Lessons at Swan Lake

Swan Lake’s lesson program is customized for each student, with an emphasis on safety and proper equitation.homerokitkat Instruction is geared toward helping individual riders meet personal goals according to their abilities.

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, Mary tailors each student’s lesson program to fit their abilities and goals. She gently encourages students to move ahead with skills as they are ready. Lessons are designed to help students work on basics, and include a variety of excersises to keep learning both fun and safe.

Mary is a patient instructor who has experience with a wide range of ages including young beginners, returning adults and beginner adults. She is the only instructor in the area who accepts children as young as two years old for lessons.

All students begin with private lessons for optimum safety and coaching.

Lessons

  • Short ½ hour lesson for beginners- $55 (2-5 years old only, ½ hour includes brushing and tacking)
  • Group lessons: $55
  • Private lessons- $85
  • Open Ride- a chance to practice what you have learned in lessons on your own without the added cost of leasing or owning (for approved students only) – $35

Monthly Group Lesson Packages *:

  • 16 lessons per month – $800
  • 12 lessons per month – $630
  • 8 lessons per month – $430

* all packages must be used in the same month as purchased and must be paid in advance
* packages purchased mid-month will be pro-rated and the following month will be due simultaneously

Team Practices:

  • Shippensburg IHSA team practices – $45
  • IEA team practices (Grades 6-12) – $160 at the beginning of each month

Training Sessions:

  • $60 per individual horse training session

Riding Package: $475/month

Includes three open rides per week on the same horse. Intended for those who want more saddle time on their favorite animal. Can be combined with Partial Lesson Horse Lease for showing purposes.

Partial Lesson Horse Lease: $200/month:

Includes priority usage of chosen lesson horse for shows and lessons up to 2x/ week. This package is required for students wanting to jump higher than 2′ on a regular basis or those intending to show at shows on the same horse every month. This helps pay for the additional costs of horse care that is needed to stay in top condition when working harder. Lessons and open rides are not included. Horse/pony will still be used in other lessons and ridden/shown by other students.

100% Full Lease ($100-$2,000 per month depending on the horse/pony):

Lessee owns the horse/pony for the duration of the lease. In addition to the lease price, the lesee pays board and all expenses, including routine vet, farrier, lessons, show fees, etc. The horse/pony cannot be used in lessons for any other student without lessee’s permission. This is for students who intend to seriously compete for year-end points. Full leasing is also great to introduce students and their families to the experience of owning their own horse.  (Prices can change and fluctuate depending on the horse/pony)

Showing with Swan Lake

  • Coaching at a Swan Lake show – $55
  • Use of a Swan Lake horse at a Swan Lake show – $60 (this covers extra care required for the horse to show – for non-leased horses)
    • Exception – Specialty classes like the Halloween show – $35
  • Estimated local show fees at Swan Lake (rated shows are more) – About $100 for one division
  • Braiding for rated shows
    • $60 mane only, $90 for mane and tail
  • Schooling (Mary riding to prep horse) – $55 per day (all horses except those in full training)
  • Trainer showing horse:
    • Division – $150
    • Class – $55
  • Offsite Showing
    • Show fees fluctuate depending on the show
    • Offsite coaching
      • $60/ horse for three or more students + trainer accommodations split per client horses
      • $75/horse for two students + trainer accommodations split per client horses
      • $150 for only one student going to the show + trainer accommodations
    • Offsite horse use- $100 (does not apply if you own your own or are full leasing the horse/pony)
    • Offsite tack and groom stalls split among client horses
    • Grooms fee – complimentary for training board; boarded horse $50 per day; non-boarded horse $65 per day *
    • Trailering – $1.50 per mile ($25 minimum)

* it is customary to tip grooms hired to care for horses at shows

Boarding:

  • Full care board: $900/month
    • Full use of facility
    • 12’x12′ rubber matted stalls with automatic waterers cleaned daily with premium bagged shavings
    • Heated grooming and wash stalls (depending on the weather)
    • Heated boarders tack room (depending on the weather)
    • No stall or grounds fee charges at Swan Lake horse shows
    • Feed and hay tailored to your horse (supplements are extra or are provided by the owner)
    • Daily turnout (group or private)
    • Blanket and boot changes
    • Use of washing machine
    • Holding for vet, farrier, dentist, and masseuse (direct billing charges for these services will appear on your board statement)
    • Minor wound care (medications and bandaging materials extra)
    • Body clipping $100 (sedation for uncooperative horses extra)
  • Full Training Board: $1,900/month
    • Full board plus 5 training sessions or lessons per week (no more than 20 per month)
    • Grooming, minor clipping, and bathing
  • Schooling Board: $1,385/month
    • Full board plus 2-3 training sessions and/or lessons a week (no more than 10 per month)
    • Does not include grooming, clipping, washing, bathing
  • Lesson Horse Board: $300-$600 depending on usage
    • If you have an approved horse that can be used in lessons for other Swan Lake students, talk to Mary about this reduced board rate. Horse must be able to be used a minimum of two times a week. Horse must be suitable for beginner kids or the Shippensburg IHSA team to qualify.

Purchasing a Horse or Pony:

10% minimum commission on all horse sales/full leases in or out of Swan Lake

Mary can help you find the right horse or pony for you and your family. The commission pays for her time and expertise in searching for the right horse and for setting up trials. Mary will walk you through the process and deal the seller and assist with the pre-purchase exam.

Leasing a non-Swan Lake horse is normally 1/3 of the purchase price per year.