQHA
Born:
Intermediate-Advanced

Trigger
Show name: Fabio McFabulous
Breed: unknown
Born:
Beginner-Intermediate

River
Show name: Info Girls
Breed: Thoroughbred
Born:
Intermediate-Advanced

Isis
Show name: Queen of Dee Nile
Breed: AQHA
Born:
Intermediate-Advanced

Sierra
Show name: KS Sierra
Breed: Quarter Horse
Born:
Intermediate-Advanced

King
Show name:
Breed: AQHA
Born:
Intermediate-Advanced

Tanner
Show name: Artimus
Breed: Warmblood
Born:
Beginner-Intermediate

Mercedes
Show name: Shoulda Been My Sports Car
Breed: Irish Draught Sport Horse
Born:
Intermediate-Advanced

Prince
Show name: American Soldier
Breed: Thoroughbred
Born:
Intermediate-Advanced
