stable start program

A safe, structured introduction to horses for young riders—building confidence from the ground up.

Stable Start: Beginner horseback riding for kids in windsor, co

Program Overview:
Stable Start is NOCO Equine’s beginner horseback riding program for young riders. This beginner-friendly, 4-week program, focuses on building confidence, safety awareness, foundational horsemanship skills, and first rides at an age-appropriate pace.

Stable Start is a four-week introductory program designed for beginner riders ages 5–8. Each weekly session includes hands-on horsemanship, grooming, and individual riding time in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

Who This Program Is For

  • Ages: 5–8

  • Skill Level: Beginner riders

  • Experience: No prior horse experience required

Stable Start is ideal for young riders with no prior horse experience that are ready to learn in a structured, safety-first setting.

What to Expect Each Week

Each weekly, 75-minute class is divided into:

Horsemanship Activities
Children learn the basics of horse care and safety through hands-on activities, including grooming, understanding horse behavior, and barn etiquette.

Ride & Learn Rotation
Every child rides each week. Two riders are in the saddle at a time to allow for focused instruction and safety, while the remaining students participate in supervised, age-appropriate ground activities. Riders rotate so everyone gets equal riding time.

Program Focus

  • Safe interaction with horses

  • Confidence building on the ground and in the saddle

  • Assisted riding at the walk

  • Listening skills, responsibility, and barn manners

  • Positive, encouraging instruction

Safety First

Safety is our top priority. Stable Start is taught by experienced instructors using carefully selected lesson horses. Small group sizes ensure close supervision and individualized attention at all times.

Progression & Next Steps

Riders progress based on confidence, coordination, and readiness—not age alone. Stable Start prepares riders to move into future programs (coming soon!) or private lessons as skills develop. As a stand alone program, it is an ideal starting place to determine if horseback riding lessons are

Repeating Stable Start is encouraged for riders who benefit from additional practice and confidence-building.

what to wear & bring

  • Long pants

  • Closed-toe shoes

  • Water bottle

  • Properly fitted ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet – we have a limited number of helmets available. Please confirm availability if you need to reserve one for class.

  • Dress for the weather! This program is entirely outside. While we can get out of the wind and direct sun, we can’t get out of the cold in the winter or heat in the summer. Coats, gloves, and hats are all recommended in the winter. Sun hats, sunscreen and lightweight clothes are recommended in the summer.

Weather & Cancellations:

Colorado weather is wild and often unpredictable. In general, class will be canceled due to storms (blizzards, thunderstorms, etc), extreme heat or cold, or big wind events. In the event of severe weather or unsafe conditions, classes may be rescheduled. A designated make-up date is reserved for each session. 

Upcoming Sessions

Spots are limited to maintain small group sizes. Register today using the link(s) below! Check back for upcoming sessions.

winter 2026

Winter 2026 Session Dates:
Wednesdays 3:30-4:45
February 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026

$260/student

Register

Spring 2026

Spring 2026 Session Dates:
coming soon!