Horseback Riding Lessons for individuals, groups or day camps for children at Saddle Soar Ranch
Saddle Soar Ranch is a proud member of the Certified Horsemanship AssociationSaddle Soar Ranch is proud to be an Accredited Site Member of the CHA.

CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) was founded in 1967 to develop a means to test and evaluate riding program staff for risk management skills, teaching ability, horsemanship knowledge and professionalism.

Click here for more info.

 We have been teaching at this location for over 13 years
 and we specialize in Teen and Adult Beginning Riders
 Call Today For Your First Lesson ~ (253) 927-6899
Gift Certificates Available!
Call 253-927-6899 to order one today!

Because children under 10 need more supervision please check the fees to the right. Meet the Instructors
Owner/Instructor
Darleen Finnigan
CHA & ARIA
Certified Instructors
Bill Finnigan CHA
Laura Pauls
-- Age Requirements Riding --
Age Requirements Riding a horse takes most of the same mental and emotional development that driving a vehicle does.

Because of this, it is very difficult for small children to accomplish most riding skills. Add to this the need to have an assertive character to convince the horse that you are bigger and smarter than he is.

Most safety conscious facilities recommend that age of 10 to be the best to start riding lessons.

The exception to this rule is if the child will be exposed to horses otherwise and for safety sake needs to learn basic safety and be comfortable around horses. (Many children by six are able to apply safety.)

We recommend that before small children take lessons, one of the parents take at least one month of lessons to understand what riding includes and to be able to reinforce the safety the child learns.

Because children under 10 years old almost always require more supervision for safety reasons, we add $20.00 per year under ten to each month's lesson fees.
  • 9 years ~ $170
  • 8 years ~ $180
  • 7 years ~ $190
  • 6 years ~ $200
  • 5 years ~ $210


It is rare, and only after many months of lessons, that a child under 8 will be taken off the lead line. This is because should the horse spook (all horses spook at some time; it is their nature to do so), a child this young does not have the strength and rarely the courage to control the horse.

They do not have enough body weight or leg length to remain in the saddle during the unexpected move and they are very likely to fall off anytime the horse does an unplanned move.

For a parent unacquainted with horses, we recommend that you obtain and read the book 'Teaching Safe Horsemanship' by Jan Dawson to help you better understand why Saddle Soar Ranch has these policies.

If you still have questions, please feel free to call us. Thank you.
 Lesson Times:
 Monday-Friday...2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
 Saturdays..........9 a.m. to Noon
 Closed on Sundays
 Summers:
 June - August....some morning classes available depending
 on the instructors availability.
 Special party groups planned per private arrangements
 for prices and times.
 Rates: ~fees are subject to change without notice~
 Cash or Checks ONLY. We cannot accept either
 credit cards or debit cards at this time.
 *Price rates do not apply to children under 10 years of
 age. Please inquire at 253-927-6899. Closed on Sundays.

 There is a one time enrollment and orientation fee of
 $40.00 for all new or returning students. This fee covers
 the advance session held before riding lessons begin to
 review safety and policy procedures with students and
 student's parents.
 Private: Four 1 hour lessons.......$160.00 per month

 *Semi-Private or **Group Rate:
    please read * notations below the prices for these classes.
    2 - 4 students in each 1 hour class.
   Four hours per month.......$120.00 per each student
   in the group
  *There can be no make-up classes or schedule changes
    unless by the instructor for holidays.
    There will be no credit given for missed classes in the
    Group Classes.

 **New and returning students must start in private
      lessons FIRST.

 Horsemanship 101: 1 eight hour class.
  Saturday seminar. Hours: 9 - 5:30.
  Held once a year in the Spring.......$75.00
  Children 14 and under must be accompanied with
  parent or legal adult in class.

 Our facilities offer an outdoor arena with lights for evening classes and a pea-gravel footing.
 We are located in Edgewood WA, 5 miles south of Federal Way and 4 miles north of Puyallup.
 See MAP for directions to our ranch.
 Please come and visit our facilities and view a lesson in progress!

 Call for an appointment - 253-927-6899. Closed on Sundays

 11810 County Line Rd. E.
 Edgewood/Puyallup
 WA 98372
 (253) 927-6899 [Office Hours are Monday - Friday ~ Noon - 8 p.m.]