French Hill Riding Academy

Welcome to French Hill Farm Riding Academy

Established in 1997, French Hill Farm Riding Academy has earned a reputation as the premier destination for horseback riding lessons in the Portland-Salem area. Our Academy offers English riding lessons for children aged seven and above, as well as adults, with the goal of teaching students to ride, handle, and groom horses safely and competently.

Our Instructors and Staff

Our instructors are certified by the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and have extensive experience in riding and teaching. We pride ourselves on addressing all aspects of horse care, safety, and responsibility, as well as skills. Our staff understands the importance of building a strong foundation for riders of all levels. We believe that students will thrive in an environment that fosters their growth, both as riders and as responsible individuals.

At French Hill Farm Riding Academy, we believe that safety and enjoyment go hand in hand. Our aim is to provide a supportive and enjoyable learning experience for all of our students. As Linda Royer from Oregon City, OR says, "I feel my grandson is in good hands at French Hill."

Riding Lessons

Our riding lessons are tailored to each student's unique skill level, from beginner to intermediate/advanced. Our school horses are carefully selected for their quiet temperaments, good manners, and their ability to help students learn the fundamentals of riding. Jumping over a course of jumps is included in the lessons for those students who wish to participate and are capable of doing so.

Leighanne Brocki, our Full-Time Riding Instructor, has been teaching at French Hill Farm since 2004. With a background in Three-Day Eventing, Dressage, and Jumper Divisions, Leighanne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. In 2014, she became a USHJA Certified Trainer, further solidifying her commitment to the American Forward Riding System. Leighanne's greatest passion is seeing riders reach their goals and surpass their own expectations of how far they can go in their riding.

Our student assistants are teens with extensive experience in both riding and horse care. They play a vital role in our program by assisting students with grooming, tacking, and untacking horses. Additionally, they help instructors with turnout, blanketing, and horse laundry. Our student assistants are hardworking and dedicated individuals who help make our program a success.

Our School Horses

Our school horses are the backbone of our program. We take great care in ensuring that they are well-cared for and receive the same level of care as our show horses. Our horses receive regular veterinary, dental, and farrier care, turnout year-round, and weekly schooling by one of our instructors. Our horses are measured in "hands, " with one hand equaling four inches. Our horses include:

• Ginger (15.2 hands)
• GG (14.2 hands)
• Pokie (14 hands)
• Fox (15.1 hands)
• Tempe (16 hands)
• May (15 hands)

Summer Camps

Our summer camps are the perfect opportunity for children aged 7-14 to learn how to ride or improve their existing riding skills. Our camps have been running successfully since 1998, and many campers return year after year. We also offer Kindercamps for children aged 5 and 6.

Our goal is to teach the basics of riding and caring for horses in a safe and fun environment. We believe that summer camps should be both enjoyable and educational, and we strive to provide an unforgettable experience for all of our campers.