​Horseback Riding ​at Green Acres

Green Acres is a premier riding and horsemanship facility that provides riding lessons to children and adults of all ages and skill levels. With an emphasis on safety, each lesson includes instruction and hands on experience on how to properly groom, tack, and lead a horse as well as proper riding instruction.​

Structured Lessons

​​Not only do students learn proper horseback riding techniques, but our lesson plans also promote the knowledge of horsemanship skills needed to safely interact with horses. ​Our group setting is fun and interactive for everyone involved and private lessons provide one on one attention for specific goals. Students will learn and grow in a positive and constructive environment.

Learn the Fundamentals

Our students learn the fundamentals of riding in an English saddle to ensure they develop a proper seat and leg position. Once our students have mastered the fundamentals of horseback riding, they are encouraged to pick a specific discipline to specialize in such as western, dressage, hunt seat, etc.
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Set Goals

 Each student is evaluated against our Green Acres Levels of Achievement system ensuring the continual development of every Green Acres rider. We offer several events onsite including fun days, gymkhana's, and horse shows to help our students gain experience in a competitive but supportive setting. Our advanced students often go on to join our internship program, lease a horse, or join a show barn. 

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Lessons are available Monday - Saturday. Each Lesson is approximately 45 minutes of riding and 45 minutes of horse care. Expect your Green Acres visit to be between 1 ½ hours to 2 hours long. 10 week sessions available for regular students. ​Please print out the release of liability and bring the completed form with you to your first lesson.

Staff & Horses

Riding Lessons

GA Programs

Policies

Staff & Horses

Lesson Department Staff

LESSON PROGRAM FOUNDER
Margaret Rich

While the day to day management of the Green Acres lesson program is now overseen by Kendra Muldbakken, Margaret still maintains an active role in the guidance of the lesson program that she founded over 40 years ago, helping to maintain the high standards of learning and safety upon which Green Acres has built its reputation.

GREEN ACRES INSTRUCTORS
It Takes a Team

The Green Acres Lesson Program is built on a foundation of safety and learning. This starts by ensuring that our team of instructors and horses meet the high Green Acres standards. Our instructors are well versed in horsemanship and safety and have several years of experience. Most are graduates from our GA internship program.

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Our Amazing Lesson Horses

Here at Green Acres we boast of an impressive string of well trained, kind hearted lesson horses. Each one of our four-legged-instructors are experienced, well trained, and well mannered. Our lesson program provides a wonderful retirement for several retired Arabian show horses who will not be deprived of the work they love, and the job they were bred for. Their show experience makes them highly-trained, well exposed, and patient, perfect for promoting confidence in our students and guiding them through their first horse experiences. ​

We respect our horses and make sure they are appreciated by providing them with the best care possible. Each one of our lesson horses get daily one-on-one attention as well as weekly days off and frequent vacation time to rest and enjoy turn-outs.  Several of our horses are seniors who receive special care to keep them in top health. Each horse is on a custom diet to meet their individuals needs and we are diligent in maintaining regular vet and farrier visits, and 24 hr. health monitoring for all of our beloved lesson horses.

​We have horses well suited for all levels so you can easily advance your riding skills at your own pace!

LESSON HORSE LEASE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE

​Lesson Horse Half Lease Program - ​$450.00 Per Month
Students in the lesson program at the Silver Level or higher are eligible to lease one of our trained and safe lesson horses.

Qualifying students may lease 3 days a week with one lease day being the day of their lesson so we can ensure they are making progress with their horse.

​In order to qualify to lease you must pass a practical exam to demonstrate your ability to safely handle and ride your lease horse. Your desired lease horse must be approved by the program manager before completing the agreement. ​

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Riding Lessons

10-Week Session Dates

Horses Week Off: January 8th-January 15th
Session 1 : January 16th - March 25th, 2023
Session 2 : March 27th - June 3rd, 2023
Session 3 : June 5th - August 12th, 2023
Horses Week Off: August 13th-August 20th
Session 4 : August 21st - October 28th, 2023
Session 5 : November 20th - January 6th, 2023-2024

Each session is 10 weeks long and includes one group lesson per week. Each lesson is approximately 1.5 hours in length including 30-45 minutes of riding as well as grooming and tacking time. Students will be evaluated at the end of each session and updates to their lesson plans will be made. Regular evaluations help us to determine what level of group lessons are the best fit for our students. Registration for each session will begin a few weeks prior to the start of the session.

Lessons Offered

Evaluation Lesson

Evaluation Lesson $60.00
​​Charter School Students $70

• Suitable for students interested in trying out Green Acres lessons before committing to a session.
• Participating students need to be at least 10 years old or have prior riding experience.
• Students are evaluated in and out of the saddle to see what requirements they meet within our leveling system.
• Each lesson is approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours long; weather permitting actual riding time 30-45 minutes.
• These lessons have no more than 5 students. This class includes evaluations and current students making up cancelled lessons. 

