Kershaw Acres

Many of the horses boarded at Kershaw Acres are available for use in all our programs (with the exception of Shira, whose owner rides her every day!)  You probably noticed on our Happy Horses page that almost all of the horses are "aged".  That typically means over 9 years of age; however, most of our horses are late teenagers or are in their early 20's, with Elly being the oldest at 27 in 2011!  PLEASE NOTE that due to their age and the fact that they are "average-size" horses, we enforce a 220lb weight limit for their riders.  Thanks for understanding!

IF YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE ISSUES, OR THINK YOU ARE TOO YOUNG OR TOO OLD TO RIDE --THINK AGAIN!  Our riders range in age from 3 years to 70-something.  Riding is great fun, good exercise, and very therapeutic for everyone!

When we downsized our facility, we relocated the younger lesson horses to appropriate homes and kept the trustworthy "oldsters."  SAFETY IS #1 ON OUR LIST!  We find it very satisfying to work with beginners of all ages, and these horses have all "been there, done that".  At the same time, however, most of them still are capable of giving even the most experienced person a wonderful ride.  We think they are the perfect horses for almost anyone!  (One thing we don't ask of our older horses is to jump.)

Riders who have their own horses and are able to trailer them also are welcome here!  And, we offer HOME VISITS when trailering is not an option.  Rates for Home Visits are negotiated individually and scheduled at mutually agreeable times.  Home Visits also can be used for unmounted work (demonstrations, stable management, etc.).  Just give us a call if there is anything you need help with -- even if we can't do it, we probably know someone who can!

COMMON QUESTIONS....and the answers!

How are groups arranged?

     Our groups are arranged first by ability, then by age, and, of course, mutually agreeable schedules.  Everyone gets a lot of individual attention regardless of group size, and you are encouraged to move forward at your own pace.  There is no need to feel any pressure...we have a very relaxed, low-key atmosphere.

My child is quite young.  Can I be part of the lesson?

     Parents are not required to be a part of the lessons, but if they choose to, we have a great time with "parent assist" classes!  We can handle up to six Knee-High's at one time, once we get the parents trained!  Your child can join an existing group, or we can form a new lesson group for your child's play group, Mommy group, Daisy Girl Scout group, etc. Call for details!

I had a bad experience with horses and now I'm scared to death!  Can you help me?

     If you have moved away from riding due to an accident or other fear, we are the place to help you overcome that fear and get back in the saddle!  Come ride with us and experience the contentment you will feel when you and your horse become partners.  Unmounted sessions are also available---we'll customize a program to fit you and your circumstances.  We're certain we can renew your confidence and passion for riding!

What do lessons include?

     We teach a well-rounded curriculum---the lessons include grooming,  tacking up, riding, and then attending to whatever needs to be done with the horse and tack at the end of the lesson.  Everyone learns to ride, for sure, but they also learn responsibility and proper care for horses and tack.

Is Kershaw Acres English or Western?

     We teach both English and Western, and have groups where the two styles are combined.  That works great because we cater to each student's goals and needs at every lesson.

What happens as a student progresses?

     Every student has their own set of goals and individual program.  Every lesson is carefully orchestrated to help the student work on his/her goals.  As students progress in their riding ability, they are also welcome to accompany us on Cross-Country Excursions--check out that web page for more info.

What kind of clothing do I need to ride at Kershaw Acres?

     We have only one dress code:  Sturdy Footwear and an SEI-approved helmet!  Dress for all activities is casual but SAFE.  (If you need a helmet, let us know.)

Do you have Gift Certificates?

     Yes, we have Gift Certificates available.  They are great for Birthdays, Christmas, and other "Special Occasions."

WARNING - under Delaware Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risk of equine activities, pursuant to 10 Delaware Code Section 8140.

 Kershaw Acres, 17170 Harbeson Road, Milton, DE 19968

Great Horseback Riding Lessons in Sussex County, Delaware

(1.25 miles North on Rt. 5 from the Rt.5/Rt.9 intersection at Harbeson)