I am the only Instructor... MUHAHA!

eieio · 08-30-2006, 05:16 PM

I just got done with my first working student interview. Her name is Jessica and she is 13 and wants to sell her soul, sorry, work off lessons.

I was talking with her mom and she said that they had been trying to find an English instructor for about 5 years and had found no one within 45 minutes. She is recently divorced and could no longer afford lessons. They heard thru the grapevine that I was an instructor and planned on giving lessons. So they stopped in to see the cost and asked if I needed a working student. I, said, MAYBE, on a trial.

The also informed me that the only lessons being given are saddleseat and that the only western instructor in town (my landlord) only gives lessons on group trail rides.

Heck, maybe I will start a 4-H group! The farm is on a road that has a tremendous amount of traffic from the two major employers in Town.

When we leased the farm I never realized that the location would be so well suited for this. I have not really taught for a while, not enough equiptment, horses, etc. Now, I am thinking of it.

I love the working student idea, the other farm was was just two inconvienant for most people and did not have a nice arena like this one does. The lights in the arena make it look like a football stadium. The footing needs a lot of work, but the arena and set up are great.

O.K. , Rambled enough...

What is everyone who is taking, paying for lessons now. For example 1/2 hour private, 1 hour private, 1 hour group?

Please let me know so rates and some more ideas. I am really interested!

Thanks!

snickers · 08-30-2006, 08:46 PM

Sounds like you have yourself a job.
That you will enjoy.

When I gave lessons, I charged $20.00 a hour. Private lesson.

Even in a group setting, it was still the same.
They all got an hour, so I didnt feel I should lower the price.

Oh boy, another adventure for more stories.

Your place sounds awesome.

crittermom · 08-30-2006, 09:14 PM

I pay $35.00 an hour for lessons (western). These have been private lessons, but it would be the same for a group.

**taelesean** · 08-30-2006, 09:46 PM

My son and I pay $170 (each) for six lessons, at an hour and half each (the "extra" half hour is for grooming and tacking, at the ranch we go to, you have to catch, brush and tack your own horse)

Private lessons there run $180 for four lessons. Our isntructor will also do semi-private lessons, they are $180 for six for two people, or the group rate for 3 of 4 people. Her maximum class size is 4 riders.

She also trains horses, at $900 a month, or, for $150 a week, she will teach you how train your horse yourself!

MLovely · 08-30-2006, 09:58 PM

Lessons at my facility are $35/ hour private, $25/hour group. And the groups are never larger than 4 people.

Looks like you are going to be quite the hot commodity around there

**Horsetopia-Annie** · 08-30-2006, 11:02 PM

Lessons up here in MA at the place I board from a good travelling instructor are $50 - $75/hour

-- less if you can truck to someone's place though. I think the going rate for a lesson at a stable on their horses is $40 - $60 for an hour private and $30 - $45 for an hour group. I'd image that prices down there would be a bit cheaper though.

Many places up here will offer a discount if you purchase a group of lessons at one time or (of course) if you're willing to sell your soul.

Luv2Ride · 08-30-2006, 11:07 PM

We pay $20 an hour using our own horses; it's $30 an hour using the barn's horses.

abigail91101 · 08-31-2006, 09:15 AM

I started dressage lessons with one lady at $40 per 45 minutes. Most charge about $60 around here. I am now training monday through Thursday for a month at $85 for each 45 minute lesson. This is rather steep but I am on my 8th lesson with her and I can say it is the best money I have spent in horses yet.

LPB · 08-31-2006, 09:43 AM

Eieio:

I ride at a stable called Avalon Farms in central Ohio. They run the Central Ohio Riding Club as a non-profit. The rate structure is:

Group lessons, one hour ,if purchased by the first of the month and in a package:
$22 x 4 = $88.00

Private lessons, 1/2 hour, (same deal)
$29 x 4 = $116.00

Otherwise, it's $25 an hour for group and $35.00 a half-hour for private.

