How do I schedule a lesson or trail ride?

The best way to schedule a lesson is by calling me at 603-539-6052 or by texting 603-998-6781.  It is difficult to answer the phone most of the time though so please leave a voicemail and I promise to return your call before the end of the day.  You are welcome to email me as well at sueball2007@gmail.com with any questions, but all reservations need to be made over the phone or text.

Are walk-ins welcome?

Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate walk-ins for riding lessons or trail rides. This is a very busy riding program with high demand horses, which means that I schedule well in advance.  I do my very best to make sure that everyone gets a chance to come for a ride, so sometimes I can make exceptions but during the summer months I recommend calling 1-3 weeks beforehand, especially if you are looking for a weekend.  In the winter I can be a lot more flexible but no matter what, a reservation is required.

How do I pay for my ride? 

At this time I only accept cash or venmo for payment.  No checks or credit cards.  So please come prepared with the proper form of payment.

What are your business hours?

During the “normal season” I teach everyday – Monday thru Sunday, so you can make a reservation for any day/time.  During the summer months – from the last week in June through the end of August I run a summer camp from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm.  Therefore, lessons and trail rides are offered from 3:30 until dark Monday – Friday and then all day on Saturdays.  Most Sundays we are away at horse shows during the summer months.

What do I wear?

The best riding attire is usually long pants (preferably jeans or riding breeches) and sturdy, closed toed shoes (nothing that could potentially fall off your foot). Very loose fitting shirts, long jackets, or long necklaces/earrings are not ideal as they tend to bunch up while riding and may get caught in the tack.  I provide helmets.  Helmets are required at all times around the horses and while riding.

How do I know which barn to go to?

I am at the “summer barn” – High Meadows Farms in Wolfeboro (975 Beach Pond Road, Wolfeboro, NH 03894) from the middle of June through Columbus Day.  I move to the “winter barn” – 100 Acre Wood Farm (508 Governor Wentworth Highway, Moultonboro, NH) from October – June.  If you are uncertain of where to go please call me.

Do you have an age limit?

I work with children as young as 3 all the way through senior citizens!  No one is too young or too old to learn to ride a horse!  I specialize in young children so your little ones are especially going to love it here!

Do you teach adults too?

Yes! Although the majority of our students are kids, we love teaching adults and are happy to have you. You would be paired with other adults of similar skill level (or mature teens, depending on your age) so you don’t feel like you’re riding in a “kiddie” class. Please note that we do enforce a 200 lb. weight limit for the safety of our horses.

What if it rains?

I like to think that it’s always sunny at High Meadows Farms, but the reality is that yes, it does rain sometimes….However, please do not just assume that because it is raining where you are that it is raining here!  NH weather is crazy and it changes in a heartbeat!  So please call if you have concerns about the weather and we can try to reschedule for a different day if needed.

When I am at my winter location for the Spring and Winter seasons I have a huge, beautiful indoor riding arena so we can ride here no matter what!  So if you have a trail ride or lesson scheduled when I am at the winter barn then you can come rain or shine!

What is your cancellation policy?

As a common courtesy I have a 48 hour cancellation policy, however because I only take cash or venmo for payment I am trusting that you will come for your reservation and call if you cannot make it for some reason.  I have a very busy schedule and simply “not showing up” really disrupts the schedule and prevents someone else who could’ve gone in your place from having the chance to ride. So if you cannot keep your reservation please call me to let me know as soon as you know you won’t be able to make it. I would really appreciate it.  If you cancel or do not show up more than once you will be charged for a full lesson fee.

What if I am bringing a minor with me that I am not the guardian of?

Everyone that comes to the barn must sign a release form before riding.  If you are coming with anyone under 18 for whom you are not the legal parent or guardian please have their parent or guardian fill out the Riders Waiver and Release which can be found at the bottom of any page on our website.

Do I need to buy any special equipment?

When you begin taking lessons there is no need to purchase any special riding attire right away. I like to tell people to wait and make sure that this is something that they are committed to do on a regular basis before buying equipment. Once you make that decision however, I sell everything right here at the barn. Due to our remote location there is no “local tack store” in the area, so I have a little store here with everything you need!

All campers however will need to purchase proper boots for riding for the week. The other attire is optional and borrowing a helmet is of course mandatory. Before your child begins their first day of camp we can get them outfitted in whatever they need!

Will I ride for the full hour in my lesson?

One of our priorities is making sure all of our riders learn and understand every aspect of horsemanship – from the ground up! For this reason when riders are first starting out, part of the 1 hour lesson includes grooming/saddling the horse (typically 15 minutes grooming/saddling, 30 minutes riding and 15 minutes unsaddling/grooming after the ride). Mastering this can often take months or years (depending on the rider’s age, size and strength). Once the student has received instructor approval and can groom/saddle safely on their own – we encourage students to arrive early and get the horse out before their lesson starts. This way the more advanced riders can have more time in the saddle.

Will I ride the same horse every week?

Yes and No. I do my best to match each rider to the most fitting horse and keep you paired for as long as possible and I encourage you to form a bond with your horse. However, every horse has different things to teach you and as you progress you will need to continue riding various horses in order to learn.

Can you reserve a timeslot for me every week?

Yes, we can definitely arrange a weekly timeslot!  Just talk to me when you come and we can make a schedule!

Can I bring treats?

YES! Our horses love carrots and apples. Apples are best if they are cut into quarters, and yes, the horses can eat the core. Be careful not to feed any horses you don’t know, some horses have allergies or other medical problems and can’t eat treats. A couple of our horses have strict diet restrictions, so be sure to check with an instructor before feeding any horse.

Will I ride English or Western?

I teach English lessons, however on trail rides it is your choice to ride English or Western.  ​

Is there a weight limit?

YES! I have a very strict 200 lb. weight limit.  No exceptions!  These are my show horses and I care very much about them so I really have to protect their backs.  Please be considerate.