About the academy
At One Heart Academy, we believe horseback riding is about more than learning to ride — it’s about building confidence, communication, responsibility, and connection.
Located at Long Shadows in Cambridge, NY, our lesson program offers a supportive and welcoming environment for riders of all ages and experience levels. From first-time riders to students looking to continue developing their horsemanship skills, lessons are tailored to meet each rider where they are in their journey.
Our program focuses on both riding and horsemanship, teaching students not only how to ride, but how to safely handle, understand, and communicate with horses on the ground and in the saddle. We emphasize patience, confidence, safety, and developing a strong foundation built on trust and understanding.
Students have opportunities to learn:
• Horse safety and handling
• Grooming and tacking
• Groundwork and communication
• Riding fundamentals and balance
• Confidence and partnership with horses
At the heart of our program is The One Heart Method — a philosophy centered around helping horse and rider work together through feel, communication, and connection.
Whether your goal is confidence around horses, recreational riding, or building stronger horsemanship skills, we strive to create a positive experience where both horse and rider can learn and grow together.
pricing and scheduling
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Per-session lessons are ideal for riders who need a more flexible schedule or plan to ride occasionally throughout the month. Lessons are scheduled individually based on availability and are billed one lesson at a time.
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Monthly tuition is offered March through November to students participating in consistent weekly lessons and is designed for riders committed to ongoing growth and development in the program.
Tuition reserves your rider’s recurring weekly lesson spot and allows for more consistency in both horse and rider progress. Students enrolled in tuition scheduling receive priority placement in recurring lesson times.
Monthly tuition is calculated using a 4.3-week calendar average rather than simply charging for four lessons per month. This accounts for months that contain more than four weeks and helps keep payments consistent throughout the season.
For example:
• One weekly lesson per week × 4.3 weeks average = monthly tuition amount
• Two weekly lessons per week × 4.3 weeks average = monthly tuition amountThis structure allows us to maintain consistent scheduling, horse care, instructor availability, and lesson planning throughout the lesson season.
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Little Riders Horsemanship Program
• Single Session — $50
• 1x Weekly Tuition — $195/month
• 2x Weekly Tuition — $340/monthGroundwork & Horsemanship Foundations
• Single Session — $50
• 1x Weekly Tuition — $195/month
• 2x Weekly Tuition — $340/monthBeginner to Advanced Horsemanship
• Single Session — $65
• 1x Weekly Tuition — $260/month
• 2x Weekly Tuition — $460/monthPrivate Horsemanship Coaching
• Single Session — $80
• 1x Weekly Tuition — $300/month
• 2x Weekly Tuition — $580/month
frequently asked questions
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Not at all. Beginners are always welcome, and lessons are adjusted to fit each rider’s confidence level, experience, and goals.
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Our Little Riders Horsemanship Program is designed for young riders ages 7 and under. Older beginner riders are welcome in our Beginner to Advanced Horsemanship Program
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Lesson times include both mounted and unmounted horsemanship instruction, as we believe learning to safely handle, prepare, and care for horses is just as important as riding itself.
Little Riders lessons are approximately 45 minutes total and generally include:
• 10–15 minutes grooming and tacking preparation
• 15–20 minutes mounted riding instruction
• 10–15 minutes untacking, grooming, and horse careBeginner to Advanced semi-private lessons generally include:
• 10–15 minutes grooming and tacking
• Approximately 30 minutes of mounted instruction
• 10–15 minutes untacking, horse care, and lesson review -
Riders should wear long pants and boots with a heel appropriate for horseback riding. ASTM/SEI approved riding helmets are required while mounted. Loaner helmets are available for beginners when needed.
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Lessons are held year-round whenever possible due to access to an indoor arena. In cases of unsafe weather or footing, lessons may be rescheduled or transitioned into groundwork and horsemanship education sessions.
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Yes. Parents or guardians are required to remain on the property during lessons. Spectators are welcome as long as they follow barn safety guidelines and avoid interrupting instruction.
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Lessons may include grooming, tacking, groundwork, horse handling and safety, riding instruction, and horsemanship education depending on the rider’s level and goals.
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Monthly tuition is offered March through November for riders participating in consistent weekly lessons. Tuition reserves your rider’s recurring lesson time and is calculated using an average 4.3-week month throughout the lesson season.
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Whenever possible, 24 hours notice is requested for cancellations. Riders who provide proper notice are eligible for scheduled makeup lesson opportunities.
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Yes. Horsemanship and horse care are an important part of our program. Students are encouraged to participate in grooming, tacking, groundwork, and learning proper horse handling skills alongside riding instruction.
Available for Clinics
In addition to individual lessons, I am available for hire to teach clinics at your facility. I offer a variety of clinic options that can be customized to suit the needs of your group, whether you're working on groundwork, riding techniques, or specific behavioral issues. I travel to locations near and far, bringing these learning opportunities to you. Contact me today to schedule your lesson or book a clinic!