12/17/2022
Tonight I had someone call about lessons...
We talked some and then I told her my prices and then we talked some more. Then the dreaded question... “do you do a multiple lesson discount?” As I replied “No Ma’am” the tone tone changed. She proceeded to mention “shopping around”. Which I totally believe in, not every program is for every kid. However, in this industry YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Your best deal isn’t necessarily the safest for your child. That $25 lesson is most likely from someone who doesn’t know much more than your child on a horse they just picked up from the sale last weekend.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Safe horses aren’t cheap, well trained horses aren’t cheap, maintenance on that old school horse isn’t cheap, the insurance so your child can ride isn’t cheap, the list can go on and on. Let alone the countless hours your trainer has been gaining and acquiring the knowledge that they’re passing on to your child. When you start adding all that up and multiply it by a few horses that $40-$50 lesson isn’t so bad.
So next time you’re looking for a farm for your precious child, don’t look at the prices look at the community at the barn, and the effort the trainers put into the kids. Because that extra $20 will be 100% worth it in the long run. Your kid will remember having fun instead of a trip to the ER because “sparkles and glitter” broke their arm.
A good lesson horse is worth its weight in gold.
by Julia Beaty
