Lessons and Evaluations
Please enquire via email before booking
Weekday evaluation rides, private and group lessons are available Tuesday- Friday. If you would like to book a group lesson please be sure to arrange your group ahead of time and then reach out to us for availability. The barn is closed on Mondays.
Classes rotate between the outdoor ring, indoor arena, cross-country field and sometimes include hacks around the property.
Head back to the city with fresh veggies from Heeler Farms farm stand!
Rider Levels
We offer four progressive levels at this location. If you are a Level 1 or new rider we suggest you try our Brooklyn Program or general riding lessons to reach Level 2a before joining us here.
If you are Level 2a or higher and it’s your first time joining MRC, you must begin with Level 2a Flat Bootcamp or Evaluation Ride, regardless of experience. Click here for a full description of our MRC Rider Levels.
After your 2a Flat Bootcamp or Evaluation Ride you will be assigned a level and approval for other rides based on your experience.
Level 2a – Flat
For riders who:
- Are developing control at the canter
- Are working on ground poles and circles
- Can ride safely in a group
This is the required starting point for all new riders.
Level 2b – Advanced Flat
For riders approved to move up from Level 2a:
- Focus on more technical flatwork at all gaits
- Introduction to riding more advanced horses
Level 3a – Intro to Jump
For approved riders who:
- Are confident with ground poles and jump position
- Can perform no-stirrup work at all gaits
- Ride comfortably in a group
This level introduces jumping fundamentals across different horses.
Level 3b – Flat & Jump (by instructor invitation only)
- Advanced jumping exercises
- Riding more experienced horses
- Entry by invitation only from an MRC instructor
Schedule
- Arrive 30 minutes early to groom and tack
- Lessons are around 1 hour in length
- Allow 30 minutes after to untack and care for horses- sometimes more if you join a cool down hack around the property!
The Horses
Ride a variety of horses suited to your ability, from:
- Spirited thoroughbreds
- Cross breeds with experience in open space
- Steady draft breeds
Facility
Train at a premier equestrian facility featuring:
- Indoor and outdoor arenas
- Cross-country jump field
- Miles of scenic trails
Located minutes from renowned destinations like:
- Wethersfield Estate & Gardens
- Millbrook Horse Trials
What’s Included
- A horse matched to your skill level
- Dedicated instructor
- 60 minutes of riding
- Access to a top-tier facility
Attire
- Casual riding attire
- Required: helmet and boots
- Recommended: safety vest for cross-country sessions
Transportation
📍 Pine Plains, NY
- ~98 miles north of Midtown Manhattan
- Accessible by Metro North to Wassaic and a 20 minute drive from the station
- Carpooling options available, we have a Facebook Group dedicated to matching carpools, emails to link riders together before classes and benefits for drivers offering space in their car!
Join Bootcamp
Take your riding to the next level—build confidence, improve technique, and enjoy the 90 minute riding experience with a supportive group, more details here.