2306 80th Street E.
Hugo MN 55038-9340
(651) 429-4900

Hardwood Creek Calendar

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Lesson Arrival

Students must arrive early, be prepared and mounted on their horse before the scheduled lesson.

  • Beginners should arrive 20 minutes prior to scheduled lesson time to assist with grooming and tacking their mount.
  • Intermediate and advanced riders should arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled lesson time to groom and tack their mount.

Upon arrival at Hardwood Creek Farm:

  • Find out which horse you will be riding and check the clipboard.
  • Find a helmet that fits and make sure it is properly adjusted.
  • Having to stop and adjust your helmet can take 5-10 minutes out of your riding time.
  • Find the proper saddle and bridle for your mount.
  • Adjust your stirrups before your start time.

If you take 10 minutes to adjust stirrups and mount, you are only left with 20 minutes to ride.

Purchasing your own helmet, stirrup leathers and irons can help speed up your preparation time. We will be happy to assist you with these purchases. Riders should plan on spending 10 to 15 minutes after their lesson to cool their horse down and put away equipment.

Young horse rider taking lessons.

Morgan Horses in History: Rienzi

Photo of Rienzi, famous Morgan horse who served in the Civil War

Morgan horses earned an illustrious reputation in the Civil War for strength, endurance, and steady nerves under fire. The most famous Morgan of all was General Sheridan's black charger Rienzi. Learn more about his exploits that were celebrated in paintings and a poem by Thomas Buchanan.

Read more...

Tag Cloud (click tag to see article):

bay chestnut English Pleasure gelding history Horses for Sale Hunt Seat Junior Exhibitor mare morgan saddlebred Western Pleasure

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Riding Lessons

Photo of young horse rider taking lessons.

Hardwood Creek Farm's world-class lesson program is designed to teach horse enthusiasts of all ages the "art of horsemanship" that is equitation. We promote horsemanship as a family-oriented sport. We provide a positive, healthy environment that teaches values such as respect, responsibility and accountability. Whether you are a first time rider, a recreational rider or an accomplished competitor Hardwood Creek Farm can provide you with a tailored instruction program to develop your specific skills. Our riders come from all over the entire Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) metro area as well as the St. Croix valley and western Wisconsin.

The instructors at Hardwood Creek Farm specialize in teaching a balanced seat to riders who want to excel in Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, or Western Seat riding. Our large selection of Morgan and Saddlebred school horses are capable of meeting the needs of a variety of riders and levels of riding. Hardwood Creek student riders also have the opportunity to expand their involvement by competing in schooling shows with our lesson horses.

At Hardwood Creek Farm safety comes first! All riders are required to have proper attire. Hard soled shoes and long pants such as jeans, breeches or jodhpurs are necessary. No rider will be allowed to ride in shorts, sneakers or sandals. Approved riding helmets are required for riders under 18 and recommended for riders of all ages. We provide helmets but do recommend riders purchase their own helmet to get the best fit and comfort.

Cancellation Policy

A 24-hour notice of cancellation is required. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of lesson and fees. No refund or credit will be given for failure to cancel or complete a lesson or lesson package. Properly cancelled lessons can be made up at another time during the week or added to the end of the package.

Lesson Fees and Schedule

Lessons are scheduled in the late afternoon (3pm) and evening during the week and on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. Scheduling is flexible and riders can choose if they wish to ride once a week or more often. Riders will be asked to commit to the dates and times selected for the package of lessons purchased. Purchasing a package of six lessons gives you a discount on your instruction fees.

Private lessons

Private lessons offer the rider one on one personalized instruction for 30 minutes. Whether you are a first time rider or an accomplished equestrian, private lessons will further your education. Ideal when you are preparing for a competition. This is 30 minutes of intense instruction.
Fee: $45 each or 6 lessons for $245.

Semi Private Lessons

Semi private lessons have 2 or 3 riders taking instruction together. This is a great way for families, beginners and friends to ride together in a small, very controlled group. This is 30 minutes of instruction.
Fee: $40 each or a package of 6 lessons for $220

Group Lessons

Group lessons are the most cost effective way to get instruction. Group lessons are limited to 8 horses and riders must be a minimum of 9 years old. Riders learn to control their horse around other horses. This is important for show riding and trail riding. Riders learn concentration and ring etiquette. Group lessons are 45 minute of riding. Ideal for a rider’s stamina, this is a more physical workout.
Fee: $35 each or a package of 6 for $190