Here's the Web site if you want to take a look at how Leah and Dennis do things:

http://www.avalonfarm.org/

bettymo · 08-31-2006, 09:43 AM

the place i take lessons at charges:

$45 per hour for one person (private)
$35 per hour for two people (semi-private)
$30 per hour for 3 people (group)

and they don't have more than three people per instructor/lesson group
some places charge more for the use of their horse and tack ($10-$20 is what i've been quoted at the different places around here, if i remember right)

**gbarmranch** · 08-31-2006, 09:47 AM

We charged $25.00/hour - and that included your tack up and cool down time...for "working their little hearts out" helpers, we had a borad with their names to put down what they did and the time they took to do it - it was done in 1/4 hours and that was how we know how many lessons they had coming...plus, they were great company and din't mind doing all the tack cleaning, as well as the stalls...

Go for it - you may even need one of us to move up there to help keep up with the lesson requests you will have!!!

eieio · 08-31-2006, 09:52 AM

I might have to take you up on that GBARM. I have 25 acres right behind me that is already fenced and for sale for $6k and acre. It has a wonderful homesite! I would love an HT buddy right behind me and I have the stabling and arena for anyone who buys it and wants to get started!

harvest_moon · 08-31-2006, 09:55 AM

I charge $20 for a 45 minute lesson, $30 for an hour. Family group lessons are $10 per person for a group of 3 or more......I'm very fortunate, bc most of the barns in my area charge at least $40 per hour, on up to $62! We're very family-oriented, and I wanted those single parents out there to be able to afford lessons for their kids, and hopefully, take lessons themselves!
I think the working student thing is a great idea, as long as you keep track of hours worked!

**Orchid** · 08-31-2006, 09:59 AM

Let me think...the last time I took lessons, it was $20 for a private hour long lesson, and for a friend and I in a semi-private lesson it was $15/hour each - ridiculously cheap, IMO.

The Arabian barn just down the road charges $35/hour for a private lesson.

**gbarmranch** · 08-31-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eieio

I might have to take you up on that GBARM. I have 25 acres right behind me that is already fenced and for sale for $6k and acre. It has a wonderful homesite! I would love an HT buddy right behind me and I have the stabling and arena for anyone who buys it and wants to get started!

If I could transfer my work, I would be there as soon as I could get packed and make the 10 trips it would take to move everyone up - sigh - besides, we would also maybe have Snickers, and DM, and

WOW - what a fun group that would be!!!

eieio · 08-31-2006, 10:18 AM

Really, we would have our own ready made horse clique! Between the four of us though we would never be able to keep all the horses straight, oh, wait yeah we would straight

**gbarmranch** · 08-31-2006, 10:28 AM

But how much fun - we would have lots of babies to play with, lessons woudl be covered by someone, and the arena dust would never have a chance to settle

OSUJillyBean · 08-31-2006, 10:57 AM

I'm jealous of you guys! You don't pay much compared to us. The dressage lady here wants $50/hour private and like $40/hour private. But she wasn't going to teach me tacking up ar grooming or mucking talls or any of that. :P I couldn't afford the $50/hour as it would've been $200/month - that's what I'm paying for rent!

eieio · 08-31-2006, 12:00 PM

Awwwm Jilly if only you were closer...

I need a working student and it woiuld not interfere with your wedding plans!

pippy · 08-31-2006, 12:27 PM

What is charged in this area:
one accomplished rider charges $35 for a one hour private hunter lesson,
one B rated pony clubber charges $20 an hour to other pony clubbers for jumper lessons, still others in the area charge $25 a lesson if you sign up for 4 right off the bat, still another trainer charges $50 for a half hour dressage lesson, still another charges $200 for a couple hours teaching pony clubbers on the flat and then jumping but this is a group rate for 5 kids, broke down comes out to about $20 a kid per hour
I wish I had the opportunity you have! Sounds wonderful~
Best wishes!

