horse riding lessons new braunfels

Private Lessons

Are you looking for horse riding lessons near New Braunfels, TX? Are you wanting to advance your horse riding skills to the next level and discipline yourself in barrels, roping, pole bending or jumping? If this is you, look no further.

Jeff Oliver is the founder and owner of Hollow Tree Ranch. Not only does he love to serve others, he has decades of experience teaching, riding, and sharing his own life lessons, especially when it comes to horses. Jeff will work one-on-one with you in 1.5-hour private lessons that focus on building your skills in many areas of horsemanship.

Although Lessons can be tailored as necessary, a typical lesson routine is as follows:

The first two lessons are in the ground working pen next to the enclosed arena, and they don’t involve riding at all. More of an introduction and tutorial from Jeff about the horses body language and using your own body gestures, hand signals and movements to control the horse.

The next step is to get on the horse and start learning the basics in the enclosed arena. Forward, backwards, turn left, right, etc. Then eventually onto brisk walks around the pen rail getting up to loping.

After about four to six lessons the students then also get time to free ride in the enclosed and open arena to practice their new skill set. As they master each basic skill set, they are taught the next step.

And you can set your own pace; it’s up to you whether you want to train twice a week, once a month or anything in between.

Simply contact us below and we’ll coordinate schedules and get you on your way.

Follow the journey

By the way, just how good is Jeff at showing others the ropes when it comes to riding? Well, now you can find out firsthand. One of our volunteers has a friend traveling over from England in early November. Outside of riding one time, he has no experience with horses. However, he wants a real “Texas” experience while he’s here and has decided to volunteer at our ranch. First, he must learn the basics. That means mucking stalls, feeding, watering, and cleaning our horses, and some other heavy lifting. Then comes the crash course—can he be converted from beginner to advanced rider in 4-6 weeks? We shall see.

If you would like to follow Jason’s Journey from Englishman (with the funny accent and all) to Texas Cowboy, follow his progress on Facebook with the following accounts:

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Common Questions

FAQs

What is the age limit?

For beginner and advanced lessons at Hollow Tree Ranch, all riders must be at least 8 years old. For trail rides at Canyon Lake, all riders must be at least 12 years old. No exceptions.

Why is there a weight limit?

There is a weight limit in place for the safety of the horses and the safety of our riders. Now, there is a difference between a 230 lb person who is 5 foot 2 and one who is 6 foot 5. Some folks are strong enough to handle their own weight while others struggle too much. It is very uncommon that we can’t accommodate someone. Here are our current weight restrictions:

6’+ : 230 lbs max

5’6” - 5’11’: 175 lbs max

5’ - 5’5”: 160 lbs max

Below 5’: 140 lbs max

If you have any questions, please Contact Us.

Where do I request to schedule a trail ride?

For scheduling a 1.5 hour lake ride, you can book those HERE.

For scheduling lessons, learn more on our Lessons page.

You will also be able to fill out and sign your release form HERE.

How many riders can go on a trail ride?

The maximum numbers of riders for a lake trail ride at Canyon Lake is 8, with a minimum of 4 riders per time slot.

What should I bring?

There is nothing that we require you to bring; however, we prefer if you wear closed toe shoes, drink water, and wear sunscreen.

Do I need experience?

No experience is needed, we teach you all you need for a basic horse trail ride.

How often are lessons?

For our beginner riders, typically lessons are twice a week. For our advanced riders we offer private lessons up to five times per week sold in monthly packages. Learn more on our Lessons page.

How do I signup for lessons?

You can learn more about the various types of beginner and advanced, private lessons we offer on our Lessons page.

Do I need to sign a release form?

Yes. We require all riders to fill out and sign a release form.

Do you offer Gift Cards?

Yes, we offer Gift Cards!

Do you offer a Military discount?

Military (Active Duty & Veteran) discounts are available at 10%. Please show your military or veteran ID at time of your ride or when you arrive at our ranch.

What is your Privacy Policy?

Your personal information is confidential.

It is the policy of Hollow Tree Ranch to never sell any information about you - either personal information you provide or information that is collected automatically. We will only share information as required by law or with your expressed written consent.

Our website collects some information automatically (which pages you view, your IP address, the host name, and browser type you are using) and we will not sell this information with others or share it except as required by law.

This policy applies to the HollowTreeRanch.com website as well as all of our related domains and sites. We reserve the right at any time and without notice to change this Privacy Policy simply by posting such changes on our site. Any such change will be effective immediately upon posting.

Read our full Privacy Policy.