Frequently Asked Questions

Scheduling | Attire | Horses | Facility

 

Lesson Types

What type of lessons are available?

The Academy offers private, semi-private, and group lessons in English and Western riding. We specialize in dressage and western performance training although we have many students that are learning to ride for pleasure. Beginning Riding Lessons | Intermediate Riding Lessons | Advanced Riding Lessons

Do we need to take both?

Beginning students are encouraged to try both English and Western so that they are able to make an informed personal decision on which riding style they prefer. Intermediate and advanced students may choose to ride either or both.

What is dressage?

Dressage is a French word that means "training" and this training is the basis for all forms of riding. Riders display communication with their horse as they show their horses’ ability, skills, and willingness of movement. Although originally developed by the military, dressage training can be done on any horse with any age or talent of rider.

Who will my instructor be?

Each of our professional instructors is specifically chosen for their knowledge, experience and love of teaching. To assure the most productive learning, students will be specially paired with our instructors based on their interests and abilities. Advanced students will work with our primary instructor, Carolyn Lowe Laurel.

What ages can take lessons?

At the Academy we are very focused on value. Traditionally eight years old and older is a wonderful time to start riding, however, for very focused or interested individuals we do provide private lessons as early as five years old.

Does Kinni Valley offer lessons to first time beginners?

We are committed to offering top quality instruction to all students. We feel that starting with a firm foundation allows students to continue to enjoy a lifetime of riding.

What kinds of lessons are offered throughout the year?
  • Hourly equitation lessons - available in seven week sessions throughout the year
  • Trail riding lessons – spring, summer, fall (approximately Easter – Thanksgiving)
  • School groups – by appointment all year
  • Scout badge events – By appointment on Saturdays and weekdays all year

Scheduling

When are lessons offered?

Hourly lessons are offered during the day and evenings on weekdays (1:00p.m. – 6:30p.m.). Saturdays are reserved for trail ride lessons, riding clinics and individual lessons.

How do I sign up for lessons?

Your first step to starting lessons at the Academy is to contact us to schedule your evaluation lesson. During this one-hour private lesson, beginning students will be introduced to our safety procedures and the basics of correct equitation, while students that have ridden before will have their riding evaluated for session placement. In addition to riding, we will conference with each new student to help design a curriculum path based on each individual’s needs and desires.

How do I schedule my session?

Based on the information from your evaluation lesson we will help you choose a weekly lesson time that matches your availability with your age, ability, and interests.

When is the Academy open?

Kinni Valley is proud to offer several outdoor riding areas and our full sized heated indoor with a heated observation area so we are able to continue riding all throughout the year.

Do I need to find my own friends to ride with?

No. All lessons are grouped according to age, interest and ability. We will help match riders for correct session placement based on the information from your evaluation lesson and your availability. If you are interested in riding with a friend it is certainly possible, however, if not, riding lessons offer a great opportunity to meet new friends.

Can I visit the stable before lessons start?

Yes, you are invited to schedule an appointment to take a tour of the facility and meet our instructors and school horses prior to attending lessons. Your tour can be scheduled prior to or at the same time as your evaluation lesson.

Attire

What special clothes or equipment do I need?

You will need hard-soled, treadless shoe or boot with approximately a one-inch heel (not hiking boots or tennis shoes). Helmets are required and provided. Long jeans or breeches should be worn each lesson. 

Where can I buy riding apparel?

There are three great stores that we recommend in the Twin Cities area:

Horses

Do I have to have my own horse?

The Academy offers 40 talented lesson horses of different training and specialties. We will choose the best matches for each student based on your curriculum and goals.

What type of lessons horses do you have?

We have many breeds of horses: Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, American Paint Horses, Arabians and even Halflingers. Each of our horses is specially chosen for their knowledge and talents as well as their ability to be gentle and understanding as people learn.

Is there a rider weight limit?

At Kinni Valley Academy, safety is not only important for our riders but also for our horses.  For this reason, we enforce a maximum 300 pound weight limitation.

Will I ride the same lesson horse each week?

Each of the horses have different specialties allowing riders to practice specific parts of your curriculum. Although you may ride the same horse several times, most likely you will have many favorites.

What is leasing?

Leasing is a wonderful feature that we offer to our lesson students. We will carefully match you with one of our lesson horses allowing you to practice throughout the week between lessons. Leasing is also a great way to try out owning a horse to see if it is the right decision for you.

Can I take lessons on my own horse?

Absolutely! We are happy to have you take lessons on your own horse. Horses can be boarded at our facility for your ease of use and practice or can be hauled in for each of your lessons. Please contact Carolyn Lowe Laurel to discuss details.

Where would I find a horse if I want to buy one?

“One of my favorite parts of my job is playing match maker as I help you define and find your perfect horse” Carolyn Lowe Laurel. If you decide to buy a horse it is wonderful piece of mind to have an expert on your side. Please feel free to inquire about this great feature with Carolyn.

 

Facility

What kind of facility do you have?

Kinni Valley Riding Academy is situated on 150 rolling acres just north of River Falls, Wisconsin. We have a large heated indoor arena and 20 stall horse barn, as well as a large outdoor arena. In addition to our arenas, we have almost three miles of trails that actually cross the Kinnickinnic River in several places.

Can we ride outside?

We feel that becoming a good rider takes versatility. For this reason we combine our indoor riding lessons with riding in the out door arena and on trail. This allows our students to practice being in control no matter where they ride.

Does Kinni Valley offer boarding?

The Academy does offer a full range of boarding features. If you already have a horse or decide to get one, it is wonderful to have daily access to him/her with the help of your trainer.

What if I don’t want to show?

Although we have many students that do show, training is our main focus. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about the art of training and understanding horses, focusing on the journey of knowledge without the pressure of showing.

Summer Camp FAQs

At Kinni Valley we believe that riding camp is all about three things: Fun, safety and knowledge. There are tons of camps to choose from so here is some advice about why we are the right camp for you.
Find out more about our day camp...