08-30-2006, 05:16 PM
eieio Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,138	I am the only Instructor... MUHAHA! I just got done with my first working student interview. Her name is Jessica and she is 13 and wants to sell her soul, sorry, work off lessons. I was talking with her mom and she said that they had been trying to find an English instructor for about 5 years and had found no one within 45 minutes. She is recently divorced and could no longer afford lessons. They heard thru the grapevine that I was an instructor and planned on giving lessons. So they stopped in to see the cost and asked if I needed a working student. I, said, MAYBE, on a trial. The also informed me that the only lessons being given are saddleseat and that the only western instructor in town (my landlord) only gives lessons on group trail rides. Heck, maybe I will start a 4-H group! The farm is on a road that has a tremendous amount of traffic from the two major employers in Town. When we leased the farm I never realized that the location would be so well suited for this. I have not really taught for a while, not enough equiptment, horses, etc. Now, I am thinking of it. I love the working student idea, the other farm was was just two inconvienant for most people and did not have a nice arena like this one does. The lights in the arena make it look like a football stadium. The footing needs a lot of work, but the arena and set up are great. O.K. , Rambled enough... What is everyone who is taking, paying for lessons now. For example 1/2 hour private, 1 hour private, 1 hour group? Please let me know so rates and some more ideas. I am really interested! Thanks! __________________ There is no such thing as a always or never in the horse world. Say that one time and some horse some where will prove you wrong!. Visit us at www.woodfoxfarm.com

08-30-2006, 08:46 PM
snickers Bombproof Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Twilight Zone Posts: 8,988	Sounds like you have yourself a job. That you will enjoy. When I gave lessons, I charged $20.00 a hour. Private lesson. Even in a group setting, it was still the same. They all got an hour, so I didnt feel I should lower the price. Oh boy, another adventure for more stories. Your place sounds awesome. __________________ " You cant fix stupid " Ron White Life is to short to argue with ignorant people.

08-30-2006, 09:14 PM
crittermom Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,682	I pay $35.00 an hour for lessons (western). These have been private lessons, but it would be the same for a group. __________________ Peace!! I wish the people of the world could get along as well as the animals in my backyard.

08-30-2006, 09:46 PM
taelesean Administrator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 5,756	My son and I pay $170 (each) for six lessons, at an hour and half each (the "extra" half hour is for grooming and tacking, at the ranch we go to, you have to catch, brush and tack your own horse) Private lessons there run $180 for four lessons. Our isntructor will also do semi-private lessons, they are $180 for six for two people, or the group rate for 3 of 4 people. Her maximum class size is 4 riders. She also trains horses, at $900 a month, or, for $150 a week, she will teach you how train your horse yourself! __________________

08-30-2006, 09:58 PM
MLovely Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New York Posts: 1,105	Lessons at my facility are $35/ hour private, $25/hour group. And the groups are never larger than 4 people. Looks like you are going to be quite the hot commodity around there

08-30-2006, 11:02 PM
Horsetopia-Annie Administrator Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,667	Lessons up here in MA at the place I board from a good travelling instructor are $50 - $75/hour -- less if you can truck to someone's place though. I think the going rate for a lesson at a stable on their horses is $40 - $60 for an hour private and $30 - $45 for an hour group. I'd image that prices down there would be a bit cheaper though. Many places up here will offer a discount if you purchase a group of lessons at one time or (of course) if you're willing to sell your soul. __________________ Annie Horsetopia.com

08-30-2006, 11:07 PM
Luv2Ride Long Yearling Join Date: May 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,086	We pay $20 an hour using our own horses; it's $30 an hour using the barn's horses.

08-31-2006, 09:15 AM
abigail91101 Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hitchcock Texas Posts: 146	I started dressage lessons with one lady at $40 per 45 minutes. Most charge about $60 around here. I am now training monday through Thursday for a month at $85 for each 45 minute lesson. This is rather steep but I am on my 8th lesson with her and I can say it is the best money I have spent in horses yet. __________________ visit my web site www.shadowcreekstables.com

08-31-2006, 09:43 AM
LPB Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 86	Eieio: I ride at a stable called Avalon Farms in central Ohio. They run the Central Ohio Riding Club as a non-profit. The rate structure is: Group lessons, one hour ,if purchased by the first of the month and in a package: $22 x 4 = $88.00 Private lessons, 1/2 hour, (same deal) $29 x 4 = $116.00 Otherwise, it's $25 an hour for group and $35.00 a half-hour for private. Here's the Web site if you want to take a look at how Leah and Dennis do things: http://www.avalonfarm.org/ __________________ Read my blog about women and horses! www.riderone.wordpress.com

