At Whinny Hill Equestrian Centre, we teach students everything from the ground up. Our lesson program is designed to develop safe, knowledgeable and compassionate horse people—not simply riders. Lessons are available for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders who want to build their skills and deepen their understanding of horses.

Children and adults learn through a combination of:

● Theory

● Practical horse care

● Groundwork

● Mounted instruction

Students progress at their own pace in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our well-rounded equestrian program includes:

● Horse safety and responsible barn behaviour

● Equine behaviour and body language

● Grooming, leading, tying and safe handling

● Tack, equipment and proper tacking procedures

● Basic anatomy, nutrition and stable management

● Groundwork, communication and leadership

● Balanced riding position and effective use of aids

● Steering, transitions, patterns and western riding skills

● Confidence, empathy and respect for the horse

Students learn the reason behind each skill so they understand how their actions affect the horse.

Students work through Whinny Hill’s structured, colour-coded learning program.

HorseSense Levels cover the unmounted knowledge and practical skills needed to safely understand, handle, train and care for the horses. HorseSense levels must be completed in order before a student can move on to the next level.

Horse-Centered Levels focus on groundwork skills that develop:

● Leadership

● Empathy

● Communication

● Partnership

Horsemanship Levels focus on mounted skills that help students become balanced, educated and confident riders.

Students must complete the HorseSense Levels as part of their overall progression.

They cannot move forward by completing only the Horsemanship Levels. Unmounted knowledge and practical horse-care skills are essential to becoming a safe and well-rounded horseperson.

Each student receives a binder to:

● Track their progress

● Store completed worksheets

● Celebrate the skills they achieve

● Private lessons: $75 plus HST

● Group lessons: $45 plus HST

Students must wear:

● Comfortable, fitted pants; jeans are preferred

● Riding boots or sturdy boots with a defined heel

● An approved riding helmet

Helmets may be provided during a student’s first month.

After one month of lessons, students must purchase their own properly fitted riding helmet.

All registration forms and required waivers must be completed before participating.

● Lessons are prepaid at the beginning of each month.

● Payment is due in full on the first day of the month.

● A $20 late fee applies to overdue payments.

Please arrive on time for your scheduled lesson.

Extra time cannot be added when a student arrives late.

Cancellation, makeup lessons and no-show policies will be provided during registration.

Whinny Hill Equestrian Centre is located at:

784 Conquerall Road
Conquerall Mills, Nova Scotia

The parking lot is located across from the pond.

When you arrive, please come to the tack room or arena. If another lesson is underway, students should wait in the tack room rather than gathering near the arena gates.

Whinny Hill accepts Pro Kids funding for eligible youth.

Adult residents of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg may also qualify for recreation funding assistance.

To ask about lesson availability or have your name added to our waitlist, please contact:

Vanessa Sarty
 Email: Vanessa@whinnyhill.ca
 Phone: 902-529-0576