Mark West Stables
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Lessons

We offer English (hunter/jumper) riding lessons. We teach every level, from beginner to advanced (also the rusty!) and teach both children and adults. Private and group classes are available. Our schedule is very flexible and we have classes in the evenings and on weekends.

All students begin with a 1/2 hr private evaluation lesson. Riders remain in private lessons until they are able to walk and trot comfortably on their own, then they are eligible for a group. Lessons are tailored to individual rider needs and goals. With our emphasis on safety, groups do not exceed six people (beginner groups are smaller).

We have both marvelous school horses and ponies. They have been carefully selected to offer students a variety of learning experiences.

  • 1/2 hr private                                  $50 
 • 1 hr group                                         $50
• 45 min. semi-private                   $50
  • Package of 10 group lessons     $450

Introductory special - Buy three lessons, get one FREE


Other programs we offer:
• Full and half leases
• Horsemanship classes where students learn all about horses and horse care
• Grooming and groundwork clinics
• Summer camps
• Game days
• Schooling shows
• Working student possibilities

Meet our school horses:

Red Otis: 16.1 hand Chestnut Thoroughbred gelding. School Barn Head Honcho.
Old enough to vote and drink, Red Otis has been around to see to the start of a majority of our taller riders. As the longest resident in the school barn he has seen to the essential basics on the flat and over fences of so many of our riders. He excelled in eventing before being bought for one of our former students who then rode him to numerous wins in the Hunter and Jumper divisions for years before she left for college. He then semi-retired to become one of our flagship school horses. His solid dressage background has helped many riders begin their riding careers on the right foot. Kind and patient, with a good sense of humor, Red Otis is a barn favorite!
 
Onyx: Black Medium Pony. Could possibly get his Driver’s License
Onyx’s specialty is the straight line… turns not included. Since becoming a MWS pony in 2005, Onyx has quickly established himself as the “Go To Guy” for kids just graduating off of the lunge line and riding all by themselves. His aversion to circles and preference for short spurts of movement have helped riders establish themselves in all gaits. He is not only King of the Summer Camp, but also an ideal First Lease Pony AND First Horse Show Pony. He loves the applause and has no trouble handling the nerves of first time competitors.
 
Jonathan: 8 year old, Small POA (Pony of the Americas), Heart Stealing Pony.
Jonathan came to us as a 3 year old with the same wonderful temperament he has today. Our older students spent a few years getting him going under saddle and over fences. He has since grown into his place in the lessons program and is often leased out.
He also does Summer Camp, loves braids and sparkles and getting ribbons in our schooling shows!
 
Belle: Truly cute 11 year old Medium Pony Mare.
The most adorable pony ever! Belle likes sparkles, primping and teaching kids to ride. Her talents range from first lunge line lessons to more experienced jumping. She is quiet enough for the Walk/Trot both on and off of the lunge line and later on she jumps a great fence! She is simply way too cute and we LOVE her.

 
Sterling: 10 year old QH/Andalusion Gelding. Add 15.3h. White (when bathed)
Sterling is striking! As a new member of our school horse fleet, he is great for kids and adults alike who have had some experience and would like a bit more of a challenge. His talents range from beginner lessons to coursing to mane braiding- he has great hair!

 
Archie: 4 years old and still growing! Black & White Paint Pony with 2 Blue Eyes.
This is a very special pony indeed. Adorable since day one, Archie has become both a lease and lesson pony, and has even started showing and helping in camps. He has just started working on his jumping and is showing great promise. You would never think he was so young!

 
Captain: 16.1 hands, black thoroughbred gelding. Captain had a very successful career as an amateur Hunter before we got him. He is 18 yrs young and we are very fortunate to get to lease him for our lesson program. Not only is he a perfect gentleman while his riders are learning, he is a ribbon winning machine at the shows!
 
Dusty: 14.1 hand, 12yrs old, POA (Ponies of the Americas) gelding. We got Dusty this May, just in time for Summer Camp!! His easy-going demeanor, great size (large pony) and versatility have made him a huge hit. He has been half-leased much of the summer and has done some schooling shows too. All around he is a lovely pony and a great addition to our program.
   
   
   

5241 St. Helena rd. Santa Rosa Ca. 95404
Tel 707.538.2000  Fax 707.538.1916 Email:  mws@sonic.net
 
e mws@sonic.net