Lessons

At West Wind Stables, riding is for everyone! We offer a wide range of individual and group lesson programs open to riders ages 5 to adult. We can accommodate all skill levels from beginner up to the advanced, competitive rider.

Lesson programs are based on Equine Canada’s Learn to Ride national curriculum and are taught by Equine Canada certified Instructors and Coaches. West Wind can administer the rider level testing if riders choose to obtain their certification as they progress through the levels.

With all of the riding lessons West Wind offers class room/hands on theory classes to educate the riders on horse care, stable management, and riding techniques. West Wind has a variety of school horses available for rent on a per lesson basis ranging in skill level matched to meet the needs of all level of riders.

Riders can also receive an additional ½ hour of hands on instruction of how to work around the horse safely on the ground, how to groom the horse, and how to put on the equipment in preparation to ride. This additional tack-up instruction is required for anyone new to the sport.

Horseback riding is a sport and is eligible for the fitness tax credit! Click Here for more information.

Lesson Selection

Group Lessons (3-4 riders per group) - $27 per lesson
- Program includes: ½ hour theory, 1 hour of riding, school horse and tack-up additional
- Start anytime! Contact Us
- Read more about Group Lessons

Semi-Private Lessons (1-2 riders) - $35 per lesson
- Program includes: ½ hour theory, 1 hour of riding, school horse and tack-up additional
- Start anytime! Contact Us
- Read more about Semi-private lessons

Introduction to Horses Part A- ages 8-adult (4-6 per group) - $290
- NEXT PROGRAM SPRING 2012 Contact Us
- Program Includes: ½ hour theory, ½ hour tack-up, 45-60 minutes of riding, school horse for 8 weeks; Equine Canada Rider Level 1/2 Manual
- Read more

Introduction to Horses Part B- ages 8-adult (4-6 per group) - $290
- NEXT PROGRAM SPRING 2012 Contact Us
- Program Includes: ½ hour theory, ½ hour tack-up, 45-60 minutes of riding, school horse for 8 weeks; Equine Canada Rider Level 1 Rider Evaluation** Manitoba Horse Council membership and Certificate fee additional. Read More

English P'Tit Trot Program - Ages 5-7(4-6 per group) - $290
- NEXT BRONZE LEVEL PROGRAM Starts Spring 2012 - Contact Us
- Program includes: ½ hour theory,½ hour tack-up, 45-60 minutes of lead-line riding, school horse for 8 weeks, and the P'Tit Trot workbook
- After Bronze Level there is Silver, Gold and Platinum - $260 ea

School Horse Rental: $15 per lesson
Tack-up Instruction: $7 per lesson
Please note: GST must be added to all lesson pricing.

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page

Birthday Parties

West Wind offers two options to celebrate your birthday or other special occasion on horseback! For the little ones (ages 4 to 7) we have the Pony Party option where each child will be led on horseback at the walk and some trot. For our older riders (ages 8 and up) we offer a Private Riding Party Group option, where riders receive a full 1½ hour lesson that includes tack-up assistance/instruction. Please note: GST must be added to all party pricing.

Pony Party (ages 4 to 7) fee for 45 minutes is $120 for the Birthday child plus 10 guests. There will be a charge of $5 for each additional guest.

Private Riding Party Group (ages 8 and up; maximum 4 riders) fee for 1½ hours is $120

Please note: Please arrange bookings at least 3-4 weeks in advance.

Click here for important information about what you should wear for your horseback birthday party.

Riding IS a Sport!

Equestrian sport qualifies for CRA’s Children's Fitness Tax Credit. The children's fitness tax credit allows parents claim up to $500 per year for eligible fitness expenses paid for each child who is under 16 years of age at the beginning of the year in which the expenses are paid. An eligible fitness expense must be for the cost of registration or membership of an eligible child in a prescribed program of physical activity. Generally, such a program must:

be ongoing (either a minimum of eight consecutive weeks long or, for children's camps, five consecutive days long);
be supervised;
be suitable for children; and
include a significant amount of physical activity that contributes to cardio-respiratory endurance, plus one or more of: muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, or balance.

Under the Income Tax Regulations, the definition of physical activity includes:

horseback riding; and
if the child is eligible for the disability tax credit, activities that result in movement and in an observable use of energy in a recreational context.

Visit CRA’s website http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whtsnw/fitness-eng.html for more information.