Forest Hill Farms Equestrian Center, Muscatine, Iowa is a place where one can enjoy the pleasure of riding English and Western without the tremendous cost of owning a horse. For anyone wanting to get started in riding, purchasing a pleasure horse and tack can cost over $3,500. This initial investment does not include riding lessons or the monthly expenses of feed, board, vet and shoeing. At Forest Hill Farms, we can offer to more people the enjoyment of horseback riding without the initial investment of buying a horse. Some people may like to ride but are hesitant about investing in that kind of money, not knowing if they will stay with it. We purchase the horses, saddles and bridles and the people interested in riding can sign up for an hour of riding one, two or even three times a week. We feel that by providing this service, we can make horseback riding more affordable than owning your own horse.

As a part of our goal for a safe environment, we look for horses that will provide quietness and safety to our riders. Our horses have experience in being able to work with novice riders. They range in sizes to fit each rider, from the small child to the large adult. When we purchase horses we keep in mind their size, soundness and temperament.

As a part of our riding lesson program, we will be hosting Horse Shows that will be patterned towards the level of our member riders. We will be monitoring our riders so that we can have the shows custom made for their level of experience and ability.

Each level will compete as a Division of riders. Riders will be scored on a point system from 1 to 10. There will be ten areas that the rider will be judged on, five based on the rider position of aids and five on the rider execution of aids. Riders will draw for the horse that he/she will ride in the show (only the horses that the rider has practiced).

Each rider will have an opportunity to show his abilities to his/her friends and family without peer competition. Each rider will compete with themselves and will be rewarded on personal achievement. The riders will then earn points for each show through out the year and at the end of the year we hold an awards banquet to present trophies for the most points earned. The awards will be categorized in various groups according to ages, levels of riding and personal achievement, from beginner to advanced.

In addition to the riding lesson program we enjoy catering to the whole family and non-riders as well with various social events and activities. We love for family and friends to gather together for picnics, cook-outs, dances and hay rides. We strive for a casual feel in offering a place where families can gather together to participate in the various programs that we offer. We try to have something for everyone to enjoy.

It is our continuing goal to maintain a fine riding school. Hopefully, more will be achieved from the teaching of good horsemanship than the winning of blue ribbons. Our sincere desire is to instill in our students the spirit of sportsmanship, something that will live a lifetime in their character. We want to bring out the values of teamwork and fun, so closely associated with the affection felt for our friend, the horse.

Riding Lesson Times and Prices

Riding Lesson Frequently Asked Questions

Forest Hill Farms Equestrian Center
2116 Forest Lane
Muscatine, Iowa 52761
563-263-5840
email