winter RIDING PROGRAM 2021
BE INSPIRED.
LEARN TO RIDE TODAY.
Please go to the COVID-19 page for updates......
We encourage our riders to participate in both group and private lessons at least once a week, but riding two to three times a week will speed up your skill set and help you advance to higher levels of expertise a bit faster. We currently offer a program of grading where riders can be tested to move to another level of equitation, as well as horse shows to help our riders gain confidence in the show arena. How far you want to take your riding is all up to you. You can compete on the smaller regional levels to the green shavings of the World Championship Horse Show. You can write your own ticket.
New Traditions Riding Academy, LLC is the academy program of Palos Hills Riding Stables, Inc. located in Palos Hills, IL. This facility is family owned and run and was previously purchased by the late Charles Thompson of the New Parkway Riding Stables (located in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago, IL). Many top riders and horses have come through the gates of Palos Hills Riding Stables, Inc. and we continue to honor the pride and the passion that Chuck Thompson had established when he first moved here in 1960. Chuck Thompson's daughter, Martha Thompson-Hoyt, currently runs the facility and is a UPHA Hall of Fame member and a UPHA Horseperson of the Year, as well as producing world grand champions, regional champions and state champions, so you know that you are riding at a top notch facility that has the expertise to take you wherever you want to go! This is a family business that has been in service for 60 years!
New Traditions Riding Academy, LLC is the academy program of Palos Hills Riding Stables, Inc. located in Palos Hills, IL. This facility is family owned and run and was previously purchased by the late Charles Thompson of the New Parkway Riding Stables (located in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago, IL). Many top riders and horses have come through the gates of Palos Hills Riding Stables, Inc. and we continue to honor the pride and the passion that Chuck Thompson had established when he first moved here in 1960. Chuck Thompson's daughter, Martha Thompson-Hoyt, currently runs the facility and is a UPHA Hall of Fame member and a UPHA Horseperson of the Year, as well as producing world grand champions, regional champions and state champions, so you know that you are riding at a top notch facility that has the expertise to take you wherever you want to go! This is a family business that has been in service for 60 years!
Lesson Schedule: spring 2021
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. Masters' Academy Show Team Class: This class is for advanced riders only who are currently involved in the Show Team. All riders must be pre-approved. Saddleseat riders only. $48.00 per rider
10:00 a.m. Adult Pleasure Class: This is a class for those adults who are somewhat proficient at all gaits, but are looking for a relaxing class that rides inside, outside and on the trail. $48.00 per rider. $48.00 per rider
11:00 a.m.: Intermediate/Advanced Riding Skills. $50.00 per rider
Noon: Adult Beginner Class (starting June 21, 2020) $453.00
Monday: 4:30 p.m. Children Beginner's Class: This class is a beginning class for those riders new to horses and horseback riding. Basic skill sets will be taught. $45.00 per rider plus $2.00 helmet rental
5:30 p.m. Children's Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Class: This class is for those riders who have mastered basic steering, walking and the posting trot. Riders will start to master cantering skills and more advanced maneuvers. $50.00 per rider
7:00 p.m. Advanced Riding Skills. This class is for those riders who are proficient in all three gaits and want to expand their riding expertise in a fun and entertaining environment. Open to school and boarder riders. $50.00 per rider
Wednesday: 4:30 p.m. Children's Beginner Class: This class is for that child with little or no riding experience. $43.00 per rider. Basic skills will be taught and highlighted. $45.00 per rider plus $2.00 helmet rental.
NEW ! 5:30 p.m. Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Class for Children
A class that moves the beginner rider into a gentle flow of mastering trotting skills and learning how to canter. $50.00 per rider
NEW!! 6:30 p.m. Advanced Riding Techniques A challenging class for those riders looking for the next step in their riding career....these riders will possibly be the next show team at NTRA! $50.00 per rider
NEW !! 7:30 p.m. Advanced Riding Class for Academy and Boarders. This class is for the rider who would like to work in a drill team for competition. Upcoming shows are the Fall Horse Show and Palos Hills' Horsemen's Association Show. Cost: $50.00 per person.
