Our Mission for All Things
We do not offer riding lessons. Instead, we offer a path to understanding horses and equestrian culture. We offer ability to see the purpose, tradition, and value of maintaining them.
The rolling hills, open pastures, and green landscapes of Virginia’s Horse Country cannot preserve themselves for beauty, pleasure, or tradition alone. Things without utility do not survive.
Land remains open when it only when economically useful. A single working horse requires an entire industry of skilled tradesman, competitors, owners and makers.
Equestrian Program Philosophy
Horsemanship is not built on lessons. Competence comes through repetition, progression, and purposeful instruction. For that reason, every student follows a structured pathway designed to create measurable growth and lasting skills. This is not a once a week lesson or when you have time program - its a way of living each day.
Ride Every Day - Every Way
We have instructors capable of developing a customized and structured plan specific for your goals that will get you well beyond riding.
We offer Farm and Equestrian Program consulting (logistics, operations and management.) We offer fitness and nutrition guidance for the rider as well as the horse. We are able to develop your discipline, find and train a horse that best fits your needs, resources and capabilities.
Level I: Foundations of Horsemanship
Understanding the Why to ready for the How
This intensive introductory program is designed to take someone with little or no horse experience and develop them into a capable novice horseman.
Five private sessions taken in a 1 or 2 week time frame. We have availability to fit most schedules with morning, afternoon and evening appointments.
More importantly, students learn the small details that separate familiarity from competence.
You will learn how to properly hold a lead rope, how to tie a horse correctly, check your tack before every ride, how to read a horse's attitude and attention, and how to move around horses safely and confidently. These are all the basics to understand the “Why” of horses so that you can learn the “How” in the next level and eventually process to the What when training for a sport discipline.
This program for adults and youth in good physical condition who want a real understanding of horses rather than a brief introduction. It is designed for people who are curious, engaged, and willing to learn—not simply be entertained. These programs are not camps, pastimes or diversions.
1 to 2 week program - $800
Participants learn the practical skills that are applicable for any discipline:
- Safely approaching and catching a horse on the field
- Leading and handling horses correctly
- Grooming and basic horse care
- Saddling and bridling
- Mounting and dismounting safely
- Riding at the walk and beginning trot
- Basic horse behavior and safety
- Proper use of tack and equipment
Level II: Riding with Intention
The How, so you can progress to the What?
Private and group sessions designed to be completed over a two to four week period. Ideally every other day for at least 1 hour on site and :30 mounted each session. This is about repetition for core skills.
Students progress from foundational riding skills toward confident, controlled riding at the walk, trot, and canter while continuing to expand their understanding of horse care, equipment, and management. These sessions are intended to train the students muscle memory for all basic commands that are use in any discipline and in any saddle (flat or stock.)
2 to 4 wk program $1,600
By the conclusion of the program, participants possess the skills necessary to choose
What comes next:
- Polo
- Foxhunting
- Mounted Cavalry
- Ring Competition - Dressage, Jumper, Hunter, Rodeo, Barrel, Trick
Level III: Riding for Sport
You know the Why, have the ability for the How now is the What do with the skills
Private and group sessions are available during our year round season to train on your focused sport, playing with others and to compete in tournaments, competitions or trails.
Within our staff we have the proven experience to teach, coach and accompany you on most equestrian ventures. If we cannot do - I guarantee you we know someone who does.
Private Lessons start at $125 and Group at $85
We Play Polo Year-Round! Arena and Field up to 10 Goal
Compete as a Interscholastic Team (7th-12th grade) September to March
Hunt with Thornton Hill Hounds as members and guests with local hunts October to March
Travel for Mounted Parades and Cavalry Competitions
On Going Train -> Play -> Compete
Membership to Liberty Hall Equestrian Club
includes you in our group lessons and outings. We have a regular schedule for polo, hunt, working cattle, trail rides, riding in formation, preparing for special events, etc...
As a member you have mounted for some activities and receive special rates for mounts travel events.
You also are invited to ALL our social activities.
(we have a lot of fun)