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SUMMERHILL FALL HORSEMANSHIP ACADEMY
Your child loved riding horses. Now give them the opportunity to actually become a rider.
Horse camps and occasional lessons are a wonderful introduction to horses.
But confidence comes from consistency.
The Summerhill Fall Horsemanship Academy gives young riders the opportunity to spend the fall learning alongside the same small group of kids and horses while building real riding and horsemanship skills week after week.
Instead of simply climbing on a horse for a lesson, Academy riders learn the entire experience.
They’ll groom.
They’ll tack.
They’ll learn to communicate with their horse.
They’ll develop balance and control in the saddle.
They’ll work through obstacles, patterns and mounted games.
And most importantly, they’ll begin becoming more confident and independent horsemen and horsewomen.
MORE THAN A RIDING LESSON
Traditional lesson:
Show up → ride → go home.
Fall Academy:
Catch → groom → tack → ride → learn → care for the horse → progress together.
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Our goal isn't simply to give kids more time on a horse...
It's to help them become increasingly capable, confident and independent around horses.
Small groups. More riding. Real progression.
Small Groups
Each regular Academy cohort is limited to just six riders.
This allows us to give riders individual instruction while still creating the friendships, teamwork and fun that make riding with a group so special.
This fall riders will work on:
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Safe horse handling
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Grooming and tacking
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Balanced riding position
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Independent steering
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Walk and trot skills
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Posting trot progression
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Ground poles and obstacles
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Trail skills
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Mounted games
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Horse communication
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Barn responsibility
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Confidence and independence
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Fall Academy Schedule
September 8–November 21
Choose:
Tuesday Academy (6 spots available)
3:45–5:15 pm
or
Friday Academy (6 spots available)
3:45–5:15 pm
Groups are limited to six riders.
The Academy includes a planned two-week Fall Break at the end of September/early October, plus special riding experiences during the season.
Your enrollment includes
9 Academy sessions
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Mounted Games & Practice Day (TBA)
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Fall Horse Games & Family Showcase (TBA)
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Rider assessment
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Use of horses, tack and helmets
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End-of-season certificate and recognition
FOUNDING RIDER TUITION
BEST VALUE
$845 paid in full
or
$315 × 3
Easy payment plan
$945 total
Only 12 founding rider spots will initially be released
Approximately 11 Academy experiences included
Who is this for?
Fall Academy is designed for kids who:
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Can't stop talking about horses
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Loved Horse Camp and want to keep learning
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Want more consistent riding experience
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Are new to riding but ready to learn
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Already have some riding experience and want to progress
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Enjoy being outside and working with animals
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Would benefit from confidence, responsibility and independence
Riders will be grouped according to experience and ability whenever possible.
Ready to Ride?
Choose your Academy group below and reserve your rider's spot.
Groups are intentionally kept small and may fill quickly.
FAQ
Does my child need prior riding experience?
No. Beginners are welcome. Riders with previous experience will be given more advanced goals appropriate to their ability.
What ages can participate?
Ages 8–16
Younger riders may be considered based on maturity and previous Summerhill experience.
Does my child need their own horse or equipment?
No. Horses, tack and riding helmets are provided.
What should riders wear?
Long pants and closed-toed riding shoes or boots are required. Riders should dress appropriately for changing fall weather.
What happens during the Fall Break?
There are no regular Academy sessions during the scheduled two-week Fall Break. The break is already incorporated into the Academy calendar and does not reduce the number of included program experiences.
What if we miss a lesson?
Because this is a cohort-based program rather than individual lesson scheduling, missed sessions generally cannot be made up individually.
What happens if Summerhill cancels?
If Summerhill must cancel a scheduled session because of weather, smoke, horse health or another operational issue, we will make reasonable efforts to provide a replacement session, extended riding opportunity or equivalent Academy experience.
Can my child switch days?
Transfers between Tuesday and Friday may be permitted when space is available but are not guaranteed.
Enrollment and Refund Policy
Registration
Enrollment is confirmed when payment or the first payment-plan installment has been received and all required registration forms and waivers have been completed.
Cancellation before the program
More than 14 days before first session:
Refund less $100 nonrefundable registration deposit
Within 14 days of first session:
50% refund unless the rider's spot can be filled from the waitlist.
After Academy begins:
No refunds for voluntary withdrawal or missed sessions.
Enrollment may be transferred to another qualified rider with Summerhill approval.
Missed classes
Because enrollment reserves a spot for the full cohort, refunds and individual makeup lessons are not provided for participant absences.
Summerhill cancellations
Sessions canceled by Summerhill will be rescheduled when reasonably possible or replaced with an equivalent group riding/horsemanship experience.
Best Value
Tuesday Academy
845
Fall Horsemanship Academy
Best Value
Friday Academy
845
Fall Horsemanship Academy
Best Value
Tuesday Academy 3 Payments
315
Every month
Fall Horsemanship Academy
Best Value
Friday Academy 3 Payment
315
Every month
Fall Horsemanship Academy