Gateway Stables

Gateway Stables offers a seven-day-a-week year- round lesson program in both English and Western disciplines. Standards are based on Pony Club guidelines. All riders begin with an evaluation lesson. At this time the instructor is able to determine the student's placement in accordance with his/her riding level and ability. No experience is necessary. While our student population is largely younger than 18, there is an increasing number of adults enjoying our riding program. Gateway Stables accommodates every individual schedule. We have a large, lighted outdoor arena with permaflex footing, and offer a variety of jumps. We also have cross-country jumps, found along our well-maintained nature trails. Please feel free to call for our various payment options.

Kinderide Program:
Gateway also offers a Kinderide program, designed for children aged 5-7. This weekend class offers introduction to horsemanship, basic grooming of the horse, and focuses on horse/pony safety. We limit the Kinderide program to four riders per session, so that each child has one-on-one time with the instructor. We have a "pony handler" for each child, who walks beside the pony. The pony handler is there to observe the child, offer helpful hints, and will have the pony on a lead rope for "first-timers." At the end of each session the instructor will consult with the parent on what was learned in class, what needs to be worked on, and describe the child's accomplishments. When the child has a firm grasp of how to sit a horse, control the horse (turning, stopping, trotting), and feels ready, he/she is encouraged to advance to the next level.

After graduating from Kinderide, children are encouraged to move up to the next level. In these classes, the focus is on improving the general knowledge and foundation learned in Kinderide. The child will learn how to canter the horse, begin jumping instruction, and further their knowledge of saddling the horse and basic care responsibilities.

Instructors:
All our instructors are HSA-certified and have current CPR and first aid. Several of our instructors are on the University of Delaware equestrian team. Please call to set up a time for an initial evaluation lesson.

These are just a few of the lesson programs Gateway Stables has to offer. Please give us a call with any questions you have.