Finding Your Grit. Learning Courage. Living Confidence.

At Stone Hill Sport Horse, we believe the barn is a place where young riders truly come into their own. Our program focuses on finding your grit—helping children move past self-doubt to discover the inner resolve found through equine partnership. We believe that true confidence is not merely taught; it is experienced. Through the unique bond formed between horse and rider, children develop the courage to face challenges and the resilience to navigate them. By emphasizing clear communication, empathy, and determination, we ensure every rider leaves the barn empowered, grounded, and ready to take on the world.

Grow Confident, Capable Kids

Forge Unshakeable Resilience: Equip your child with the mental strength to face life’s challenges with composure and grit.

Sharpen Focus and Coordination: Build both physical poise and mental clarity through every purposeful session in the saddle.

Translate Courage into Confidence: Watch the bravery your child discovers at the barn grow into the lasting confidence they carry into every aspect of their life.

We know you want more than just riding lessons—you want to build character, confidence, and resilience that lasts a lifetime.

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Experience and Dedication

With over 20 years of experience as an upper-level combined training event rider, a dedicated Pony Club graduate, and a lifelong horsewoman, our lead instructor Acacia Perko brings both professional expertise and deep compassion to Stone Hill. As a mother of twin boys, she understands firsthand the challenges today’s children face and is committed to creating an environment where they can grow.

Proven Success

Our students don't just learn to ride; they learn to connect. By mastering the art of horsemanship and responsibility, our riders cultivate the focus, leadership, and grit needed to navigate life’s challenges. Whether in the arena, at school, or at home, the courage they find in the barn helps them show up in the world with confidence and poise.

What to Expect

Each lesson is a fully immersive experience lasting approximately 60 minutes. We intentionally balance time between the barn and the saddle to ensure you understand the "why" and "how" behind every interaction with our horses.

Horsemanship & Safety

Before you even step into the saddle, you will learn the essential skills required to care for and handle your partner safely:

Safety First: Understanding equine behavior, body language, and how to stay safe while working around horses.

Grooming: Proper use of brushes and tools to prepare your horse’s coat for tacking and to check for health.

Tacking Up: Step-by-step instruction on how to correctly place, fit, and secure the saddle and bridle.

Ground Manners: How to lead, turn, and stand with your horse with confidence and clear communication.

Riding Technique

Once in the saddle, our instructors focus on developing your independent seat and effective aids to create a harmonious

partnership:

Mounting & Dismounting: Techniques to ensure safety and balance from the start.

The Position: Learning proper alignment to develop a secure, balanced seat.

The Aids: Mastering the use of your reins (steering/speed), legs (impulsion/direction), and seat (rhythm/balance) to communicate clearly with your horse.

Basic Control: Learning to ask for transitions (walk/trot) and navigating the arena with precision and purpose.