Frequently Asked Questions

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If you already know how to ride, hopefully that means you're comfortable around horses. However, different barns teach different types of equestrian disciplines and horsemanship, so just because you were cantering and jumping at your last barn, doesn't mean you can go straight into cantering and jumping with our horses. 

Do not get discouraged if you consider yourself a proficient rider and suddenly find yourself working on your steering and galloping position again. No matter what level you come in at, everyone's first lessons starts with the basics, so we can check your foundations and grow from there.

We encourage you to approach your lessons at Davis Acres with an open mind and patience. Kim always knows best, and if her teaching goes against what you learned elsewhere, then you must trust that this is what is best for our horses. 

Every student learns at his or her own speed, so we cannot tell you exactly when you will be ready to canter, jump, and trail ride with our horses.

What we can tell you, however, is the more consistently you ride, the faster you'll progress and get to the fun stuff. We promise you it works! You don't just get more comfortable with the horses, but you'll learn their unique personality and quirks, which makes you a better teammate in the rider-horse duo that is horseback riding.

We understand that horseback riding is expensive, and not everyone can afford to ride three times a week. We encourage students of all ages to ask Kim how they can be further involved at the barn without necessarily taking extra lessons. Watching students' lessons from the ground, as well as working in the barn and in the pastures around the horses is guaranteed to make you a better rider and horseman or woman. 

Sometimes, exceptional students are offered free lessons in exchange for work around the equestrian center. This could include barn chores, helping with lessons, and anything else that needs to be done. The offer is made on a case-by-case basis, and unfortunately it is an opportunity that we cannot offer to every riding student. We look for students who ride regularly, show improvement over time, demonstrate maturity, and communicate responsibly. 

If students accept, they are expected to be consistent, and make a long-term commitment. Helping at the barn is a weekly job—we depend on you! If their situation changes, we expect them to let us know in advance. Think of yourself as a barn employee.   

Davis Acres is an equestrian center for riders of every level, but especially for newbies, riders who have had bad experiences riding at other barns, riders who have been previously injured in riding accidents, riders who need help getting over riding-related fears, and more. 

We currently have riders of every level and age! From fearless six-year-olds to up-and-coming horse girls and boys to mature adults looking to start a new hobby, we've got them all. Our riders are extraordinarily loyal, because they love Davis Acres so much! Even after leaving for college or moving away, Davis Acres students return whenever they can.

Generally, yes. We like to show off! In our experience, however, it's hard for parents to watch their children both in the barn and in the ring without interfering or trying to correct them. This is disruptive to the class, distracting to the student, and not good for his or her self-esteem. That means you are welcome to come watch (giving us a heads up) if you agree to be an impartial observer. 

Depending on the condition of the gear—yes, yes, and more yes! Give us your old saddles, saddle pads, bridals, paddock boots, half chaps, britches, and anything else you can think of. Check with Kim first by shooting her a text, but chances are we'd love to take it, and are grateful.

Thanks for asking! It's always incredibly helpful for our students and parents to spread the word of Davis Acres by mouth, but also through social media by sharing our website and Facebook page. We are a small business, and appreciate all the help we can get!