Trails 2 Rails Equine

09/02/2026

Beginner Horseback Riding Lessons: English or Western

Cost: $50
Location: Lake Wylie, SC
When: Morning and Afternoon availability M-F
Duration: 1hr - 1hr 15min
How to sign up: Text Katie 704.488.1822

Want to learn to ride a horse but have no experience?

I have a limited number of lesson spots weekly that allow one on one instruction to give you the basic knowledge you need to start your horse journey.

The foundation of all riding disciplines, and therefore my riding program, is an educated seat that can function with full contact in the saddle. Commonly called a deep seat, this seat develops into dressage, western, equitation, and jumpers. It is very easy to learn one or two modifiers to adjust to a forward seat for hunters if that path is preferred after the deep seat is developed.

Riders spend part of every private lesson on the lunge line, a tool instructors use to maintain a measure of control of the horse so that riders can focus on their own body and balance. This allows riders to learn to sit in harmony with their horse prior to taking the reins and responsibility of speed, steering, and stopping.

Once a rider is comfortable with the motion of a walking horse on the lunge line, they begin to ride independently - learning how to use their body to ask the horse to go, stop, and steer.

The riding portion of the lesson is usually about 30 minutes in the beginning - as riders progress in skill and fitness, saddle time increases.

Your lesson is not just riding - a typical lesson will include putting a halter on your assigned horse, grooming, tacking up, sweeping, riding, cooling your horse out, untacking, grooming, returning your horse to the pasture, caring for your tack, and putting everything away.

Because I believe in teaching all aspects of horsemanship at the barn, on foul weather days we learn about balancing horse time with compassion for these amazing creatures that allow us to sit on them for our enjoyment. If a horse comes in with an injury or illness, we may learn how to assess and treat versus ride. I'm starting to realize that by shielding students from uncomfortable weather and situations where horse welfare is concerned we've effectively created a gap of knowledge of how horses receive care 365 days a year regardless of riding and conditions. I want to start to help this next generation have a full and complete understanding of what it means to truly do the physical caring for a horse. Luckily we are blessed to have beautiful farms that allow us to provide comfort to these gentle souls while staying out of the elements ourselves.

Through quiet, consistent, focused, and educated instruction I will help you start your horse journey in a simple and safe way.

08/20/2026

This video has a few golden nuggets!!! Remember, horseback riding is a sport, it requires athleticism as well as physical skills - unmounted lessons help us learn these skills even when the weather is bad. I encourage all of my riders to do off the horse activities that increase body awareness, coordination, strength, and flexibility. There are some really good easy to access resources that can help guide your journey - this is one of my favorite sources of exercises and insight - give her a follow and try to incorporate some off the horse things - you might be surprised by how much progress you can make when your own two feet are on the ground.

08/13/2026

I killed another phone yesterday - not sure I'm going to be able to get old messages onto this new one. Not sure if all of my contacts were backed up - so bear with me!

07/31/2026

As the school year starts and new schedules begin...

Lesson openings for beginner horseback riding at Trails 2 Rails Equine in Lake Wylie

All students start with one on one instruction until they can do the following independently:

* Halter a horse
* Safely lead a horse
* Fully and correctly groom
* Tack up
* Safely mount
* Steer while walking and trotting
* Walk, trot, and canter in balance on the lunge line
* Untack, care for tack
* Groom thoroughly after ride

After they can do those things they can join a group lesson.

Now scheduling for August - Saturday and Sunday times available.

Text 704.488.1822 to get on the schedule!

07/23/2026

The August schedule is about to go out for lessons - with the next 3 weeks traditionally being the hottest weeks of the summer, I'm going to offer morning lessons on both Saturdays and Sundays. I would love to do a group lesson first thing each morning followed by one or two private lessons. After school lessons will be scheduled, but we'll need to keep a close eye on the weather and adjust intensity accordingly.

Starting September 1st, there is a new pricing schedule that will also be implemented. I need to make sure everyone is aware of what kind of lesson they are signing up for and make sure the charges match so that I can continue to offer a program that is welcoming to riders who are new to the world of horses.

I will be sending out via text updated lessons policies in a PDF form that I will need filled out, signed, and returned by August 22nd.

Unfortunately, there have been quite a few cases of signing up for lessons spots and late cancelling after business hours or late in the day before that have impacted the care I've been able to provide to the horses. I will be requiring payment 48hrs in advance by those riders who have more than 2 late cancels already this year, in accordance with the published lessons policies I already have in place.

I will continue to send out monthly schedule options to everyone so that we all can reference our calendars to see appointments, sports schedules, vacations, school breaks, etc ahead of time so that we can maximize learning without big gaps between barn time.

If I know ahead of time that the majority of my established lessons are out of town for the holidays or school break, I can offer day camps or tiny tot lessons on those days or even possibly schedule a day off for myself 🤪

Please keep your eyes open for the group message with the August calendar - I have to do multiple group texts because I'm over the limit for just one so if you don't get one by Friday 7/24 evening - reach out and I'll get you looped in on lessons offerings

Thanks and I am looking forward to seeing everyone again this coming school year!

07/14/2026

$200 for a fun end of summer day camp!

As always - closed toe shoes, long pants, water bottle, and a sense of humor are all that's required!

06/24/2026

Spots available because I forgot to advertise! Text 704.488.1822 to sign up!

06/05/2026

Tuesday 6/9

Intro to Ponies Day Camp

Groom, ride, play

Ages 8 and up

Start: 9am
End: 12pm

Cost: $50

Come meet, groom, ride, and love on ponies. Designed for kids who have never ridden before or have very limited horse experience.

Learn the basics about how to interact with horses safely.

Must wear long pants, closed toe non fashion heels to participate.

Located off of Bethel School Rd in Lake Wylie

Text Katie at 704.488.1822 to reserve your spot

05/17/2026

I had planned on having yesterday afternoon and today to work on summer camp confirmations - but am running way behind after catching up on much needed farm chores - I'm starting now - it is not too late to send in your requests by text - I'll be in touch with anyone who has texted, a lot of people have talked to me, but I can't remember who - as always, please text in writing so that I can get organized! Thanks! 704.488.1822

05/10/2026

Great deal for any students who need breeches

ChickSaddlery.com - Saddle, Horse Tack and Horse Supply Warehouse. Western Saddles, English Saddles, saddlery, Tack, Horse and riding equipment at discount prices.