Age Requirements: 10 +  Years Old or have prior riding experience.

Group Ten Week Session

Leveled Group Ten Week Session $550.00
​​Charter School Students $600

• Open to ALL LEVELS including: Pony Pals, Intro to Riding, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
• Suitable for students interested in ongoing horsemanship and riding lessons
• All lessons (excluding pony pals) are approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours long; weather permitting actual riding time 30-45 minutes.
• Lessons have 1-5 students per class dependent on the level. This group environment is fun and interactive for everyone.

Sessions include one riding or horse management lesson a week, for 10 Weeks, at students current level. Each level has set curriculum and milestones to reach on and off the horse.​

WEATHER POLICY: If poor weather prevents the ability to ride, we will take advantage of the time out of the saddle to further our student’s education on how to safely care for their mount with Horse Management Lessons in the barn.​ These lessons cannot be rescheduled or rolled over into the following session. 

Age Requirements: 4 +  Years Old

Adults Only Group Ten Week Session

Adult Only ​Group Ten Week Session $550.00

• ​​Suitable for adult students who are interested in ongoing horsemanship and riding lessons​
• Lessons are approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours long; weather permitting actual riding time 30-45 minutes. 
• Lessons have no more than 5 students enrolled. This group environment is fun and interactive for everyone.

Adult group lessons are geared towards adults who want to ride exclusively with other adults at their own pace.

​WEATHER POLICY: If poor weather prevents the ability to ride adult lessons are either rescheduled or skipped that week based on the rider's choice. Unused lessons roll over into the following session. 

​Age Requirements: 18 +  Years Old

Semi-Private Ten Week Session

Semi-Private Ten Week Session $700
​​Charter School Students $750

• Suitable for students looking for ongoing riding lessons.
• Each lesson requires you to be here about 1 ½ hours; actual riding instruction time is 30-45 minutes.
• Suitable for a group of 2-3 students looking for ongoing lessons.​

WEATHER POLICY: Semi Private lessons are rescheduled if poor weather prevents the ability to ride. 

Age Requirements: 10 +  Years Old

Private Ten Week Session

Private Ten Week Session $900
​​Charter School Students $950

• ​Suitable for students looking for ongoing or drop in lessons.
• For students ages 7 and up with any level of riding experience.
• Each lesson requires you to be here about 1 ½ hours; actual riding instruction time is 30-45 minutes.​
• Individual private lessons available for $90.00 each. 

Enjoy one-on-one attention from your instructor while you benefit from a lesson tailored to your specific abilities. Private lessons in the following disciplines are available: Hunseat, Western, Showmanship, Intro to Dressage, and Gymkhana Basics. 

​WEATHER POLICY: Private lessons are rescheduled if poor weather prevents the ability to ride. 

Age Requirements: 7 +  Years Old​

Therapeutic Riding Lessons are available through GAIT!

At What Level Do You Ride?

Pony Pals

Pony Pals Level

Pony Pal  level students are ages 4-6 years old. These lessons emphasize safety, fun, and gaining confidence around horses.  All Pony Pal lessons are private, one on one with the instructor, and provide 30 minutes of horse interaction on or off the horse. These lessons do not teach grooming and tacking as the students are not yet tall enough to practice these skills. Pony Pals will learn basic equitation at a walk and trot with full assistance from the Instructor. Pony Pals will also get to play games on horse back and go on trail rides around the top of the property. 

​Age Requirements: 4-6 Years Old

Intro to Riding

Intro to Riding Level

Intro to Riding level students are introduced to the basic ground work skills needed to safely care for their horse like grooming and leading their horse to an from the barn. They will also learn how to control a horse in the saddle at a walk and trot with and without assistance. Intro to Riding students are required to master basic equitation in order to move to the next level. This is a safe and fun environment for those new to the sport! Lead line and/or side walkers are available to assist when needed.

Age Requirements: 7-9 Years Old

Bronze Level

Bronze Level

Bronze level students will expand their ground work skills by learning how to saddle on top of grooming and leading. At this level we encourage the students to ride more independently at a walk and trot. Bronze students learn to master halting, backing up, steering, spacing, diagonals, and maintaining a consistent and productive pace.  However, we primarily focus on expanding the rider's form and equitation at this level. Proper body positioning is a must before moving up. This is a safe and fun environment for those new to the sport! Lead line and/or side walkers are available to assist when needed.

Age Requirements: 10 +  years old or able to demonstrate all skills for the levels below bronze.

