Riding Lessons

The #1 horseback riding lessons in northern Virginia!  Riding instruction at The Mulford Riding School emphasizes balance, seat, and legs to communicate with the horse – no yanking the reins or kicking.

• Trains legs to be in proper position
• Maintains proper body position
• Correctly use leg signals
• Does not rely on stirrups for balance

Balance is key to riding – it is a foundation on which our riding programs are based. We train riders to have proper leg and body position for a well balanced seat. We do not rely on stirrups for balance. We teach correct leg signals to communicate with the horse. When a student has proper balance, he or she is then free to use various methods to signal the horse, while remaining safely in control. To build comfort level while on a horse, students perform a variety of balance exercise during each class.

Here are some pictures of lessons in action at our equestrian farm in Centreville, VA – see more on the Gallery Page:

At Mulford Riding, lessons are comprehensive classes, involving constant reinforcement of fundamentals. Harry Mulford and instructors provide immediate feedback and instruction.

With a lifetime of riding experience, Mr. Mulford knows just how to explain the proper technique.
Riding is more than just getting on a horse. Mulford Riding teaches all aspects of horsemanship including grooming, tacking up the care of a horse and even a little horse psychology.

LESSON INFORMATION and POLICIES 

• We teach English Horseback Riding.
• Ages 5-adult.
• Lessons are scheduled by appointment only.
• All Lessons are about an hour and a half long. 
• Lessons for children 5-6 years old are an hour, to an hour and 15 minutes long. 
• We teach correct grooming, tacking up and riding within each lesson. 
• We start everyone with 3 private lessons. 

After the first 3 private lessons, we will determine if the rider is ready to safely join a group, needs an assistant to join a group or needs more private lessons. 

Many riders need several series of privates and/or assisted Group lessons before being independently safe in a group.

Lesson Days and Facility Tours

We teach seven days a week. You will have a tour of our Barns during your first scheduled lesson.

Adult Only lessons: 

• 9:30-11 a.m. on the following days 
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursdays (with home-schoolers), 
• Friday

Children and adults: 

• Wednesdays/Fridays 4-5:30 
• Saturdays/Sundays all lessons

Weight Limits and General Health

• People under 5’7″ the weight limit is 170lbs.  
• People between 5’8″ and 6’2″ the weight limit is 195lbs
• Height limit of 6’2”

All riders must be in FIT condition before scheduling lessons.

FEES

Your first payment is made through Bill Pay. All other payments will be through Auto-debit.  Please do not make a payment until we confirm the dates and times of your lessons through email.

• 1 private lesson $150
• 3 private lessons $375
• 1 semi private lesson $135 (each rider)(this is if you sign up with a sibling or sign up with a friend.)
• 3 semi private lessons $360 (each rider)(this is if you sign up with a sibling or sign up with a friend.)

Group Lessons (6 consecutive Weeks)

• 6 assisted Group lessons $690
• 6 Group lessons $570
• Rental helmet for first 3 private lessons $25

Lessons Package/Best Deal 

If you take advantage of all lessons offered, cost per lesson is close to $70!

Lessons will be weekly September through May. Payments will be made monthly through Auto-debit and does not depend on your child’s attendance. This package will include

• 38 Lessons 
• 9 Bonus/Extra lessons 
  • 4 days SchoolsOff camps (2 Lessons each) from 9:00-2:00
    • Can be attended as a makeup or additional bonus lesson.
    • No rescheduling of these lessons. They occur rain or shine.
    • These days cannot be changed or exchanged for any other days for any reason and there are no refunds.
    • To register for SchoolsOff Camp dates you must email 2 weeks in advance of the camp day.
• 1 extra Lesson built into the schedule.

 Lessons Package Cost: Auto-debited each month September-May

$392 per month group lesson

$450 per month assisted group lesson

Summer Months: June, July and August.

You can continue to Auto-debit through June and July

or

You choose the number of lessons for June, July and August and pay for those lessons.

The dates that you select are the only dates your rider can ride. If you miss the lesson you chose that lesson is counted. There a no make-ups, no trades, no exchanges, no extensions, no refunds.

How to register:
Email Mulfordridingcamp@gmail.com to arrange the scheduling of your lessons. You will be given instructions on how to make your first payment through Bill Pay.
You will be sent the Mulford Riding Auto-Debit Agreement and the ACH form for the automatic payments. After your first three initial private lessons your next payment will be automatically deducted from your bank.

What to Wear

Please wear long pants and paddock boots. You can rent a helmet from us for the first 3 lessons. After that, you will need to purchase your own helmet. A good place to get these is Dover Saddlery in Chantilly.

You should go to Dover to be fitted for a helmet. This is not something you should buy online. 

When You Arrive

Please park in the front of the building, walk back down the driveway until you come to a red gate. Please stop at the red gate and wait for us to wave you up to the barn. 

How to Sign Up

Lessons are scheduled by appointment only.  

Please email Mulfordridingcamp@gmail.com if you would like to Schedule lessons.  Please include the days and times that you are available, AND your (the rider’s) age, height and weight and I will give you our next available opening.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

We will need a weeks notice by email, for any missed class, for any reason.  If we do not receive a weeks notice then that lesson will be counted as one of the lessons, regardless of the reason. There is one extension of a week allowed per series when given a weeks emailed notice. The series must be completed in 7 weeks.  

There are no refunds or exchanges or carryovers for any reason.