Thursday: 7:00 p.m. Show Riding and Equitation Skills with Ms. Martha: This is a specialty class with Ms. Martha for adults and teens who are currently in the show program and want to continue to expand their show skills. Cost is $50.00 per rider and $20.00/$30.00 per boarder rider.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. Advanced Riding Skills. This class is for those riders who are proficient in all three gaits and wait to expand their riding expertise through the use of more advanced horses and equitation patterns. $50.00 per rider.
12:30 Intermediate Riders Class for All Ages: If you have mastered the walk, trot and canter, but not ready for the Advanced Riding Skills Class, then this is your class. Riders will continue to advance and move at their own pace, moving onto intermediate riding techniques and equitation patterns. $50.00 per rider.
1:30 p.m. Advanced Beginner Basics for All Ages: If you have mastered basic riding skills, know the posting trot and are learning how to expand your skills at cantering, this class is for you. $50.00 per rider.
2:30 p.m. Beginner Basics for All Ages...this class is especially for adults and children who want to learn the basics of horseback riding. This class is for those riders who have lesson packages and ride 1-2 times per week. $45.00 per rider.
3:30-4:00 p.m. Pee Wee Group Class: This is a class limited to 5 riders only, for riders 4-8 years of age. Cost of this class is $43.00, as there are an additional attendant per rider. This class is not available now, but stay posted. $45.00 per rider plus $2.00 for helmet rental.
HELMET RENTAL: $2.00 PER RIDE, OR PURCHASE YOUR OWN FOR $39.95. FINAL SALES ON HEADGEAR.
Proper attire is required in all lessons and camp programs. The proper attire is very important during lessons, especially if you are advancing beyond the scope of the beginner class; this helps in the goal achievement and learning process as well as being a SAFE rider (helmets to worn at all times)! It has been observed that children and adults who DO NOT dress properly do not perform as well as those riders who DO dress properly. All riders need to wear hard soled boots with a half inch heal (this prevents the shoe from slipping through the stirrup). Once riders are in the intermediate level, they are requested to wear jodhpurs, boots and riding gloves. All riders should own their own crop or whip. All sports have equipment that is necessary to the success of their sport, and horseback riding is no exception. If you are in the beginner program, you must wear pants and street/or athletic shoes...no shorts, no Capri pants, no sandals are allowed. Ask about our special rates for lesson packages at your lesson! ALL RIDERS WHO DO NOT CANCEL ANY GROUP OR PRIVATE LESSON CLASS WITHIN 24 HOURS OR "NO SHOW" WILL BE CHARGED FOR THAT LESSON.
Class times are for an hour, but the actual lesson is 45 minutes, allowing for a 10-15 minute mount up time. Also, riders must arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of the class.
PRIVATE LESSONS: Prices after September 1
Specialty saddleseat/huntseat/western
1/2 hour with Martha Thompson-Hoyt: $85.00
1/2 hour with other instructors: $80.00
1/2 hour semi-private: each rider $55.00 (up to five riders maximum)
Note: All riders must have proper attire to take private lessons; proper riding pants, boots, gloves, helmet and a whip is needed to participate in private lessons. All riders must have proper riding attire to participate in our private lesson program; the private lessons are for serious riders who want to exceed their skills beyond the group lessons. Group lessons, however, are also encouraged in addition to the private lessons to receive the maximum learning experience.
All lessons, group and private have a 24 hour cancellation policy....you will be charged for lessons that are group and private that have not been cancelled in a 24 hour window.
SPECIAL PEE WEE PRIVATE LESSON (riders 4-7 years of age) $50.00 for 20 minutes
Special Lesson Packages:
6 Beginner Lesson Specials: $243.00
12 beginner Lesson Specials: $459.00
6 Advanced Lesson Specials: $270.00
12 Advanced Lesson Specials: $510.00
6 Private Lesson Package: $432.00
12 Private Lesson Package: $816.00
6 Semi-Private Lesson Package: $270.00
12 Semi-Private Lesson Package: $510.00
6 Pee Wee Lessons: $243.00
12 Pee Wee Lessons: $459.00
$350.00 worth of riding for $315.00.
