WildHeart Riding School
Home Education Program

Location: 7700 Stone Rd, Apopka, FL 32703

Home Education Program

WildHeart Riding School offers a structured Home Education Program specifically tailored for homeschooling families. This program is designed to meet educational and developmental goals through a unique blend of horsemanship theory and riding practice.

We are an educational partner for home education families seeking physical education, life skills, responsibility training, and animal care education in a hands-on, safe, and supportive environment.

Program Overview

Starting Point: Introductory Horseback Riding Lesson

Our 20-min introductory lesson is priced at $40 and serves as the perfect starting point for children who are curious about horseback riding. This session is designed with two key goals in mind:

Exploration for the Child

The lesson provides a low-pressure opportunity for your child to experience what horseback riding is all about. They’ll get a feel for the environment, meet the horses, and engage with the trainer in a one-on-one setting. This gives them a chance to discover whether horseback riding is an activity they want to pursue more regularly.

Evaluation for the Trainer

During this lesson, our experienced trainers conduct a light assessment to better understand your child’s:

  • Receptiveness to instruction
  • Comfort level around horses
  • Natural coordination and confidence
  • Preferred learning style

This information allows us to determine the teaching style best suited to your child and identify their current skill level. If the child expresses interest in continuing, we use this assessment to tailor a personalized riding program that fits their needs.

Group Class Readiness

If your child is interested in group lessons, this initial session also helps us evaluate their readiness for a group setting. Based on their behavior, ability to follow instructions, and interaction with the horse, we can place them in a group class that matches their developmental level—ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.

Private Lessons

Private lessons at WildHeart Riding School are one-on-one sessions designed to provide highly personalized instruction for each student. These sessions are especially beneficial for students who thrive with focused attention or have unique learning needs and goals.

Each private lesson includes:

  • 30 minutes of riding instruction (saddle time)
  • Horsemanship theory and hands-on activities—including grooming, tacking, groundwork, and horse care—completed before and after the ride
  • Instruction provided by qualified riding instructors experienced with youth and special education needs

For complete beginners and new riders, we always start with private lessons. There is a tremendous amount to learn at the outset—from basic horse handling and equipment safety to posture and emotional regulation—and it’s important that students master these foundational skills before entering a group environment.

This approach is not only about giving them the best chance at success, but also about ensuring safety for all riders. We want to be sure that riders have solid fundamentals before working near others on horseback.

Our private lesson program is carefully tailored to each individual. We match every student with the right horse and instructor, ensuring the most supportive and productive learning environment. The curriculum is adapted to align with the student’s personal goals, interests, and pace of progression, whether that includes basic horsemanship, advanced riding techniques, or future competition preparation.

Group Lessons

Group lessons at WildHeart Riding School provide students with the opportunity to learn alongside their peers in a fun, collaborative setting. Each class includes no more than three to four students per instructor, allowing for personalized guidance while still promoting social engagement.

Each group lesson includes:

  • One hour of riding instruction (saddle time)
  • Horsemanship theory and ground handling activities—such as grooming, tacking, and horse care—conducted before and after the ride
  • Instruction provided by qualified riding instructors experienced with youth and special education needs

To ensure effective learning, students are grouped by age, attention span, and skill level. This careful grouping ensures that each rider is surrounded by peers who are at a similar developmental stage. It helps avoid large skill gaps that can hinder group progress, and promotes a balanced environment where everyone can grow together and get the most out of the instruction.

Regardless of format, the curriculum covers the following areas:

  • Horse anatomy and care
  • Tack and equipment safety
  • Leading, grooming, and groundwork
  • Mounting, posture, and riding techniques
  • Safety and emotional regulation with animals

Class Frequency & Tuition

Students may enroll for once, twice, or three times per week. All programs are booked by the month and designed to run in monthly sessions.

Billing options:

  • Funds to cover the entire enrollment period are allocated via the EMA
  • Tuition is charged up-front for 4 weeks of lessons at a time.

Eligibility & Enrollment

  • Open to home education students ages 5 and up
  • Proof of Home Education enrollment is required
  • Classes available Tuesday-Friday from 9:00am to 7:00pm

Attendance & Rescheduling Policy

To keep lessons fair and consistent for everyone, please review our attendance and rescheduling guidelines:

  • Cancellations are considered a missed lesson and are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Please arrive on time—late arrivals will not extend your lesson and will count against the allotted time.
  • If you are late, horses and trainers will be ready at the arena—just grab a helmet and head straight over to begin your ride!
  • Inclement Weather - In the event of severe weather or unsafe conditions for riding as determined by WildHeart Staff, the facility will either conduct a lesson that is strictly dismounted horsemanship, or administratively reschedule the class to the next available block, and the sole discretion of the WildHeart Staff.

