RIDING AT
    FOLLY FARM

An Overview:    

Thank you for your interest in our riding lesson program. The farm is nestled at the base of Talcott Mountain and boasts two indoor arenas, two outdoor arenas, and a hunt field. We are a hunter/jumper show barn which means that we teach hunt seat equitation. This is a forward seat style of riding adapted by fox hunters for riding at speed over terrain and obstacles. Today, modern hunters are ridden almost exclusively in the show arena and equitation refers to the rider's style while riding them. It is expected that all riders at Folly will learn the basics of jumping.

     The farm hosts many types of competition throughout the year and while it is not required that riders show, we wish to identify and develop those riders who are interested. Competition starts with Lead line for those under 8 and continues through all ages and levels.  Our trainers have extensive experience matching riders and mounts and have qualified many of their riders annually for State and National Competitions. Please contact the office to schedule an appointment to talk with a trainer if you are interested in leasing or buying.

THE LESSON PROGRAM

    We offer group lessons for all levels of experience beginning at age 7. A "Tiny Trotters" Program is available for horse enthusiasts ages 4 - 6 years old.  Lessons are 55 minutes and are held Monday through Saturday. The riding school year is divided into three 12-week sessions and a make-up week.  Cost for a session is $450. Riders get one (1) make-up lesson, if needed. Anyone wishing to join the program after the session has already started may do so, if space is available, with the lessons prorated at $40 per group lesson. (We do require that group lessons be taken on a weekly basis as opposed to every other week, or once or twice a month).  
     Spring 2010 Session: March 15 - June 5.  Make up week is June 7 - 12. Remember that we have lessons during all school vacations.  There are no lessons on Memorial Day.
       Saturday riders: On the Saturdays that there is a Folly Show, lessons will be held on Sunday.  Currently, there are shows on Saturday March 27th and Saturday June 5th.

Return your form as soon as possible. Classes will be filled as registration forms are received.
     Summer runs separately with lesson and camp information available at the end of March.

ARE YOU A MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL RIDER INTERESTED IN TAKING YOUR RIDING TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN COMPETING, BUT DON'T HAVE YOUR OWN HORSE?
THEN CHECK OUT OUR SHOW TEAM!

SCHEDULE: The group lesson schedule is below. Private lessons must be scheduled through the office. Riders generally stay in the same level, unless advised by the trainer to change. If you wish to register for a different level, indicate on your registration form along with your day and time preferences. The IEA Team lesson is over for the season. Team Riders may still ride twice a week in regular groups or a group and private lesson. 

TINY TROTTERS
    Tiny Trotters is a weekly 55 minute group lesson that provides a great introduction to all aspects of horse care for riders 4 - 6 years old.  Safe handling and proper grooming of the pony, as well as age/level appropriate mounted exercises are all covered.  They will begin on a leadline and progress at their own pace. Limited to 4 riders. Riders will be ready for the Beginner group lessons when they can safely steer, halt, walk, and post to the trot off the lead line. Tiny Trotter riders sign up for 6 weeks (½ session), with the option of continuing on for the remaining 6 weeks of the session.  Cost for each ½ session is $225. Private lessons are also available for $50 per lesson..