Roundhouse Stables LLC
About
Roundhouse Stables is located in Granville, Ohio and teaches English riding, from basics to dressage and jumping. Please do not contact us for Western lessons.
I offer affordable private lessons for beginners as well as experienced riders. I am happy to work with students who simply want to ride comfortably and safely for pleasure as well as those interested in more advanced work.
I will take the time necessary to develop truly good riding fundamentals for beginners. For those with riding experience, one thing that stands out after many years of teaching and coaching is that even people who have ridden for years frequently need help with overcoming uneven balance, muscle tension, frustration, lack of confidence, and past negative experiences such as injuries. These kinds of problems can lead to difficulty in getting a horse to do what you ask.
I can help you analyze what is positive about your riding and how to improve what is not, so that you can ride in a calm, confident, effective way and create a happy, willing equine partner in whatever discipline you pursue. Our quiet setting and indoor arena provide an excellent environment for learning.
My teaching style is calm, patient, and supportive so that students feel relaxed and comfortable in a lesson situation. Students are encouraged to discuss what they are feeling and ask questions. If something isn't clear, I will find another way to explain it. The most gratifying thing for me is the "aha moment" when a student finally gets the concept. We create a student-teacher partnership to make you a better rider.
Reviews
mitch D.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With new students who have not ridden before, the first lesson involves learning to groom and tack up the horse, with emphasis on how to be safe when handling such a large animal. The new rider then learns to mount and experiences the movement of the horse as it walks around the arena. After the introductory lesson, beginners work on the lunge line to develop an effective, balanced seat in walk, trot and canter, as well as gradually learning to guide the horse around the arena independently in all three gaits. Jumping is also taught when the student has developed sufficient skill.
Experienced riders have an intial lesson to assess their riding skills, discuss what is working well and what needs to be improved, talk about their goals, and develop a plan for achieving them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor's degree in education from Ohio State University
Taught lessons and coached riders at shows for over 30 years in dressage, eventing and hunter/jumpers
Coached Denison University's Equestrian Team for 26 years
Many years of lessons with classically trained dressage instructors
Attended clinics and seminars with top American and international riders to learn techniques and improve teaching skills
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
One-hour private lesson $50.00
Half-hour private lesson (children) $40.00
What types of students have you worked with?
Students from both English and Western backgrounds (although I teach English, sitting relaxed and balanced on a horse is applicable to any discipline)
Riders who want to show
People who want to enjoy riding safely and have no interest in showing
Beginners of all ages
Older riders and those returning to riding after an extended hiatus
Riders who are fearful or have lost confidence
All riders are welcome at Roundhouse.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look carefully at the lesson program. Many trainers are interested in quickly getting students on the show circuit. As a result, they may gloss over fundamentals, which can cause injury to horse and rider, and create long-standing issues with confidence. Make sure you find a trainer who is willing to communicate with you, and does not put their own goals before your own!