Weekly Lessons

Thorncroft is a mainstreaming facility where people with and without disabilities come together to ride, learn and relate to one another. Within this accepting environment they promote growth within each other.

Thorncroft offers weekly lessons charged on a monthly basis for riders ages five and above.  Riders ride at the same time each week, on the same day. We offer half-hour private lessons, 45 minutes semi-privates (two riders,) or one-hour group lessons. The rate for each lesson remains the same. Thorncroft does not offer one-time rides, trail rides, trial lessons, or time riding without an instructor. All riding occurs in a lesson with an instructor present. At this time, Thorncroft does not offer jumping as part of our lessons.

Becoming Involved as a New Rider

To learn more about our enrollment process and to access the intake forms, please click the Admissions Process & Forms button found below.

Pricing

Thorncroft offers a monthly rate of $225.00 for lessons. The $225.00 covers four lessons, one lesson a week with payment due by the 7th of each month. *Due to the number of rider we teach, we are unable to offer makeup lessons due to illness or otherwise, or offer any discount for missed lessons. If there is any reason Thorncroft needs to cancel your lesson, we will prorate the $225.00 fee. We offer a $25.00 discount if tuition is paid by the 7th of the month. Please refer to our Lesson Payment Policy for further information.

Online lesson payment is for current riders only.

Calendar Updates

Thorncroft is closed for lessons on January 1, May 26, May 27, and May 29, July 4, August 31 beginning at 3:00 p.m., September 4, November 23, December 24 beginning at 5:00 p.m., December 25, and December 31 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Per our lesson policy, no make up or rescheduling of lessons may occur.

Inclement Weather

Thorncroft rarely closes due to weather and there will always be an instructor available to teach. Should the weather cause an inability for you or your rider to travel, please call us at 610-644-1963.

At this time, gift certificates for riding lessons are available only to current riders

Our Instructors

Thorncroft is home to over 20 highly qualified instructors, who have several qualifications, including: PATH Intl., ARICP, CHA, Centered Riding, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Special Olympics, Eagala, and Para-Equestrian Dressage.

Disciplines Available:

  • Hunt Seat
  • Dressage

At this time, Thorncroft does not offer jumping as part of our lessons.

*Due to the number of students we teach, we are unable to offer makeup lessons due to illness or otherwise, or offer any discount for missed lessons. If there is any reason Thorncroft needs to cancel your lesson, we will prorate the $225.00 fee.*

*Please refer to our Lesson Payment Policy for further information.

Riders are required to wear proper ASTM/SEI approved headgear and footwear. Thorncroft has a selection of helmets available if the student does not own one. We suggest that students wear a shoe with a small heel or a boot, as opposed to a sneaker, and long pants. In the chillier months, we recommend wearing appropriate outerwear along with gloves if able.

 

Working Students

Thorncroft has long enjoyed the community resulting from our Working Student Program. Students on the lesson schedule have the opportunity to earn a second lesson in exchange for their working in the barn. Those students over 13 years old can earn an additional lesson with six hours of work.

Working student lessons are non-transferable and must be scheduled within the week of the six hours of work completed.

Thorncroft offers the opportunity to learn the necessary job skills that can lead to productive employment and more self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.

Support the Farm!

Since 1969 Thorncroft has provided a safe haven for children and adults with and without special needs. The Farm now includes 70 acres of open space, a conference center, office space and two beautiful indoor arenas… but the work does not stop there.

Learn more about the many ways you can support Thorncroft.