Lessons & Classes
Palatine Stables Lesson Program offers Group lessons to riders of all ages, whether it’s your first time on a horse or an experienced advanced rider. Private or Semi-Private lessons are offered based on instructor availability and/or a rider's level of abilities. Our lesson programs are safety oriented and focus on all areas of horsemanship. Lessons are offered from the Introductory level through the Advance Hunter-Jumper levels, whether you own your own horse or not. We have a variety of well-trained school horses to accommodate our students in lessons.
Online Registration
Registration for Introduction to Horsemanship (ages 7-adult) and Little Riders Introduction to Horsemanship (ages 4-6) can be completed online or in person at Palatine Stables, Birchwood Recreation Center, Community Center, or Falcon Park Recreation Center.
Registration for Group Lessons at levels beyond the Introductory classes require a private lesson evaluation to properly place a rider into an appropriate Group Lesson at their level. Private lessons can be scheduled by contacting the Stable’s directly at 847.359.0009 during our hours of operation.
This class is required for all new students. It covers basic horsemanship skills including safety, grooming, tacking, and basic riding skills, thus building a foundation for our continuing riding program. Three lessons are non-riding. Students will learn to enter a horse's stall and lead the horse from its stall to the arena. They will also learn to tighten the girth and adjust their stirrups, techniques to properly mount a horse, the proper dismounting procedures, and returning the horse to its stall. As students become more proficient with these skills actual riding time will increase accordingly. Students and parents should also be aware that due to the nature of the horse, behaviors such as spooking, biting, kicking, bucking, and playing will occur. "How to" handle these situations as a rider are an integral part of horsemanship and will be addressed in lessons.
Is your child in love with ponies? Do they want to learn to ride? This program is the perfect place for them to begin to get involved in the wonderful world of ponies and horses. Children ages 4-6 will learn to be comfortable with our little four-legged friends and be introduced to basics of riding and working around our ponies. Participants should wear long pants and hard soled shoes or boots, helmets are provided for use.
Private and Semi-Private Lessons
Private lessons are offered based on availability for riders age 7 and older who are already riding at the Intermediate Level and are proficient at the walk, trot, canter and are ready to begin jumping. For more information or to check on the availability for a private lesson, call the Stables at 847.359.0009.
Palatine Stables offers private lessons for riders with special needs. Special needs 30 minute private lessons are $55.00, package of 5 special needs private lessons is $247.50 and package of 10 special needs private lessons is $495.00. Group lessons for riders with special needs are offered through Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA).
Group Lessons
Evaluation is required for placement in continuing classes for riders with riding experience. New riders can enroll in introductory group lessons without being evaluated. Fees for 1 one-hour lesson is $49.00 for residents, $52.00 for non-residents. Discounted rate available for pre-payment of full session.
Pony Rides
Bring your youngsters to our Pony Barn where a parent or adult can lead their child on a pony around our pony path for $7.00 per 10 minute ride, or rent a pony for a half hour for $20.00 (for children under 4'6" and ages 1-10 years old). Parent or adult supervision required.
Year-Round Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am-12:00pm