Lessons
Our emphasis at AMIT is developing the horse and rider through a consistent lesson program. The links below will point you to specific sections of this page. (You can also scroll down.)
- Looking for a place to take lessons?
- Instructors
- AMIT Lesson FAQ's
- Rates & Packages
- Student Worker Program
- Additional information
- Waiver
Are you interested in taking riding lessons from AMIT?
If so, here's what you should do:
- Check out this website - it can probably answer most of your questions.
- Come visit the farm! We have lessons on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, and Monday through Thursday in the afternoon. Feel free to stop by and watch (no need to call in advance or set up an appointment).
- Call, email, or talk to Bobby about when you can take your first lesson. It helps if you know a few days of the week and times that work for you.
Once we know when you're available, we'll match you with an instructor, horse, and lesson time and you can get started.
Instructors
AMIT has over a dozen experienced instructors. Most students will begin with one of our Junior Instructors (Tier 1) in a private lesson and will work into a group lesson once he or she is capable of handling the horse independently (i.e. basic steering, stopping, walk/trot).
Click here for more info on each instructor [Instructor Bios].
AMIT Lesson FAQ's
Q: What do I need to bring to my first lesson?
A: Yourself and shoes/boots with at least a 1/2" heel. Wear pants that will not ride up and shirts/coats that are not too loose or baggy. (In winter, wear enough to keep warm!)
Q: When do I/does my child start showing?
A: This is up to the individual and his or her instructor, but most start anytime after riding for at least one year. For information about showing expectations and guidelines at AMIT, click here [pdf].
Q: How do I know if lessons are cancelled?
A: Call 301-475-5434. We will always have a message on the answering machine at least 2 hours before lessons start for the day.
Q: What happens if I miss a lesson?
A: See our Makeup Policy [pdf] for complete details. Talk to your instructor for individual make-ups. There may be a group make-up session scheduled for lessons cancelled by AMIT.
Q. How much do lessons cost?
A: For lessons only, we offer three packages based off the level of your instructor. Each is based on a month of lessons, which is typically 4 lessons per month. See Rates & Packages (below).
Rates & Packages
Lessons only:
Tier 3 (Senior Instructor, Group lesson):
$175.00/month
Tier 2 (Assistant Instructor, Group lesson):
$150.00/month
Tier 1 (Junior Instructor, Group lesson or 1/2 hr private):
$125.00/month
Leasing:
Once a rider is capable of riding independently, extra riding time will help him or her progress. We offer several leasing options (use of AMIT horse) to give you extra riding time without the commitment and expense of owning a horse. If interested, talk to Bobby about available horses.
- Full lease (Same as Tier 3 board; vet bills are split 50/50 between owner and leasee, with leasee limit of $500.00. One lesson per week included in cost of lease.):
$475.00/month
- Half lease (3 days/week when animal is not scheduled for lessons):
$200.00/month
- 2 days/week lease (when not scheduled for lessons):
$155.00/month
- 1 day/week lease (when not scheduled for lessons): $125.00/month
Student Worker Program
If interested in working to pay off part of the expense of lessons or boarding, or you'd like to earn extra riding time, you can participate in our student worker program. For full details on the program, please download and read this pdf [Student Worker Program].
All student workers must be at least 10 years old and able to walk, trot, canter, and jump 12" fences independently.
Additional Information
Click here to download the AMIT Intro Pack [pdf]. (Hardcopies are also available from the barn.)
For an abbreviated web version, click here.
Waiver
To participate in riding activities, you must have a waiver filled out and signed. These are available from the barn and you will receive one in your intro lesson packet. If you need another waiver for any reason, you may download it online: click here to download the .pdf general riding waiver. (To download, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader, available here.)