$700.00 worth of riding for $595.00.
(cash will save you an extra 5% off all lesson packages)
10:00 a.m. Adult Pleasure Class: This is a class for those adults who are somewhat proficient at all gaits, but are looking for a relaxing class that rides inside, outside and on the trail. $48.00 per rider. $48.00 per rider
11:00 a.m.: Intermediate/Advanced Riding Skills. $50.00 per rider
Noon: Adult Beginner Class (starting June 21, 2020) $453.00
Monday: 4:30 p.m. Children Beginner's Class: This class is a beginning class for those riders new to horses and horseback riding. Basic skill sets will be taught. $45.00 per rider plus $2.00 helmet rental
5:30 p.m. Children's Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Class: This class is for those riders who have mastered basic steering, walking and the posting trot. Riders will start to master cantering skills and more advanced maneuvers. $50.00 per rider
7:00 p.m. Advanced Riding Skills. This class is for those riders who are proficient in all three gaits and want to expand their riding expertise in a fun and entertaining environment. Open to school and boarder riders. $50.00 per rider
Wednesday: 4:30 p.m. Children's Beginner Class: This class is for that child with little or no riding experience. $43.00 per rider. Basic skills will be taught and highlighted. $45.00 per rider plus $2.00 helmet rental.
NEW ! 5:30 p.m. Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Class for Children
A class that moves the beginner rider into a gentle flow of mastering trotting skills and learning how to canter. $50.00 per rider
NEW!! 6:30 p.m. Advanced Riding Techniques A challenging class for those riders looking for the next step in their riding career....these riders will possibly be the next show team at NTRA! $50.00 per rider
NEW !! 7:30 p.m. Advanced Riding Class for Academy and Boarders. This class is for the rider who would like to work in a drill team for competition. Upcoming shows are the Fall Horse Show and Palos Hills' Horsemen's Association Show. Cost: $50.00 per person.
Thursday: 7:00 p.m. Show Riding and Equitation Skills with Ms. Martha: This is a specialty class with Ms. Martha for adults and teens who are currently in the show program and want to continue to expand their show skills. Cost is $50.00 per rider and $20.00/$30.00 per boarder rider.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. Advanced Riding Skills. This class is for those riders who are proficient in all three gaits and wait to expand their riding expertise through the use of more advanced horses and equitation patterns. $50.00 per rider.
12:30 Intermediate Riders Class for All Ages: If you have mastered the walk, trot and canter, but not ready for the Advanced Riding Skills Class, then this is your class. Riders will continue to advance and move at their own pace, moving onto intermediate riding techniques and equitation patterns. $50.00 per rider.
1:30 p.m. Advanced Beginner Basics for All Ages: If you have mastered basic riding skills, know the posting trot and are learning how to expand your skills at cantering, this class is for you. $50.00 per rider.
2:30 p.m. Beginner Basics for All Ages...this class is especially for adults and children who want to learn the basics of horseback riding. This class is for those riders who have lesson packages and ride 1-2 times per week. $45.00 per rider.
3:30-4:00 p.m. Pee Wee Group Class: This is a class limited to 5 riders only, for riders 4-8 years of age. Cost of this class is $43.00, as there are an additional attendant per rider. This class is not available now, but stay posted. $45.00 per rider plus $2.00 for helmet rental.
HELMET RENTAL: $2.00 PER RIDE, OR PURCHASE YOUR OWN FOR $39.95. FINAL SALES ON HEADGEAR.
