Ride the Wind offers Western riding lessons for all ages in a fun and safe environment. It doesnโt matter if you are six or sixty; we can assist you in fulfilling your dream of riding like the wind. Lessons are highly individualized and designed to instill the confidence and skills you need to be safe and secure in the saddle.
Types of Lessons
We offer group lessons on Saturdays or private lessons by appointment only during the week.
Riders under the age of 5 need to call to schedule a private lesson.
Beginner Lesson Details:
The first lessons are one hour long.ย We start the lesson by teaching safety around horses, handling the horses, saddling, and then riding all in the first lesson. Riders next go to our smallย coveredย arena (70w x 200L) where they are taught how to turn the horses, stop the horse, balance, light hands on the reins, and also how toย think like a horse! Riders that feel comfortable are able to walk the barrel pattern and eventuallyย trot it. After an average of 5 beginner lessons, studentsย are able to learn how to lope/canter safely in the coveredย round pen (50ft D). Everyone learns at a different pace and we adapt our lessons to this.ย Lesson horses are available for all levels of riders. You can also bring your own horse.
***Helmets are not provided.
Intermediateย Lessons:
Saturdayย at 1:30 pmย — Call / discuss for appropriate placement & fulfilling your needs
Call to reserve your spot after being confirmed into the intermediate skills group
Intermediate Lesson Details: Fast-paced group activities and learning.ย More trotting with a focus on sitting in the saddle properly. Students learn how to guide the horse byย reiningย them properly. A genuine emphasis on horsemanship which teaches the reasons for growing horse riding skills is an important foundation for enjoying horses and in turn life. Confidence grows with each intermediate lesson.
Also available – Individual intermediate lessons by appointment
All Ages
Advanced Lessons:
Saturday by Invitation only at 8:30 am
Also available – Individual advanced lessons by appointment
All ages
Advanced Lesson Details
Advanced lessons begin with a “Western Warm-Up” where everyone walks, trots, and then lopes their horses in a big circle at the end of the large arena (165w x 350L). If a rider needs additional warm-up for their horse, they are able to utilize the covered round pen prior to our Western Warm-Up. Next, we learn a “skill of the week” such as sliding stops, fence turns, balance in the saddle, and much more. We then put out a barrel racing, pole bending, and straights pattern and divide into three groups. This facilitates the learning of handling your horse in turns, adjusting speeds, balance during quick movements, and general horsemanship. We follow the 3-3-1 rule, walking and trotting our horses 3 times each and then 1 lope. We then finish with a walk so our horses are not exciteable. We end lessons with a fun game like “trot tag”, “follow the leader”, or relay races/obstacle courses.
If you are unsure about placement in the correct experience category or the fit to your needs, Call Bill Gierisch at 281 342-6200 or 281-202-5252
Price per lesson (cash or check)
Updated 2025:
$60 for group lessons
$100 for children with parents assistance / advising
$75 for private lessons
Weather
We ride rain or shine but lessons are subject to cancellation in extreme weather. If it is raining, we will utilize the covered arena and parents have a dry place to watch.
Please check facebook for the most up to date information about lessons.
Payment: Cash or Check