Serenity Valley Equine's Lesson Program Update 10/20:
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Davis Ranch at their North Mills River Farm location! We will be opening doors on our Asheville-area lesson program on November 1st! Please follow our socials and sign up for our newsetter (link below) to stay up to date on our program updates. We will continue to use Acuity Scheduling (detailed instructions below). So excited to bring Western riding straight from Colorado to WNC!
Come Ride with the Colorado Cowgirl in WNC!
Looking for western riding lessons near Asheville? I run a mid-size youth program, including weekly youth group lessons. I am also an excellent fit for adult riders building confidence or getting to know a new horse partner. My program offers an informal and fun learning environment focused on gymkhana, trail, and ranch riding. I place a strong emphasis on horsemanship, including all aspects of owning & caring for horses. We have a limited number of lesson horses available, and strongly encourage haul-ins!
Who am I?
Hi, I'm Alex! Originally a North Carolinian, I spent the last 5 years honing my western horsemanship "out west" in Fort Collins, Colorado. I rode for a 100-head Quarter Horse breeding & training ranch. I grew a mid-size youth riding lesson program there, and have successfully coached youth from their first shows to 4H State Finals in western showing & gymkhana. I also specialized in helping adults grow their confidence & build their fitness to improve their horses partnerships. In addition to teaching, I helped ride and sell consignment horses. This allowed me to gain experience with ranch cowhorses, reiners, ropers, and barrel horses, plus lots of lesson, family, and trail horses. I'm fortunate enough to be returning home to WNC, now bringing direct western riding experience from Colorado ranch life.
My program goals:
I believe strongly in having my students learn an all-around intro to everything western riding. My students learn to coach their horse on the trail, through reining patterns, around the barrels, while swinging a rope, and even over simple cross-rails. I place a strong emphasis on constantly improving balance, timing, and feel, which helps my students & their horses gain improved confidence and connection. As a former teacher, I value explaining the "whys" behind horse behavior & different training approaches. My role is to be the translator between you and your horse, setting clear boundaries through consistent communication, both on the ground and under saddle. We learn a lot of life lessons through our work at the barn, guided my core cowgirl/cowboy principle of approaching every situation with Grace and Grit!
Stay up to date on program updates by signing up for our mailing list!
Adult & Youth Riding Lesson FAQs
Location
3333 N. Mills River Rd, Mills River, NC
Horses
A limited number of lesson horses are available for use. Haul-ins with your own horses (AKA BYOP - Bring Your Own Pony) are strongly encouraged!
November & December Calendar
Offerings will grow as my program grows through the winter! Check back often!
If you don't see a time that works for you, shoot me a message/text and we will work something out!
Saturday Group Lessons
BYOP Youth Level 2 (walk, trot, lope) Group Lesson @noon
BYOP (Bring Your Own Pony) Adult Group Lesson @3pm
Youth Level 1 Beginner Lessons to be announced shortly!
Private Lessons
Offered Wednesdays 10am-3pm & Thursdays 12noon-3pm
Lesson Rates
1 hr Private $60
1 hr Group $50
30 min Little Cowkid Lesson (ages 5-7) $35
Sibling Add-ons are available at booking for all lesson types for a lesser fee
Booking FAQs
All booking is online through Acuity Client Scheduling. Click here for videos I made walking you through the process, including how to register for the first time, how to use the phone app, how to book multiple lessons at once, how to save payment information, and how to cancel & reschedule lessons.
Desktop site https://SerenityValleyEquine.as.me/
Download the Acuity Client app to book from a phone (way more user friendly!)
***If you are a first-timer with me, you must book a private intro lesson as your first lesson.***
You can cancel and reschedule your lesson at any time, provided it is 24hrs in advance (exceptions for illness & emergency).
I will cancel & refund for inclement weather.
You'll often find me horseback with my students, taking advantage of herd dynamics & visual learning.
I believe gaining confidence outside the arena is a must for horses and riders, alike!
Students interested in competing are encouraged to participate in local Western shows & gymkhanas!.
I love helping adults & their horses improve their confidence & fitness!
CONTACT
Text 828-551-3553
Message me on Facebook
Check out recent program updates on Serenity Valley Equine's socials below!