Private Lessons at King’s View Acres
We specialize in English dressage training - the basis for all equestrian disciplines. Our lessons are designed to teach riders how to effectively communicate with their horses while using basics and advanced movements to create an athletic and happy horse. King's View students are not only taught riding and horsemanship, they are also taught how to develop a partnership with the animals.
Our school horses are safe, well-trained, show horses ... not re-sale projects or auction finds. We offer a safe, low-stress environment, using our highly trained horses or yours. We focus on developing balance and control so that students can safely ride in the arena and out in the open. Lessons are tailored to the individual students’ need and goals.
Private lessons are available on our horses or yours. We have quality school horses of all levels and sizes to suit each rider's needs. Lessons will last 45 minutes and will focus on dressage/balanced seat basics. At King’s View Acres, we specialize in building confidence and skills so that riders are able to communicate with and handle different types of horses. We strive for safety that comes through developing skills. Private lessons are open to students of all levels & ages. These lessons will include grooming and tacking instruction until the student is able to perform the tasks independently.
A Parents Guide to Class Levels
We organize riders into levels to ensure each child develops the skills, balance, and confidence needed to progress safely. Each level builds on the previous one.
Intro A – Creating Foundations
Who it’s for:
New riders with little to no prior experience.
Riders who would benefit from extra time to strengthen balance, posture, and confidence.
Focus:
Safely handling and caring for a horse
Developing balance and posture at the walk
Learning riding basics and following directions
Building confidence in the barn and saddle
Goal: Prepare riders for more independent work in Intro B
Fun for kids: Grooming, tacking, walking, steering, and learning to communicate with the horse
Note: Some children may remain in Intro A longer. This is normal and helps build a strong foundation.
Intro B – Building Independence
Who it’s for: Riders who have consistently mastered the basics of Intro A
Focus:
Independent balance at walk and trot
Steering and stopping confidently
Communicating with hands, seat, and legs
Strengthening focus, core strength, and posture
Goal: Develop coordination and independence for more challenging movements
Fun for kids: Poles on the ground, trot practice, learning to control the horse
Notes:
Progress depends on physical, mental, and emotional readiness
Extra time strengthens balance, posture, and confidence
Most students will stay in Intro B for a few years before developing the muscle control, balance, and skills needed for more advanced work
Intro C – Preparing for Advanced Work
Who it’s for: Riders ready for consistent trot, canter introduction, or more advanced groundwork
Focus:
Mastering walk, trot, and introductory canter
Developing a balanced seat and independent steering
Beginning exercises for advanced dressage movements, including lateral work
Goal: Build readiness for Training Level work and ensure confidence and safety at faster gaits
Fun for kids: Learning new exercises, cantering under supervision, smooth transitions, and gaining independence
Training Level Students
Some students are ready for Training Level exercises but remain in Intro C due to class availability.
Focus: Gradual introduction to Training Level exercises, refining balance, seat, and aids, improving collection, and building confidence for advanced work. Introduction of lateral movement.
Why they stay in Intro C: Allows peer learning and observation while providing individualized instruction
Goal: Ensure all riders receive instruction appropriate to their skills in a supportive environment
Key Notes for Parents
Progression is based on skill, balance, and confidence, not age or time in the program
Children may spend varying amounts of time at each level - this is normal
Intro C is flexible, allowing riders to grow into Training Level skills safely
Scheduling Information
Because of the nature of the programs at King’s View, our private lesson availability varies greatly from summer to the school year. In order to provide some continuity in scheduling private lessons, the process for scheduling remains the same. You may switch back and forth between instructors as your schedule requires.