Frequently Asked Questions

Riding attire

Riders will need an ASTM approved helmet, shoes or boot with a heel, and long pants. “Paddock boots” are an ideal and inexpensive choice of footwear for riding. While blue jeans are fine to start, riding breeches and half-chaps are more comfortable.

These items can be purchased at local tack shops (Pegasus on Rt 2A in Acton, Dover Saddlery in Wellesley, Pelham Saddlery in Pelham, NH) or online at www.DoverSaddlery.com

A second hand store in West Acton carries kid-sized riding clothing.

Age limits

Kids are most successful learning to ride when they are challenged, but not overwhelmed. It is best to start riding lessons when a child has started to develop the coordination and motor skills for sports such as riding a bicycle, skiing, etc. This may be at age 6, 7 or 8.

Riding is a wonderful coordination and motor skill builder for kids. In fact, several therapeutic riding programs provide programs for special needs kids in Massachusetts. See www.LoveLane.org and www.Windruishfarm.org. We do not offer these specialized programs at Orchard Hill.

We encourage adults to learn to ride with us. Riding is a great way to unwind while getting exercise (no, the horse does not do all the work!). Adult riders often need to overcome their fear to enjoy the sport, and we can help. We offer adult instruction in the morning and evenings, and offer a leasing program for riders that are ready to venture off the property for recreational rides and competitions.

Group Lessons

Group lessons are offered to students that have mastered control of their horse among others in a riding ring. Group lessons are fun! Students are evaluated during their first lesson for placement in groups.

Transportation

Our farm is located ¼ mile from Route 495 at Route 62. Commuter rail stations in Littleton and Southborough are approximately 10-15 minutes away. We are within a forty minute drive of Boston, traffic permitting, via I-90 or via back roads leading to Route 62.

Winter Riding

Our lesson program continues through the winter. Our indoor riding arena is heated (primarily to prevent the footing from freezing)

Lesson Payment and Cancellation Policy

Lessons may be purchased individually at the prices shown on the rates and schedules page of our web site. Groups lessons are scheduled monthly (4 or 5 weeks each). A discount is offered when monthly sessions are purchased in advance.

We require 24 hours notice to accommodate your cancellation of a lesson.