What ages do you teach?
Most students start regular lessons at 5-6 years old. We have had some children start as early as four and a half.
Do I have to own or lease my own horse?
No, LEC does have many safe horses that you may ride in your regular lessons. If you find you are interested in advancing your equestrian skills or are participating in horse shows, you may prefer to own or lease your own horse.
What horse will I ride?
Our staff will evaluate your riding abilities and choose a horse based on that. You may ride on one horse many times or you may ride other horses. Some horses are available for various level riders and as you advance you may ride several. It is not guaranteed you will have the same horse available for each of your lessons, you may consider leasing or owning at that point. You will find you can learn something from every horse you ride!
What experience levels do you teach?
Lessons are available at all experience and age levels, from the true beginner to the expert showjumper, hunter, Equitation or dressage rider.
Is there a weight limit for riders?
Because most of our horse are sport horse breeds and many are smaller in stature for use with children, we have imposed a weight limit of 200 pounds for the safety and well-being of our horses.
Do you offer trail rides? May I just lease a horse to ride?
No, unfortunately at this time we do not offer trail rides or horses to lease.
Do you give lessons in Western riding?
We currently offer riding lessons specializing in English instruction.
If I am a beginning student, may I ride in a group lesson?
This is based on your abilities. Many people require several private lessons working one on one with the instructor until they have mastered the basics of stopping, steering, and controlling your horse. After this time the instructor will evaluate your abilities in consideration of group lessons. Everyone advances at different levels.
How often do we come for lessons?
Many students will come once to twice per week, during the day, after school or on weekends. Riding is a sport that requires practice, and time in the saddle.
Do you offer lesson packages?
Yes we do, please see the Lessons page.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes we do, please call the office or email for purchase. Please note we only accept cash or checks.
What methods of payment do you accept?
At this time, cash and checks.
What if I have to cancel my lesson?
Please call 24 hours in advance to cancel your lesson. This allows us to reschedule the timeslot. Without adequate notice, we are unable to fill the timeslot, and you will be charged a $25 cancellation fee. If you are unable to speak with someone, please call the office at (407) 295-2925 and leave a voicemail with the time you called. If you do not cancel a lesson and do not show up for it, you will be considered a “no show” and may be charged for it.
What about rainy weather?
Please call the barn if it is raining during your lesson time. It may not be raining here at LEC even if it is raining at your location.
On those days it is raining at the barn, there are many other horse related things to do and skills to be learned on the ground. You can come if you are interested to have a horsemanship lesson, or we can look for a time to reschedule. Classes are held if at all possible.
How long is the average lesson?
The first lessons may take longer than the rest. We require you to sign a release form, explain our school procedures, take you on a short tour of the facility to acquaint you with the locations of the office, stables, tackroom, restroom, and other important areas. The first lessons take about an hour with time to tack and groom your assigned horse, the lesson, and untacking and grooming your horse.
Where do we park when we come to LEC?
When you turn off Lee Road, follow the road back around and turn left into the parking area near the trailer. Please do not continue down the road to the right behind the riding ring. The trailer by the parking lot is the office for Freedom Ride and is not affiliated in any way with Ledesma Equestrian. Once you park, follow the concrete path by the trailer and go through the gate. Walk along the left and do not cut through the stables. Ledesma Equestrian is in the second row of stables and the office is on the end.
What do I need to bring and what should I wear?
Standard safety equipment such as a riding helmet is mandatory and can be provided. You should wear long pants or breeches, paddock boots or closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes are not recommended). We will supply the tack for LEC horses. You can bring your own saddle, but it must be inspected and approved by LEC staff before it can be used.
Do you provide water?
No, but vending machines are on property. We suggest that you bring your own bottled water or sports drink for the time you are here. We do have a fridge available to keep it cool, but due to the amount of people that use our facilities we do not allow drinks to be kept overnight or longer.
Do I have to have my own tack for the horse?
We have equipment you may use for each horse at LEC. You may bring your own saddle if you prefer as long as its approved by LEC staff.
Where can I keep my tack and supplies?
If you board your horse here, we have lockers that are available for the storage of tack. Availability is limited, so it is first come, first served.
Where can I get tack and supplies in the area?
Check out out Friends page for some great local resources.
Do you have horses for sale?
Yes, we do! Please check out our For Sale page. We are constantly getting new horses in and if there is a special type or size you are looking for, just let us know and we'll keep our eyes open for you.
Can I bring treats for the horses?
Although the horses love all sorts of treats, we request that you first ask the owners of the horses if it is OK to give them treats. Some are on specialized diets and too many sweet goodies can cause them harm. Usually carrots, apples or commercial horse treats are fine, but please try to avoid candy.
Can I bring my family and friends to watch?
Absolutely. They will need to make sure they follow safety procedures and behave themselves so as not to bother the other riders or horses.
Can I bring my dog along?
Unfortunately, no. Due to our proximity to the therapeutic riding school, dogs could be a dangerous distraction to their work.
Can we have a birthday party at your location?
Yes! Just let us know when you want to come and we can help you. Please note that some days are better than others in scheduled availability. An LEC staff member will need to be on hand, as well as adult supervision. If you want to include riding lessons for your party, please let us know and we can work out a group rate.
Do you teach a Summer Camp?
Yes, please see the Pony Club/Summer Camp page.
What kind of horses do you have?
We have a range of horses for nearly all sizes of riders. Most of our horses are considered sport horses and many are imported Warmbloods. We do have some smaller ponies that are great for beginners.
I have some great photos. Can you use them on your website?
Email digital images to our webmaster, or drop photo prints by the main office. Please make sure that you state the rider's name as well as the horses name and any other information that would be helpful (location, competition class, etc). Also let us know if you require a copyright credit byline for use of these images. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to post or use all your images, we'll sure try!
Do you go to horse shows and competitions?
Yes see the Shows/Events page for up-to-date shows we will be attending as competitors.
If I compete in a show, do you provide transportation?
We provide transportation for LEC-owned horses to certain local events that we are competing in. Due to the high cost of fuel, we do have a charge for transportation of your horse to these shows, depending on their location.
I would like to board my horse at LEC. What do I need to have?
Up-to-date vaccinations are required and the horse must have a current Coggins. Any special dietary requirements must be discussed beforehand. Please see our Boarding page for more information.
With all those horses, just what do you do with all that manure?
We try to give it away as much as possible. The combination of manure and wood shavings are a great compost for gardeners. Just let us know when you are coming by to pick some up (between 9 and 3 daily) and we'll give you instructions. We'll even help you load it!
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