Cancellation Policy

  • Automatic Re-Enrollment. Riders wishing to cancel enrollment must notify us in writing thirty (30) days in advance of their desired end date. Enrollment will auto-renew for another three month period if a (30) day cancellation notice is not received.
  • Cancellation Fee. Those wishing to cancel their program commitment early will be subject to a $400 cancellation fee charged to the card on file, due at the time of the requested cancellation. If there is less than one month left in the original commitment, the cancellation fee will be calculated at $100 per class left in the commitment period.
  • Should the client's payment method fail after 14 days of trying to collect the cancellation fee, the client will be reported to collections agencies.
  • No refunds are issued for unused classes.

Rider Evaluation & Horsemanship Certification

Students participate in a Rider Evaluation and Certification that assesses skill development and readiness to advance within the program. This certification confirms a student’s ability to safely and independently handle a horse from grooming through riding and post-ride care.

Certification Covers

  • Grooming: Proper use of brushes, hoof pick, and mane/tail care
  • Tacking: Identifying and correctly placing all tack
  • Leading & Arena Prep: Safely leading a horse and preparing for riding
  • Mounting & Riding Basics: Mounting, steering, stopping, backing, and dismounting
  • Post-Ride Care: Untacking and after-ride grooming

Certification Purpose

Students who pass the evaluation receive a certification showing they can confidently tack a horse and lead it to the arena independently. This certification tracks progress, builds confidence, and documents advancement. It does not permit students to teach lessons.

Pricing

  • Rider Evaluation & Certification Fee: $165 per evaluation

Introduction to Horsemanship Field Trip Trips

Our Introduction to Horsemanship Field Trip Trips are a fun, structured way for home educated students to experience horses in a safe, supportive environment.

This is a great option for beginners who want a meaningful introduction to riding and horsemanship—no prior experience required.

Introduction to Horsemanship Includes:

  • How to safely approach and connect with a horse
  • Learning the saddle parts and how to gear up
  • Getting comfortable mounting and sitting correctly
  • Taking those first steps in the saddle with confidence

Each Field Trip Also Includes:

  • Meeting and grooming the horses
  • A short ride
  • Time for questions, exploration, and hands-on learning
  • Some kids discover a new hobby. Others simply enjoy a meaningful learning experience — both are great outcomes.

Duration & Tuition:

This is a

  • 3-hour event.
  • Tuition is
  • $65 per student.
  • Eligibility:

    • Students must be
    • ages 6+
    • Weight limit for students is 200 lbs
    • All students must be able to communicate verbally with an instructor and follow instructions given in English

    Recreational Equine-Assisted Therapy Program

    Our Recreational Equine-Assisted Therapy Program offers a supportive, hands-on experience designed to help individuals build confidence, emotional awareness, and personal growth through guided interaction with horses. This program is non-clinical and recreational in nature, focusing on emotional grounding, trust-building, and self-regulation in a calm, outdoor environment.

    Who This Program Is For

    Recreational Equine-Assisted Therapy is especially beneficial for:

    • Veterans and service members
    • Individuals coping with stress, anxiety, or trauma
    • Teens seeking confidence and focus
    • Individuals with Stage 1 Autism
    • Anyone looking for emotional balance and personal development

    Each session is tailored to the participant’s comfort level and personal goals.

    What to Expect

    Participants work one-on-one with experienced instructors and carefully selected therapy horses in a structured yet relaxed setting. Sessions may include:

    • Ground-based horse interaction
    • Emotional awareness and calming exercises
    • Trust-building activities
    • Optional mounted work, when appropriate

    Horses naturally respond to human emotions, helping participants become more aware of their feelings, body language, and responses in real time.

    Why Horses?

    Horses are intuitive, non-judgmental animals that provide immediate feedback through their behavior. This creates a unique opportunity to practice:

    • Emotional regulation
    • Focus and patience
    • Confidence and communication
    • Mind-body connection

    How It Works

    Our Recreational Equine-Assisted Therapy Program follows a simple, supportive process designed to meet each participant where they are.

    Initial Assessment

    We begin with a one-on-one assessment to understand the participant’s goals, comfort level, and needs. This session allows us to build rapport, introduce the environment and horses, and determine the best path forward.

    • 45-minute session
    • $99

    Personalized Development Plan

    Based on the assessment, we create a customized development plan tailored specifically to the participant. This plan guides session structure, pacing, and focus areas to ensure a positive and meaningful experience.

    Ongoing Sessions

    Participants then enroll in ongoing sessions designed to support continued growth, confidence, and emotional regulation through guided equine interaction.

    • 45-minute session: $125
    • 60-minute session: $150

    Sessions are scheduled regularly and adjusted as the participant progresses.

    Important Note

    Our Recreational Equine-Assisted Therapy Program is designed to complement, not replace, professional medical or mental health care. We do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.

    Contact Us

    If you have any questions or need a custom schedule for your student, contact us via:

    Email: lessons@ridingschollacademy.com