About
Lake Fork Stables is located in Yantis, Texas (South of Sulphur Springs). We offer both English and Western riding lessons for beginners and beyond.
Valerie Mellema is the owner and has a BS in Equine Business & Industry from West Texas A&M University. She rides both English and Western and is currently focusing on dressage and eventing.
Audrey Tripp is our instructor and focuses on eventing, but has experience in all western disciplines as well as hunter/jumper.
Lake Fork Stables is a nonprofit providing free riding lessons to low-income and autistic kids via our Riders Up! program. All paid lessons support that program and our lesson/therapy horses. We are also a Pony Club Riding Center.
We enjoy teaching people about horses and helping them grow in their horsemanship. Horses are amazing animals and have the ability to help people in many ways both mentally and physically.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
All students learn the basics of horsemanship and horse care, which includes but is not limited to grooming, tacking and safely handling a horse.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BS in Equine Business & Industry from West Texas A&M University
I have worked and learned from trainers and instructors in a variety of disciplines over the years. I am also a published author with books covering horse care, ownership, breeding and more.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Our lessons are taught on a semester basis and additional lessons can be added to each semester at $40 per.
Spring Session - 11 weeks - $440
June - Summer Camp Month
Summer Session - 6 weeks - $240
Fall Session - 11 weeks - $440
Winter Horsemanship Session - 11 weeks - $440
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I encourage new riders to consider what discipline they would like to learn and whether or not they would like to show in the future.