Denver Equestrians

Q: I would like to take lessons - how do I get started?

A: Contact us with your day and time requests. Because we are usually teaching or riding a horse, the best way to get in touch is via email - clettau@msn.com

We will schedule your lesson - the first one is always private. We will discuss your experience to match you with the right horse. You will be required pay for your lesson(s) in advance, and to sign a waiver and release form.

Q: What should I wear?

A: You will need a certified helmet and hard-soled shoes or boots with a heel. English riding breeches and a t-shirt or polo shirt with sleeves are most comfortable. In the winter, add a vest and gloves! There are several tack shops in the area that can supply you with your riding gear.

Q: Should I bring my own tack?

A: We can supply all of your tack if needed. However if you have a saddle, please bring it. We can check to see if it fits your horse and go from there. If you also have your own clean white saddle pads and leg wraps, we would love for you to bring them!

Q: How long can I expect to be at the barn?

A: Your first start-up lesson will be private, and last one hour. It will include instruction on how to groom and tack your horse. 

After your first few lessons (as soon as you feel comfortable), you should arrive 30 minutes early to get your horse, groom and tack. For a full lesson, the arena time will last approximately 45 minutes. After riding, you will groom your horse, remove all sweat marks (rinse him if the weather is warm enough), clean his tack and bring him back to his stall or pasture. The entire process will usually take about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Q: How is your pricing structured?

A: Your lesson includes the price of a school horse, tack and the facilities. You are essentially caring for and leasing your horse for the day that you are at the barn. Each horse is ridden just one time per day, and a maximum of 5 or 6 days per week. The lesson fee covers his daily costs for feed, shelter, training, etc. You will notice that our horses are healthy and well-fed, and our facility is impeccably kept and well-run. The training fee is also included in the pricing ~ horses require "tune-ups" ~ professional training under saddle ~ in order to best teach students how to ride them properly.

Our facility is among the best in the nation. Funds are needed to care for the grounds and arenas and keep them clean. We do not treat horses as a commodity, rather as the special and majestic beings that they are. We choose to use only the finest quality hay and feed, we do not overpopulate our pastures, and our horses have the best care imaginable.

Before you decide on a barn, meet the instructors and observe the surroundings and health of the horses. We offer only the best in horse care, safety and riding instruction. To meet these priorities, your lessons at our facility may be a few dollars higher than some of the other school barns. We think you'll agree that it is well worth it!

Additionally, every time you ride, you are supporting Zuma's Rescue Ranch!

Q: What about cancellations?

A: Your horse and arena times are reserved especially for you each week. Should you cancel your lesson, your horse will need to be assigned to another student that day. For this reason, a 48 hour advanced notice is required. If you provide us with a 24 hour notice, you will receive a 50% refund. If we do not receive advanced notice, you will be charged for that lesson in full.

Q: Is your facility open year-round?

A: Yes, on days with heavy rain or snow, we have a beautiful indoor arena with a breezeway to the stables. The outdoor arena is just as lovely and serene - the mountains provide a beautiful backdrop when the weather is Colorado perfect...

Q: Tell me about your horses!

A: The horses we have available are privately owned warmbloods, quarter ponies and horses rescued from slaughter. Beginner riders are paired with gentle walk, trot and canter equine instructors, while seasoned riders are treated to horses with prior careers as successful jumpers and dressage professors.

Q: Are you affiliated with Zuma's Rescue Ranch?

A: YES! Your lessons help us support Zuma's Rescue Ranch! Please see our Zuma's Link!

Q: What is The Academy?

A: Denver Equestrians, American Sport Horses and Zuma's Rescue Ranch are working together to bring you a new breed of riding school! Check the website frequently for updates and The Academy class times!

Q: The weather is really hot/cold, are lessons automatically canceled?

A: Typically we will cancel lessons if it is below 20 degrees or above 95 degrees. We will cancel via email and/or telephone. Please sign up as a member of this website - notifications of all kinds will be sent via email blasts. If you are unsure and have not heard from us, please call 612-964-6467 if the weather is extreme.