08-31-2006, 09:43 AM
bettymo Yearling Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 672	the place i take lessons at charges: $45 per hour for one person (private) $35 per hour for two people (semi-private) $30 per hour for 3 people (group) and they don't have more than three people per instructor/lesson group some places charge more for the use of their horse and tack ($10-$20 is what i've been quoted at the different places around here, if i remember right)

08-31-2006, 09:47 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 29,550	We charged $25.00/hour - and that included your tack up and cool down time...for "working their little hearts out" helpers, we had a borad with their names to put down what they did and the time they took to do it - it was done in 1/4 hours and that was how we know how many lessons they had coming...plus, they were great company and din't mind doing all the tack cleaning, as well as the stalls... Go for it - you may even need one of us to move up there to help keep up with the lesson requests you will have!!! __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Life is God's most precious gift.. Live it in a manner that will bring Him joy!

08-31-2006, 09:52 AM
eieio Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,138	I might have to take you up on that GBARM. I have 25 acres right behind me that is already fenced and for sale for $6k and acre. It has a wonderful homesite! I would love an HT buddy right behind me and I have the stabling and arena for anyone who buys it and wants to get started! __________________ There is no such thing as a always or never in the horse world. Say that one time and some horse some where will prove you wrong!. Visit us at www.woodfoxfarm.com

08-31-2006, 09:55 AM
harvest_moon Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 606	I charge $20 for a 45 minute lesson, $30 for an hour. Family group lessons are $10 per person for a group of 3 or more......I'm very fortunate, bc most of the barns in my area charge at least $40 per hour, on up to $62! We're very family-oriented, and I wanted those single parents out there to be able to afford lessons for their kids, and hopefully, take lessons themselves! I think the working student thing is a great idea, as long as you keep track of hours worked! __________________ If wishes were horses, beggars would ride...

08-31-2006, 09:59 AM
Orchid Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 10,062	Let me think...the last time I took lessons, it was $20 for a private hour long lesson, and for a friend and I in a semi-private lesson it was $15/hour each - ridiculously cheap, IMO. The Arabian barn just down the road charges $35/hour for a private lesson. __________________ I have nothing witty or even charming to say at this point.

08-31-2006, 10:18 AM
eieio Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,138	Really, we would have our own ready made horse clique! Between the four of us though we would never be able to keep all the horses straight, oh, wait yeah we would straight __________________ There is no such thing as a always or never in the horse world. Say that one time and some horse some where will prove you wrong!. Visit us at www.woodfoxfarm.com

08-31-2006, 10:28 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 29,550	But how much fun - we would have lots of babies to play with, lessons woudl be covered by someone, and the arena dust would never have a chance to settle __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Life is God's most precious gift.. Live it in a manner that will bring Him joy!

08-31-2006, 10:57 AM
OSUJillyBean Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,096	I'm jealous of you guys! You don't pay much compared to us. The dressage lady here wants $50/hour private and like $40/hour private. But she wasn't going to teach me tacking up ar grooming or mucking talls or any of that. :P I couldn't afford the $50/hour as it would've been $200/month - that's what I'm paying for rent! __________________ "And speaking of Italy and sports cars that I stole there, you still owe me a yellow Porsche." — Alice Cullen

08-31-2006, 12:00 PM
eieio Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,138	Awwwm Jilly if only you were closer... I need a working student and it woiuld not interfere with your wedding plans! __________________ There is no such thing as a always or never in the horse world. Say that one time and some horse some where will prove you wrong!. Visit us at www.woodfoxfarm.com

08-31-2006, 12:27 PM
pippy Long Yearling Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 1,165	What is charged in this area: one accomplished rider charges $35 for a one hour private hunter lesson, one B rated pony clubber charges $20 an hour to other pony clubbers for jumper lessons, still others in the area charge $25 a lesson if you sign up for 4 right off the bat, still another trainer charges $50 for a half hour dressage lesson, still another charges $200 for a couple hours teaching pony clubbers on the flat and then jumping but this is a group rate for 5 kids, broke down comes out to about $20 a kid per hour I wish I had the opportunity you have! Sounds wonderful~ Best wishes! __________________ Put your heart, mind, intellect, and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.\" â€“ Swami Sivananda Saraswati