Freedom Riders Academy

Upon getting a new student we evaluate their skill level through conversation and working with the new student while grooming and tacking. If our new student is a green beginner we start them with the introduction to the horse and then proceed with a lunge lesson. If however the new student has experience we review skills and evaluate riding ability. We have horses of all levels at Freedom Riders Academy. We teach the basic beginner to the advanced rider in both dressage, hunter and safe trail riding practices to our students.

I have been involved with horses for over 50 years of my life. I started riding at Fort Lauderdale riding school with Estaire Berkeley riding saddlebreds. I then moved to a barn Dancing Horse Farms where I learned dressage from a variety of instructors mostly from Europe. I became very interested in 3 day eventing in which I moved in with my riding instructor Nancy Baker at Forrest Brooke in Pennsylvania. I rode in the tristate area for 2 years then graduated HS. I received a scholarship to be on the equestrian team at William Woods College in Missouri. I rode for the team showing all over the Midwest. After college I began working for Diana Rankin a USET silver medalist riding and training her dressage prospects. After a 2 year period with her I began working for Michael Poulin, a USET coach for dressage for many years. I got married and started my family. After our last child I began to ride again. Seeing the issues with abandoned and abused horses I decided to start a nonprofit rescue and riding academy. We have been rescuing horses and teaching riders fir the past 12 years. I have also volunteered for the PBC Sheriffs mounted Unit for 4 years. 

We are based on a fee of $375 per month. This gives the client a 1 hour private riding lesson each week at their scheduled day and time. If ever the lesson needs to be missed, make ups are offered up to 6 weeks out from the missed lesson. We receive payment on the first of each month via Zelle , cash or personal check. We do offer an initial lesson so the rider may test drive our program and services at a cost of $125.

I started teaching when I was 10 years old at Ft. Lauderdale Riding School. I always had a desire to share my knowledge of horses. I started teaching riding lessons for FRA 12 years ago. I have taught hundreds of riders throughout the years . I am also a retired classroom teacher. Teaching is in my bones I love to share and see the lightbulb moment. I encourage riders and teach them to their highest ability.

I teach all levels and all types of students. Our youngest is age 4 to our seniors at age 83! Being a retired teacher with ESE certification I have taught students on the spectrum and had a wonderful success with their riding experience. I have also taught riders with various handicaps from deafness to physical handicaps. I am confident with riders who suffer from anxiety or fear from past experiences. I have also worked with victims of violent crimes and horrible circumstances. I believe horses can heal many things. 

I recently acquired a student on the spectrum. She is nonverbal. Her Mother reached out to me having had a negative experience at a different barn. The young student was a challenge at first to focus and get a positive response out of. The mounting proposed an issue with her body being stiff and her not understanding. After a few minutes of modeling and patiently waiting we were able to successfully mount. When I looked up at her she was laughing! She was so joyous and so light hearted. Her laugh was like music! My heart soared. With in minutes we were in the arena working around the cones and ground rails we had set up. She is a joy to teach each week. Her smile and enthusiasm is far better than ANY words could ever describe. ;

I would advise you to go and see the barn and view the program if possible. Most riding instructors will welcome you to come and watch and after ask questions. Take an initial lesson with your future riding instructor. This will give you a great feel for their program. Ask the instructor how they would start you and what their lesson plans are for you. They should have a detailed answer.;

Ask how they train their lesson horses for beginner riders.

Ask how their program is laid out. When should you arrive for your lesson, do you groom and tack your own horse for bonding , are you able to rinse off your horse and be with them after? 

Ask if your lesson is private or group? Both have value. Private lessons can narrow in on your needs and what you need to work on. Group allows you to hone your skills being in an arena with other riders. Also is trail offered. Trail is a great bonding with your horse. It also allows you to get out of the arena and really test your riding skills. its always nice to relax and appreciate your horse.