About
Beautiful quiet country setting with easy access to highways. Riders are treated as individuals. Correct fundamentals are taught. No pressure to show, lease or compete. All disciplines taught.
Seeing the positive effects on riders when they conquer a new skill. And watching them develop respect and compassion for the horses whom they interact with.
Highlights
Hired 8 times
15 years in business
Serves Novelty , OH
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle
Details
Riding styles interested in
I can make recommendations, Western, English
Have a horse
Students who have a horse, Students who do not have a horse
Student's interests and goals
Fun and relaxation, Show jumping, Dressage
Experience level
No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
How often
Once a week, Multiple times a week, Recommendations available
Student's age
Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Photos and videos
Reviews
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RH
Rosalie H.
Kris is amazing! I highly recommend her. I have never ridden before and she began with safety. I really appreciated that she took the time to make sure that the horse and I both had a safe experience. She took the time to show me around the farm and the horses are happy and healthy. She teaches with patience and humour! She is able to see small body mechanics that the horse can perceive and makes appropriate corrections. This has been such a positive experience, I always look forward to it every week!
November 02, 2023
•Hired on Lessons
HI
Heather I.
Kristen Ropp is the best riding instructor I have ever had. As an adult returning to riding after a long hiatus I had some bad habits and major knowledge gaps. She has taken the time to explain the biomechanics of both horse and rider so that I understand why she gives the cues the way that she does. She has made me slow down and take the time to experiment and get feedback from the horse. In a few months Kristen helped me to strip away years of bad habits, improved my confidence and made me a much better partner for my horse.
March 19, 2021
SS
Sara S.
The horses are so friendly and healthy. There are such a variety of personalities. Kris is an amazing instructor. She truly understands both the horses body and the human body, and most importantly how they work together. She makes it fun while also making you work towards your goals of becoming a better rider. Anybody with the passion to learn riding at any level of experience, age, interest, or even disability can succeed in becoming a better rider at Free Spirit Farm. She is definitely one of the top trainers in NE Ohio. I highly recommend this barn for lessons.
March 17, 2021
VM
Vedrana M.
Kris is an amazing trainer, she will help you get to where you want to be. She can work around a busy schedule. The barn is a friendly environment. Everyone is like family. Highly recommend!
March 15, 2021
MB
Maddy B.
Kris is the most knowledgeable trainer I have ever had. Her focus on biomechanics is invaluable to both horse and rider, and benefits both in the long run. I have grown tremendously in my riding with her in ways that I previously did not believe possible. She truly wants both horse and rider to succeed, and to enjoy themselves in the process!
March 15, 2021
IN
Ingrid N.
Kris Ropp has a real talent and knowledge of horsemanship both on the ground and for riders and horses. She has helped me rebalance my body and taught me how to use my body parts to effectively help my horse use his body parts in a balanced proper way. Kris teaches each of her students as individuals and can address each persons weaknesses and make them stronger. In a short time she has helped me totally transform my horses way of carrying himself so he can stay sound, happy and healthy for years to come.
March 13, 2021
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
New students are started with a private evaluation lesson. Riders goals and reasons for riding are discussed at this time. Riders are matched with an suitable horse for their skill level. If they are interested in continuing, an appropriate plan is discussed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Science from Lake Erie College in Equestrian Facilities Management and in Teaching and Training. I also have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance which allows me to teach body awareness for the rider, something that is rarely addressed in many other lesson programs. I have ridden and competed in three countries, other than the United States and I participate in continuing education through active participation in clinics and well as on- line courses.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private lessons are $55, Discounts are available if purchasing packages of 4, 8, or 12 lessons
How did you get started teaching?
I started riding at age 13 and was involved in a 4-H club. As my skills with horses progressed, the more advanced riders taught the more beginner riders. I have taught ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all ages and most types of riding. I have trained persons competing in Para Riding Competitions (riders with dis-abilities). I have also worked with students with ADD, ADHD, and various levels of Autism.
I teach riders who want to(and successfully do) compete at shows, as well as those that just want to safely enjoy being around horses
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
There are two:
I started and outreach program to introduce underprivileged children to horses. I take horses into the city to several locations where kids can groom and ride them
Recently, two of my students attended a horse show and did so well they both successfully moved up a level.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure the teacher has good credentials. Most lesson barn programs are designed to get the student to move quickly through the beginner stage and be pushed into leasing and showing where the profit margin is much higher. The lower level instructors are often not sufficiently skilled to teach correct fundamentals.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Will you teach me at my own pace?
Can/Will you get on the horse and demonstrate if I don't understand?
What if I don't want to show?
Services offered
Horseback Riding