Our Lesson Program

Windwalker Farms is different from your typical horseback riding facility. We focus on teaching our students how horses perceive the world with their prey animal mentality through education and adventure! It is our job as horsemen to meet horses where they are at and communicate with them in a way that makes sense to them; instead of forcing horses to learn the way humans do, it's our job to understand how they learn and view the world. It is our mission at Windwalker Farms to bridge the gap between horses and people. We strive to teach our students the language of the horse and how to effectively communicate with them. With effective communication comes a very willing horse, and the horse-and-rider relationship that everyone dreams about when they begin riding. Our focus is not on speed or winning flashy ribbons, we want you to learn your horse's mind, and once you’ve done that, the sky’s the limit on what you and your horse can do.

Lesson Information

We offer weekly group lessons, occasional lessons, and recreational guided trail lessons.

Weekly Lessons:

We currently have limited availability for a standing weekly appointment in our lesson program (example: every Wednesday @ 4pm). Email us at windwalkeroffice@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of this page to check weekly lesson availability or to get added to our waiting list.

Weekly Lesson Slots Currently Available:

Monday @ 7pm for a child ages 7-9 yrs old.

Tuesday @ 3pm for a child ages 8-10 yrs old.
Tuesdays @ 4pm - open
Tuesday @ 6pm - for a child ages 12-16 yrs old.

Wednesday @ 10am for a child ages 10-13 yrs old.
Wednesday @ 11am for a child ages 8-10 yrs old.

Thursday @ 3pm for a child ages 10-13 yrs old.
Thursday @ 6pm for a child ages 7-9 yrs old.
Thursday @ 7pm for a child ages 8-12 yrs old.

Saturday @ 2pm for a child ages 10-13 yrs old.
Saturday @ 3pm - open

Occasional Lessons:

A single one time lesson or lessons taken on different days and times on an occasional basis.

Recreational Guided Trail Lessons:

Typically needs to be booked 2-4 weeks in advance but occasionally we can get you in short notice if we have an appointment available. Please visit our: “Recreational Guided Trail Lesson“ page for more information.

Lesson Cost:

Single Lesson: $50

4 Lesson Pack: $180 (expires in 6 months)

10 Lesson Pack: $425 (expires in 1 year)

*Lesson Packs are only available to students enrolled in a weekly lesson slot*

We do not have a credit card system but except: checks, cash, and Venmo.

Cancellation & Weather Policy:

Cancellation Policy:

We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. With weekly lessons we prefer a 1 week notice for needing to skip a lesson but require a 24 hour notice. Multiple cancellations / skipped lessons could result in the loss of your standing weekly lesson. If less than 24 hour notice is given we will take a punch off of your lesson card or require you to pay for the missed appointment before booking any future lessons.

Weather Policy:

The safety of our students is our primary concern and because we have indoor arenas, we are generally able to hold lessons, rain or shine. However, if there is lightning, hail, or extremely heavy rain, or the weather otherwise makes it unsafe to be riding in the indoor arenas, lessons will continue for the day as “unmounted” lessons in which students will learn about a wide range of topics that are appropriate for the students age and skill level. We want our students to be well-rounded and bad weather gives us an opportunity to teach students things that might not be covered during their traditional riding lesson. These topics might include; horse care and maintenance, working on the ride simulator, watching a groundwork training seminar, learning horse psychology, learning horse anatomy, and brushing up on different skills.

Winter Storms / Bad Road Conditions:

If local schools are canceled for the day due to hazardous driving conditions, you will NOT be charged for calling/texting to cancel your lesson with less than 24 notice. If school is not in session (break or weekend) and you do not feel comfortable diving, please notify us as soon as possible. You will not be charged for canceling a lesson with less than 24 hour notice if it's due to hazardous roads, but you will be charged if you're a no call no show.

Age Requirements:

We offer lessons for ages 6 to 76.

Kids under 8 can only do indoor lessons.

Ages 8-12 can trail ride after they have met the skill requirements during indoor lessons.

•Pony Up is ages 6-7

.•Horsing Around is ages 8-11.

•Trail Adventure is ages 12-17

.•Windwalker Adventure is ages 18+.

More Information:

No prior horse experience is required. If you or your child has had prior horse lessons you will experience horses here like you never have before.

The ride simulator is mandatory prior to getting on a horse. Scroll down to see a video.

Riders must have full mobility.

We have a weight limit of 220 lbs if you are over 6' tall and 190lbs if you are under 6' tall.

In a group ride we can accommodate 1 rider in the 200-220 lb range.

Our lessons average 45-60 minutes and we schedule on the hour. The first 5-10 minutes is used for grooming and tacking, then a 40-50 minute lesson, followed by 5 minutes of untacking and grooming.

We require long pants (jeans, leggings, or pants) and preferably boots but old tennis shoes are ok. Dress for being outdoors.

Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. They can bring one from home or we have riding helmets they can borrow.

We do NOT hand feed any of our horses. If you would like to bring them treats or pick grass it must go in the horses bucket.

For safety reasons, we ask that you do NOT pet or go up to any horses unless it is a horse we have gotten out for you for a lesson. We have some horses that are in for training due to severe behavioral issues.

Waivers can be printed below or you can fill it out upon arrival.

Contact Information:

Windwalker Farms

9204 Valley View Dr.

Fenton, MI 48430

To schedule a lesson you can fill out the form at the bottom of this page or email us at: windwalkeroffice@gmail.com

Please allow up to 2 weeks for a reply. Thank you for your patience!

What To Bring:

We require riders to wear long pants or leggings.
Boots (riding boot, fashion boot, rain boot, winter boot). We prefer boots but old tennis shoes will work just no flats or sandals please.
Thin garden gloves or riding gloves are recommended but not required.
Helmet (we provide helmets if you wish to use one of ours).
Waiver ( you can print the waiver below or we have them available upon arrival).
Winter: Our indoor is heated in the winter but please bring warm layers (snow pants, gloves, coat).
We do not have a credit card system but except: checks, cash, and Venmo.