Business Details
Expert Hunt-Seat Riding Lessons for All Levels
At Rising Stars Equestrian, we believe in nurturing confidence through horsemanship. Our mission is to create confident riders by combining traditional hunt-seat riding techniques with compassionate instruction. With over 25 years of combined experience among our lead instructors, we offer structured programs that emphasize safety, skill development, and personal growth. Our approach integrates riding fundamentals with character-building values like responsibility and empathy, ensuring students gain both technical proficiency and life skills. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, while our diverse team of trainers accommodates various learning styles. Located just minutes from Wayzata at Fortuna Farm and Grand Oaks Farm, we provide year-round access to quality equestrian education.Our facilities feature well-maintained horses and ponies suitable for all experience levels, from beginners to competitive riders. We prioritize proper horsemanship practices, teaching riders to care for their equipment and animals while developing riding proficiency. Our program follows a logical progression that challenges students to expand their abilities while maintaining a supportive environment. Whether pursuing riding as a lifelong hobby or competitive sport, our students benefit from professional instruction that balances serious training with enjoyable experiences.
Services
Riding Lessons
Horse Shows
Horsemanship Training
Adult Riding Programs
Beginner Instruction
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized hunt-seat riding instruction tailored to individual learning styles
- Our instructors have 25+ combined years of competitive riding and teaching experience
- Small class sizes ensure focused attention and safe learning environments
- We combine traditional riding techniques with modern horsemanship education
- Two convenient Minnesota locations with quality horses for all skill levels
Services
Riding Lessons
Structured hunt-seat riding instruction for all levels combines flat work and jumping techniques. Small group classes emphasize proper form, safety, and progressive skill development. Instructors tailor lessons to individual learning styles while maintaining traditional equestrian standards.
Horse Shows
Competitive riders participate in local and regional shows throughout the year. Programs prepare students for hunter/jumper circuits with access to quality show horses. Instruction includes competition strategy and ring etiquette for various show levels.
Horsemanship Training
Comprehensive horsemanship education covers horse care, equipment maintenance, and riding fundamentals. Students learn grooming, tacking, and horse handling alongside riding skills. Curriculum emphasizes respect for animals and responsible riding practices.
Adult Riding Programs
Specialized instruction accommodates adult learners at any experience level. Patient trainers help mature students develop riding confidence and technical proficiency. Programs cater to both recreational riders and those pursuing competitive goals.
Beginner Instruction
Foundational riding programs teach basic horsemanship to new riders. Curriculum covers safety, mounting/dismounting, and fundamental riding techniques. Beginners work with experienced instructors using appropriately sized school horses.
People
Gina Vlahos
Director of Riding Program & Trainer
With 25+ years of competitive riding experience up to Grand Prix level, Gina specializes in hunter/jumper training. She has taught riding lessons and camps for six years, helping students achieve personal and competitive goals through compassionate instruction.
Raven Bellefleur
Trainer
A decade of riding experience informs Raven's cross-disciplinary approach to rider training. She teaches beginner and intermediate levels using dressage, hunter/jumper, and horsemanship fundamentals while emphasizing patience and compassionate training methods.
Diane Westby
Trainer
With 40+ years of show experience in hunter/jumper and dressage disciplines, Diane focuses on teaching foundational horsemanship skills. She creates enjoyable learning experiences for beginners while maintaining traditional riding standards and equitation principles.
Leslie Davis
Trainer
Leslie brings 25 years of eventing and dressage expertise to her instruction. Having learned riding as an adult, she uniquely understands mature learners' needs. She teaches children and adults while emphasizing fundamental riding basics and horsemanship.
Questions
What riding experience levels do you accommodate?
We teach all levels from complete beginners to competitive riders. Our structured programs adapt to individual skill levels and goals.
What equipment do I need for lessons?
Riders must wear SEI-approved helmets and paddock boots with heels. We recommend purchasing your own helmet for proper fit.
Are there lesson scheduling options?
We offer weekly lessons with day and evening options Monday-Thursday 3-7 PM and Saturday afternoons.
Do you offer competitive show preparation?
Yes, we prepare riders for local and regional horse shows. You must own or lease a horse to participate in our show program.
What locations do you operate from?
Our primary facilities are at Fortuna Farm in Long Lake and Grand Oaks Farm in Delano, Minnesota.
