Iron Rose Academy operates much like a traditional riding lesson program — except our focus is the Thoroughbred racing industry.

There is no semester, required number of lessons or set timeline to complete the program. Students choose what they want to learn and how often they want to come, whether that means one lesson a week, several lessons a week or lessons whenever their schedule allows.

Your instruction progresses with you.

More Than Time in the Saddle

If your goal is to become an exercise rider, your education doesn’t begin when you get on the horse.

It begins in the barn.

Students learn the complete process of preparing and caring for the horse they ride. Depending on their experience and stage of training, a lesson may include:

• Catching, handling and grooming

• Identifying and using racetrack equipment

• Tacking the horse independently

• Checking tack for proper fit and safety

• Riding and galloping instruction

• Cooling out and bathing

• Cleaning and properly storing equipment

• Bandaging and basic leg care

• Recognizing changes in a horse before and after training

• Racetrack terminology, routines and expectations

As students advance, additional skills are introduced naturally into their lessons.

The goal isn’t simply to teach someone how to ride a racehorse.

It’s to develop knowledgeable, capable horsemen who understand the horse underneath them.

Choose Your Direction

Racetrack Basics & Beginner Horsemanship

For students who are new to horses, new to racing, or simply unsure where they want to begin. Lessons focus on foundational horse handling, grooming, leading, safety, basic care, racetrack tack and equipment, terminology and everyday barn routines. Students can also explore the different roles within a racing stable before deciding which direction they would like to pursue.

Grooming Lessons

For students interested in developing the hands-on horsemanship skills used every day in a racing barn. Lessons may include grooming, bathing, tacking and untacking, equipment care, bandaging, basic leg care and learning what to look for when caring for an individual horse.

Hotwalking Lessons

For students who want to learn how to safely handle racehorses before and after training. Instruction may include leading, using a shank, cooling horses out, recognizing behavior and body language, bathing, basic grooming and understanding everyday racetrack routines.

Galloping Lessons

For students interested in becoming exercise riders or improving their racetrack riding skills. Students progress from foundational position and control through our arenas and gallops toward realistic racetrack riding while also learning the complete process of preparing and caring for the horse they ride.

Ponying Lessons

Learn how to safely handle and control another horse from horseback, including positioning, picking horses up, releasing horses and managing different horses and situations.

Foreman & Assistant Trainer Lessons

For students interested in the management side of a racing stable. Instruction may include horse observation, barn organization, communication, equipment and treatment routines, staffing responsibilities, paperwork, race preparation and the day-to-day responsibilities of keeping a racing barn running.

No Fixed Timeline

Every student starts from a different place.

Someone with years of riding experience may advance differently than someone completely new to horses. Because of that, Iron Rose Academy does not require students to purchase a complete course or follow a predetermined timeline.

Lessons are $45 individually, with package options available for students who want to train more frequently.

You decide how often you come.

We help determine when you’re ready for the next step.

Your education is yours to lead.