Beginner and Novice Horseback Riding Lessons in Niagara
Our Ride & Shine Learn to Ride Program isn’t just another western horseback riding lesson—it’s what makes Humberstone Ranch different. With experienced coaches, a supportive and professional environment and incredible horses, Humberstone sets a new standard for what beginner riding should be.
Program Description
Structured like a sport and grounded in real ranch life, Ride & Shine will teach you to Western ride with confidence. Designed for beginner and novice riders, students progressing through six clearly defined levels – each level focusing on skill development in three core areas – Partnership (how you connect with and care for horses), Saddle Skills (what you do while riding) and Ranch Readiness (real-world confidence, fitness and safety). We keep a 1:1 coach-to-rider ratio to ensure each student gets the focused support they need at this stage of their riding journey. The entire experience will develop skills that foster confidence both in and out of the saddle.
Experience the joy of horseback riding at Humberstone Ranch
🐴 Adult Lessons Available Sunday Mornings
🐴 Youth Lessons Available Monday Late Afternoon
Eligibility:
– Open to everyone ages 6-100!
– Beginner or novice riders
Session Format:
– 14 weekly lessons, each 60 mins
– Includes 30 min private riding lesson
– And 30 min horsemanship and/or ranch skills
Assessment & Progression:
– Riders progress through six levels
– Riders advance when skills are demonstrated
– Learn at your own pace
What’s Included:
– Use of a safe and highly-trained horse
– All tack and safety equipment
– Riding helmet, if you do not have one
– 1:1 riding instruction by experienced western coaches
– Access to indoor and outdoor arenas, trails, etc during lessons
What’s Not Included:
– Boots with a heel OR traditional cowboy boots
About Our Horses
One of the biggest advantages of learning to ride at our ranch is the horses themselves. Yes, they are gentle, beginner-safe horses. But they’re so much more than that. The horses at Humberstone Ranch have experience that goes far beyond the average lesson horse. Their extensive training, calm demeanor, and exposure to high-pressure environments like film sets and rodeo arenas make them incredibly responsive and trustworthy. For new riders, that means a safer, more confidence-building experience right from the first ride.
With extensive training across multiple disciplines, they’ve earned victories and placements in competitions and rodeos throughout Ontario and beyond. But their talents don’t stop there. These horses have also starred in major productions, from high-action stunts to cinematic moments on screen. You may have seen them in the Apple TV series “See” with Jason Momoa, Drake & Future’s music video “I’ll Wait for You”, and most recently in the Netflix series “Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War.”
About Our Facility
Humberstone Ranch
Western Charm in Niagara’s Backyard
Four season riding facility
175ft x 150ft Outdoor arena
120ft x 60ft Indoor arena
On-property trails
Ranch, rodeo and competition trained horses
Texas longhorn cows onsite for cattle work training
Wide range of training equipment and tools available
Instructors trained in all Western disciplines
Friendly, professional atmosphere
Best Value – Save $210
One Time Payment
Per Lesson Cost: $50
Includes: 14 weekly lessons, use of horses, use of all safety/riding gear
Total: $700 plus taxes
Monthly Payments
Option 2
Per Lesson Cost: $65
Includes:14 weekly lessons, use of horses, use of all safety/riding gear
Payment Schedule For Remaining: Equal payments. First payment due on booking, remaining payments Oct 1, Nov 1, Dec 1, 2025
Total: $910 plus taxes
NOTE: Payment plans are a convenience—not a pay-as-you-go option. Once your spot is reserved, the full program fee remains due even if you choose to stop attending. This includes all scheduled installment payments.
Timing
Lesson Times: Lesson times are on a set schedule. We cannot accommodate walk-ins. Missed lessons are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, credited, or transferred to future sessions.
All Sales Final: Due to the nature of scheduling a working ranch, all sales are final.
Arrive Early: To ensure the best experience please arrive 10-15 minutes early. This allows time to get settled before your scheduled lesson begins.
Don’t Be Late: Humberstone Ranch is a working ranch with a full daily schedule and animals that rely on consistent care and routines. Every lesson and experience is carefully timed to protect the well-being of our horses and ensure they get the rest, feed, and downtime they need. By arriving on time, you’re helping us care for our horses and keep your experience—and everyone else’s—running smoothly. Thank you for understanding and respecting our horses, animals and our team.
Have any special requests or needs? Email us at least 24 hours before you arrive.
Payment Policies
A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your rider’s space in the Ride & Shine program. This deposit is applied toward your total program cost but will not be refunded under any circumstances, including withdrawal or absence.
By enrolling in Ride & Shine, you are committing to the full 14-week program and its associated costs, regardless of attendance or rider participation.
Payment plans are a convenience—not a pay-as-you-go option. Once your spot is reserved, the full program fee remains due even if you choose to stop attending. This includes all scheduled installment payments.
If Humberstone Ranch must cancel a class due to weather or operational reasons, a replacement date will be provided or the class value credited at our discretion.
Late Policies
Late Policy For Lessons: If you arrive late for your lesson, your lesson will still end at the originally scheduled time, and you’ll receive only the remaining portion of your lesson at the sole discretion of the Ranch. No refunds or credits will be given for your late time.
Riding Dress Code
- MUST wear boots with a bit of a heel OR traditional cowboy boots to ensure your feet stay secure in the stirrups.
- MUST wear jeans or long (not loose) pants.
- Dress comfortably and in layers for the weather.
- No jewelry that can get caught in the horse’s tack.
- In colder weather, thin gloves are optional but no mittens.
Helmets
All guests under 18 must wear a helmet, without exception. For adults, helmets are encouraged and provided on site.
If an adult does not wish to wear a helmet, they are required to sign an additional waiver.
Requirements
- Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Max 250lbs
- Bring a great attitude
- No smoking on entire premises
- No drinking alcohol beforehand
Weather
Humberstone Ranch is a four-season facility. In the event of inclement weather, experiences will be held inside our indoor arena.
Phone Usage
For safety, you can’t take photos or use your phone while riding.
Meet Our Horses
Wyatt
The Movie Star
Cowgirl
The Queen Bee
Ryder
The Athlete
Skippy
The Rock
Whiskey
The Paddock Prankster
