We cater our program to students who are passionate about the preservation of the ART of classical riding.
Dedicated to assisting their students through every facet of the learning process, we can fully customize a program to most complement the needs and goals of the student. Students who are competitively-minded are encouraged to show in schooling and USDF/USEF shows when they are ready. We provide coaching and support for such students. Students who are artistically-minded and aspire to perform in Classical Dressage Exhibitions, are given full opportunity to do so when they are ready.
One of our specialties is LONGE LESSONS:
We dedicate an important portion of a student's education on developing their seat through the use of Seat Lessons, taught on the Longeline. On the student's horse, or on our knowledgeable lesson horses, the student learns how to develop a deep, elastic, and supple seat. The student learns not only HOW to sit, but also WHY to sit this way, and WHEN to deviate from the neutral seat. The student develops an ability to feel the footfalls of the horse at all times, and to feel the phase of each leg at any given moment in order to give accurate, knowledgeable aids. The student learns how to execute all transitions solely with the seat. At the longeline, the student also learns how to use their seat to influence the horse's bend, tempo, swing of the back, and carriage.
Amateurs and JR/YR's welcome. All breeds welcome.
See also Information about Riding Vacations
LESSON FEES:
Lesson Rates:
Thomas and Shana Ritter, Head Trainers
One Hour Private $70.00
Half Hour Private $40.00
Group and Semi-Private $40.00
Lisa Hettman, Assistant Trainer
One Hour Private $45.00
Half Hour Private $25.00
Group and Semi-Private $25.00
Sarah Liggett, Apprentice
One Hour Private $30.00
Half Hour Private $20.00
Ingvild Eriksen, Apprentice
One Hour Private $30.00
Half Hour Private $20.00
Additional Fees:
Use of a Lesson Horse - $15.00/lesson
No Haul-in Fees
All Instructors are to be paid directly. Cash preferred. Credit cards not accepted.
Temporary Stabling:
$15.00/night - you bring your own shavings, self-clean
$25.00/night - shavings included, self-clean
Longer-term stabling available - Contact Shana Ritter for specific rates.
To arrange for lessons or training, contact:
Shana Ritter at ritter@classicaldressage.com or
Thomas Ritter at thomas@classicaldressage.com.
We do not accept Credit Cards. Checks accepted. Cash is Preferred.
10% Discount Program:
10% discount for any 10-lesson package
(Can be hour lessons, half-hour lessons, or group lessons with Thomas or Shana
Pre-purchase 10 and get a 10% discount. This is like buying 9 and getting the 10th free.)
***All Packages must be pre-paid. Monthly packages are payable at the 1st of the month
Haul-ins are always welcome at no charge. Overnighters (or even staying for several days) welcome, pending stall availability - contact us to arrange details.
Riding Vacations are available and can be fully customized to satisfy each individual rider's goals and needs. For ore info, visit our RIDING VACATIONS section.
VIDEO LESSONS:
Video Lessons - $70.00. Send a 30-45 minute videotape of you and your horse. You will receive a detailed lesson explanation complete with theory, exercises, and examples via email or regular mail (your choice). Additional email support is available at no extra charge.
Make check payable to "Ritter Dressage" and send check and tape to:
Ritter Dressage
2112 N. Columbus Avenue
Goldendale, WA 98620
Some things to consider for your video lesson:
Rider and horse should be neatly turned out so that we can see you and your horse clearly (no baggy shirts that may mask your position, etc.). It is recommended to wrap your horse's legs so that they are more visible in the video.
Videographer should be stationary. Preferably use a tripod, unipod, or at least rest the camera on a solid surface to reduce camera bounce.
If requesting help with specific issues, show the work you are needing assistance with (i.e. flying changes, lateral work, etc.)
Include a letter detailing any pertinent information.