Proper attire is required in all lessons and camp programs. The proper attire is very important during lessons, especially if you are advancing beyond the scope of the beginner class; this helps in the goal achievement and learning process as well as being a SAFE rider (helmets to worn at all times)! It has been observed that children and adults who DO NOT dress properly do not perform as well as those riders who DO dress properly. All riders need to wear hard soled boots with a half inch heal (this prevents the shoe from slipping through the stirrup). Once riders are in the intermediate level, they are requested to wear jodhpurs, boots and riding gloves. All riders should own their own crop or whip. All sports have equipment that is necessary to the success of their sport, and horseback riding is no exception. If you are in the beginner program, you must wear pants and street/or athletic shoes...no shorts, no Capri pants, no sandals are allowed. Ask about our special rates for lesson packages at your lesson! ALL RIDERS WHO DO NOT CANCEL ANY GROUP OR PRIVATE LESSON CLASS WITHIN 24 HOURS OR "NO SHOW" WILL BE CHARGED FOR THAT LESSON.
Class times are for an hour, but the actual lesson is 45 minutes, allowing for a 10-15 minute mount up time. Also, riders must arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of the class.
PRIVATE LESSONS: Prices after September 1
Specialty saddleseat/huntseat/western
1/2 hour with Martha Thompson-Hoyt: $85.00
1/2 hour with other instructors: $80.00
1/2 hour semi-private: each rider $55.00 (up to five riders maximum)
Note: All riders must have proper attire to take private lessons; proper riding pants, boots, gloves, helmet and a whip is needed to participate in private lessons. All riders must have proper riding attire to participate in our private lesson program; the private lessons are for serious riders who want to exceed their skills beyond the group lessons. Group lessons, however, are also encouraged in addition to the private lessons to receive the maximum learning experience.
All lessons, group and private have a 24 hour cancellation policy....you will be charged for lessons that are group and private that have not been cancelled in a 24 hour window.
SPECIAL PEE WEE PRIVATE LESSON (riders 4-7 years of age) $50.00 for 20 minutes
Special Lesson Packages:
6 Beginner Lesson Specials: $243.00
12 beginner Lesson Specials: $459.00
6 Advanced Lesson Specials: $270.00
12 Advanced Lesson Specials: $510.00
6 Private Lesson Package: $432.00
12 Private Lesson Package: $816.00
6 Semi-Private Lesson Package: $270.00
12 Semi-Private Lesson Package: $510.00
6 Pee Wee Lessons: $243.00
12 Pee Wee Lessons: $459.00
$350.00 worth of riding for $315.00.
$700.00 worth of riding for $595.00.
(cash will save you an extra 5% off all lesson packages)
PONY AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES. BOY AND GIRL SCOUT GROUPS. AN OCCASIONAL WEDDING.
a unicorn party with a photographer--
We Have your special birthday party at our facility. We have pony parties and horseback riding parties, both that will please both the young and old. We have a party room to continue the festivities after the ride. We aim to please.
PONY PARTIES: if you have children under the age of eight years of age, we recommend the pony parties. This is a two hour event; the first hour is the actual pony ride and the second hour is the barn visit where the wee ones will learn how to groom, saddle, and bridle the ponies, accompanied by a barn tour and question and answer. The cost is $350.00 for two ponies up to 16 kids, or add $125.00 for a third pony up to 24 children. $100.00 deposit when booking.
HORSE PARTIES, SCOUTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: This is a two hour event that is $55.00 per person, minimum of seven riders. All riders will ride for the first hour for the instructional/fun and games on horseback and then retire to the barn to learn about grooming, bridling and saddling. This is a great experience for riders with no experience or for advanced riders as well. Use of the party room also included in fee. $100.00 when booking. This is also a great field trip for scouts and special interest groups as well.:) If you would like to not have the second hour in the barn, then the fee is $48.00 per rider. There is a seven person minimum on all parties and scout groups.
We also have a photographer that is familiar with our horses, Heather Walters of JHFusionPhotography, who can also take pictures of your events as well. That fee is separate from the events and parties, and you may contact her at www.jhfusionphotography.com for information on the services that she offers. She is known for her work in many publications, including National Horseman, and can do a most excellent job to make your day even more memorable.