Silver Level

Silver Level

Silver level students are expected to lead, groom, and saddle their own horse without assistance. They also begin learning how to mount their horse on their own. During their riding lesson silvers learn to two point, post, and sit a trot without stirrups.  Silvers are required to maintain near perfect equitation with and without their stirrups through all maneuvers.  They also learn to ride their horse at various speeds for the walk and trot using their seat, leg, and a proper half halt to change speed. Silvers also learn how to ride a proper circle and understanding inside leg to outside rein. Once they are consistent with these more challenging requirements they are asked to master them on more challenging horses before qualifying for the next level. 

​​Requirements: Able to demonstrate all skills for the levels below silver.

Gold Level

Gold Level

Gold's are expected to get their horse's prepped for riding all on their own including bridling and mounting the horse. Gold is aimed towards learning to properly set their horse up, cue, and sit the canter. They also learn simple lead changes on a straight line through the trot, walk, and halt. Gold's learn to maintain connection from the horse's hind end to keep them forward and on the bit. Golds perfect steering off leg and outside rein to keep the horse balanced through all maneuvers. They also work on proper geometry and organization through out the arena with different maneuvers on and off the rail. 

​Requirements: Able to demonstrate all skills for the levels below gold.

Platinum Level

Platinum Level

Platinum level students focus on maintaining a horse's frame and free forward movement as well as progressing the rider’s equitation.  Platinum's are introduced to basic dressage maneuvers and learning how to go over cavallettis. Students learn how to maintain collected, extended, and normal gaits; as well as the stretchy trot and free walk. Platinum's also learn shoulder in's, counter canter, leg yields, and turn on the forehand/haunches. 

​Requirements: Able to demonstrate all skills for the levels below platinum.

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GA Programs

Lesson Programs & Events

Horse Camp

Seasonal Horse Camps

​Join us for seasonal horse camps during Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Campers enjoy ranch life, farm animals, daily horseback riding lessons, afternoon water activities (Summer only), farm activities and crafts. Lessons cover body positioning, control over steering and speed, and end with some fun riding games. Barn activities include educational and fun horse related activities and cover a wide range of horse topics from tack, ground handling, breeds/colors, anatomy, bathing/grooming, basic health care, and much more. Camp ends with a horse craft and snack. Our camp’s focus is on teaching children to be safe and comfortable around horses​ while building a foundation of solid horsemanship. Our Green Acres camp counselors are all CPR & First Aid Certified and our camp curricular focus on fun, horsemanship, and safety.

More Information

Advanced Horse Camp

Advanced Horse Camp

For the more experienced equestrian we offer an annual Advanced Camp session. This camp is invitation only for Green Acres Lesson Program students currently enrolled in a 10-week session at the Gold level or higher. Campers enjoy a daily clinic with one of our top trainers on property in a variety of disciplines. Outside of the riding portion campers will be participating in educational activities and demonstrations covering topics such as shoeing, showmanship, reproduction, veterinary care, and much more. Camps ends with a pool party & awards ceremony. ​

​Level Requirements: Silver Level Graduate

More Information

Horse Shows

Green Acres Horse Show & Fun Days

2024 Show Dates
Spring Fun Show - TBA
Summer Fun Show - TBA
Fall Fun Show - TBA
Winter Fun Show - TBA

​These events are the most beginner friendly horse shows offered at Green Acres Ranch. It is open exclusively to our lesson program students and does not require formal show clothes, braiding, or special equipment. This is a very special show since we offer classes for all our riding levels from Intro to Riding to Jumping. Each class is around 10 minutes long and students will be competing in anywhere from three to six classes depending on their level. Ribbons will be awarded from 1st through 6th place.​

Green Acres Horse Show & Fun Days - $125.00

Gymkhana

Green Acres Gymkhana

2024 Gymkhana Dates
Spring Gymkhana  - TBA
Summer Gymkhana- TBA
Fall Gymkhana - TBA

Students in the lesson Program at the Silver Level or higher are eligible to compete in the Green Acres Gymkhana. All other students are welcome and are encouraged to join as spectators or volunteers. Competitors complete a variety of classes throughout the day such as pole bending, barrel racing, ride a buck, and costume contests! At the end of day, we tally up the scores and hold an awards ceremony for the competitors to be recognized. 

Green Acres Gymkhana - $100.00

Gymkhana Entry Form

Gymkhana Patterns & Rules

Lease A Lesson Horse

​Lesson Horse Half Lease Program

Students in the lesson program at the Silver Level or higher are eligible to lease one of our trained and safe lesson horses. Qualifying students may lease 3 days a week with one lease day being the day of their lesson so we can ensure they are making progress with their horse. ​In order to qualify to lease you must pass a practical exam to demonstrate your ability to safely handle and ride your lease horse. Your desired horse must be approved by the program manager before completing the agreement. ​

​Lesson Horse Half Lease - ​$450.00 Per Month

Intern Program

Green Acres Internship Program

JOIN THE TEAM

Students who advance through our lesson program may be invited to join our internship program.

