Lesson Program at Merriehill

Merriehill Farm offers lessons in all 3 seats (Saddleseat, Hunt Seat, Western) as well as driving, for all ages and levels of experience. Our lessons are 30 minutes in length and are in a heated arena during the winter months.

Lessons are $30.00 per half hour.

Please contact Jessica Bodnar at 815-568-7392 to schedule your lesson now! Special Packages and Group rates available.

Here is some info on our lesson horses:

Rhythm Latte – “Leroy”- Leroy is 10 years old and our resident “SMorgan.” He is part Morgan and part Saddlebred. He is our advanced lesson horse and is used for the advanced riders or drivers who are ready for the show ring. Leroy is very fun and loves to challenge his riders to make them ready for the Show Ring.

Happiness Is – “Lucy”- We think Lucy is 20 but don’t know for sure as a lady never gives her age. Lucy is a Morgan and in her younger years showed and won many championships at Horse Shows all over the country. Lucy is used for saddle seat, and hunt seat lessons now. And while they aren’t telling, we think she and “Pete” are an item.

Sterling Sharpe- “Pete” – Pete is an American Saddlebred and is 21. In his younger days Pete won many Country Pleasure Saddle and Driving classes all over the Midwest. Pete can do all levels of lessons, from beginner to advanced in all forms of riding. Everyone who rides Pete loves him. Pete is "head over hooves" in love with Lucy.

Merriehill Sea Of Secrets- “Secrets”- Secrets is 17 and was born and raised here at Merriehill. Secrets showed for many years and now loves his live as a beginner saddle and hunt seat mount for new riders. Secrets is kind and trustworthy and always says yes when asked a question.

October Beaumont- “Beau”- Beau is an 8 year old Morgan. Beau is used for the beginner and intermediate riders in Saddle and Hunt Seat. Beau is very sweet and loyal and takes very well to his other nickname of “Eeyore.” Beau and Leroy are best friends and like to hang out.

Merriehill Talk The Talk- “Buster” Buster is 12 years old and showed many years successfully in the Classic Division at Local and Regional Morgan Shows. Buster gives lessons in Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat and Western and gives lessons to all levels of riders.

UVM Alliance- “Alliance”- Alliance is 17 and Jessie used to show him at Morgan shows when she was younger. Alliance gives riding and driving lessons and is used for the intermediate and advanced saddle seat riders and drivers. Alliance gives the riders the challenges they need in getting ready for the show ring. In his younger years Alliance was quite the ladies man and has quite a few sons and daughters all over the country.

Evan Almighty- “Pony”- Pony is 6 years old and is a Welsh/Shetland Pony cross. Pony is a lot of fun to ride and is for the more experienced rider as he seems to have short man syndrome.

Shame Shame Shame- "JD" is an eight year old American Saddlebred.  JD is new to the program having arrived in September 2011.  JD loves to be entertained and is for the advanced to intermediate rider/driver.  We are looking forward to having JD represent Team Merriehill in academy classes in 2012.