Q. How old does my child have to be to begin riding?
 

A. Children should be 6 years of age to begin lessons in our program.

Q. What is the age for pony rides?

A. Rides are for children beginning at 3 years of age.

Q. What should I know about an instructor?

A. A Riding Instructor should be licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Apprentices work with instructors and at our barn and are required to complete a one-year program prior to becoming an instructor.  You should ask an instructor at any facility, about their riding – what is their discipline; when was the last time they rode; when they took a lesson; when they participated in a seminar or clinic; when they rode in a horse show or other equine events.  If the answers are “I don’t, never, I don’t have to I’m licensed, or I don’t have the time,” then you might want to look for another instructor.

Q. What about the horses for riding?

A. Lesson horses and ponies for beginners should be reasonably quiet and well-mannered while you or your child is mounting and while they are being ridden.

Q. Do you do trail rides?

A. We do not provide trail rides for the general public.  There are other establishments that perform this service and you can find information from the internet or phone book.  We do not give references or recommendations.

Q. What is Riding 101?

A. Riding 101 is our six-hour course spanning three-weeks which is designed for new and returning adult riders.  The first week covers basic horsemanship and an evaluation lesson, with weeks two and three including a one-hour riding lesson and barn time for general horse care, grooming and tacking. 

Q. How can my scout troop earn their horse-related merit badge?

A. Blue Hills Riding Center is the only Girl Scout approved greater Boston facility for horse-related badge work.  This can include riding, grooming, equipment, and horse and rider safety and is customized to meet specific troop and badge requirements.  We visit with your troop at a meeting for a short presentation and discussion, and then the troop visits    the barn for their unique equine experience! For further planning assistance please contact Mary-Beth McGee at 617-365-1938.

Q. What about children’s birthday parties?

A. We can host your child’s party Blue Hills Riding Center.  Each party child receives a 15 minute ride with a group on about 4-6 horses and ponies.  While one group is riding, the others are at the barn learning about horse and rider safety and grooming, and then the groups switch off.  After the riding portion, you continue your party fun with your other birthday activities.  Parties for tweens and teens can be modified to include a riding lesson.  During the spring and summer we usually book parties 4-6 weeks in advance. Please call 617-472-0649 for further information.

Q. Do I need a helmet?

A. Helmets are required for everyone and are provided for new riders and group events.  If you have taken more than eight (8) lessons, you are must purchase your own helmet or pay a rental fee.

Q. How do I become a volunteer?

A. Volunteers must have parental consent, be at least 12 years old, in good physical condition, and able to make a 3 hour per week commitment.  Please call our office at 617-472-0649 for further information.