Ask your riding instructor about how to become intern for more information!

WORK BEHIND THE SCENES​

Interns take a hands on approach to learning by assisting with day to day activities around the ranch. As a reward for their hard work interns attend a weekly free ride on Friday afternoons where they enjoy some quality time with horses and friends.

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE

 Become a valued team member and learn how to work in a professional environment. Most of our riding instructors have proven themselves as interns and are hired directly from our internship program.

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Policies

Program Policies

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Please note that the policies stated here are for your reference only. Green Acres reserves the right to make changes to the policies as needed. We appreciate your understanding and co-operation. 

Safety Policies

Riding Supervision - GAR Lesson Program Students and Interns must ride with an instructor or with adult supervision at all times.

Helmet Policy - GAR Lesson Program Students and Interns under 18 years old must wear an ASTM approved riding helmet or hard hat while handling a horse at all times.

Lesson Barn Safety - For safety purposes only lesson students, interns, and instructors may enter the lesson barn area. Parents and friends are welcome to watch barn activities from our lunch tables across the way.

Property Use - GAR Lesson Program Students and Interns must remain on the top portion of the GAR property. Students and Interns may only go to the lower portions of the GAR property if given permission by an instructor.

Horse Use - GAR Lesson Program Students and interns must refrain from riding or handling any horse at GAR that is not an approved and active lesson horse (unless they have obtained management’s permission in advance).

Permission to Drive Onsite - All visitors to GAR must abide by our 5-mph speed limit when driving on the property and are only permitted to park in the parking lot outside the Welcome Sign. All vehicles MUST yield to horses and pedestrians. Violators may be asked to park outside.

​Dog Policy - Outside dogs are not permitted on property whether on a leash or off. If they are brought to the ranch they must remain in your vehicle at all times. Resident Green Acres dogs approved by Margaret Rich are the only dogs permitted on property. Registered service animals are not subject to this regulation.

Right to Refuse Service - GAR holds the right to refuse service to any and all current or potential customers and can change or remove those services at any time.

Payment Proceedures & Billing Policies

Cash or Check Preferred - To help keep costs down, we encourage payments to be made by cash or check.

​Debit Cards - Accepted in person, in the office (not over the phone) with no convenience fee.

Credit Card Processing - Only Visa or Mastercard is accepted, subject to a convivence fee of 4%. 

After Office Hours - Cash or check can be submitted to the deposit box in the lesson barn after office hours. All deposits must be sealed in an envelope with the student’s name, date, amount, and note about what the payment is for.

Payment Due - Payment is due one week prior to the start of the new session. Students who pay in full before their session start date will receive a discount. 

Payment Plan - If you are unable to pay in full one week prior to the start of a session you may take advantage of our payment plan option. Half the cost of your 10-week session can be paid one week prior to the start of the session and the other half can be paid on week five of the session. There is no discount when using the payment plan option.

Charter School Funds - Purchase orders must be submitted from your charter school.

Cancellations / Make-up Lessons

​Enrollment - The first week of enrollment is only open to current students (anyone enrolled in the previous session). New students may register starting the second week of enrollment.

No Show Policy - If a student is unable to attend their lesson and does not call to cancel at least 24 hours in advance, the student will not be offered a makeup lesson and will not be refunded for the missed lesson.

Poor Weather - If poor weather prevents the ability to ride, we will take advantage of the time out of the saddle to teach horse management lessons in the barn. This is important to the student’s education in becoming a well-rounded equestrian. These lessons cannot be cancelled and rescheduled as make ups for when weather improves.

Make Up Policy - If a student cancels their lesson with advanced notice, they will be given a 10-day grace period to schedule the makeup lesson. All make up lessons must be taken within the same session as the missed lesson. If the student does not retake their missed lesson in that time frame, they will not be able to make it up and they will not be refunded for the missed lesson.

Unused Lesson Rollover Policy- If a student does not use all 10 lessons within their 10-week session, the unused lessons WILL NOT rollover into the next session. Unused lessons cannot be applied towards payment for the next session. 

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Interested in Riding Lessons?

Please Contact Us for Current Availability...
​​Office: 951-302-6045    
​Fax: 951-303-6922
35750 De Portola Rd ​
​Temecula, CA 92592 

Please remember that schedule changes need to be made 24 hours in advance. If you need to schedule a lesson or cancel a lesson within 24 hours, please call our office at 951-302-6045.

To email our office PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM

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Downloadable Documents:

Release  /  Waiver

Policy Agreement

Services & Rates Sheet

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