Elevate Sport Horses is the Premier Horse Training Program in Bend, Oregon, serving all of Central Oregon.
At Elevate Sport Horses, we truly believe that every horse and rider can soar to new heights! Our facility, located on Bend’s West Side, offers personalized horse training and riding lessons, catering to all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned equestrians.
Horse Training includes a combination of:
- Riding lessons
- Professional horse training sessions
- Professional grooming for your horse on professional ride days
- Scheduling of farrier, veterinary and therapy appointments
- Communication, consultation and goal planning with the horse owner and rider
Elevate Sport Horses is a holistic horse training program that puts your horse’s welfare first
We strive to give those who own or lease a horse in Central Oregon a place where they can learn and enjoy progressing in the sport. We educate our clients on what it takes to have a happy, healthy performance horse and partner with Central Oregon’s best equine providers including Black Diamond Equine Veterinary Clinic, Wild Life Animal Chiropractic, Trevor Hall Farrier, Karen Laidley DVM, DeWayne Brown Body Work and Sue Jackson Massage – EquiPrep4All.
Some of our students are looking to participate in horse shows, and other students are recreational riders looking to improve their riding and horsemanship skills in lessons at home. Whether you are a junior or adult rider just starting your journey with your horse, or a more experienced horseback rider who has ridden for years, we have a program and a community for you!
Elevate Lesson Academy: Welcoming riders of all levels, with or without a horse
At Elevate, we empower students on their riding journeys. Through positive instruction and a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses English-style riding skills, horsemanship and horse knowledge, our team supports students in reaching their goals and introducing new riders to the love of horses and equestrian sports.
| Introductory Lesson | $75 |
| 4 lessons per month on site | $250 own horse, $350 school horse |
| 8 lessons per month on site | $700 school horse |
Your First Lesson
Your first lesson at Elevate Sport Horses will be a 30-minute long private Introductory Lesson. The investment is $75. This lesson is an opportunity to introduce you to our program and allow your instructor to assess your current skill level. Afterwards, the instructor will discuss your goals in order to develop a program to best suit your needs.
If you are a new rider, you’ll start by learning the basics of horsemanship, including how to properly groom, saddle and care for your horse in your riding lessons. As you become more comfortable, you’ll spend time in the saddle, focusing on riding position, techniques and communication with your horse.
Instructors emphasize safety and follow a carefully curated curriculum to ensure the horse and rider have a solid foundation and understanding of the basics. You’ll have the opportunity to practice in our round pen, indoor and outdoor arenas, which helps build confidence and adaptability.
Over time, you can explore various levels of riding, depending on your interests. Many riders also enjoy the social aspect of horse riding lessons, forming friendships with fellow equestrians and sharing experiences in the saddle!
FAQ
Q: What is the mission of the Elevate Lesson Academy?
A: Our mission at Elevate Sport Horses is to create a place where riders of all levels can come together, love horses and have a community that fosters and fuels riders’ passions with horses in the English disciplines.Through our Lesson Academy, we aim to create competent riders and the future generation of horsewomen and horsemen.
Q: What can I expect during a lesson?
A: Our lessons are a blend of mounted and unmounted sessions, flatwork, poles, caveletti and jumping, depending on the rider’s level. While we are a jumping barn, students do not jump during every lesson. Students begin with private lessons, which are 30-minutes long and are placed into one-hour group sessions when they are ready.
Q: What equipment do I need to ride in lessons?
A: We supply all of the horse’s equipment so all you need to worry about is your attire! We ask students to wear closed-toed shoes with a heel and leggings/breeches at their first lesson. We have helmets available. We recommend the Absolute Horse for your equipment and attire needs!
Q: Do I have to get my horse ready for lesson?
A: We believe horsemanship is an important part of a rider’s journey to build a relationship with the horse. We will teach you how to catch, groom and tack horses for their lessons. Lessons will be a blend of horsemanship and riding until students can confidently groom and tack on their own. Once students/parents feel confident grooming and tacking, we ask students to arrive 30 minutes early to prepare horses so they can be in the saddle by their designated ride time.
Q: Do I have to show if I ride at Elevate?
A: Elevate does not require students to show. Showing is a fun way to test your skills and grow, but it’s not for everyone. We have both recreational and competitive riders in our program. The only thing we ask is that you have the desire to learn and improve!
Q: How do I take the next steps to lease, buy or show a horse?
A: We would love to help you take the next step in your riding and have helped many students over the years! Please start by scheduling a meeting with head trainer Rachael van den Berg to talk about your goals and how we can help you achieve them.
Q: If I want to improve my riding faster, what do you recommend?
A: If a student rides four times a month for 30 minutes, that is 24 hours of riding per year. Just like any other sport, the more you practice, the better you will be!
To learn more about our lesson academy, please contact Elevate Sport Horses.
