Business Details
Expert Hunt-Seat Riding Lessons for All Ages
At Rising Stars Equestrian, we believe in cultivating confidence through exceptional riding instruction. Our mission centers on using horsemanship to teach life skills, responsibility, and compassion while maintaining a focus on safe, professional riding education. With over 25 years of combined experience among our lead instructors, we offer personalized hunt-seat riding lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to competitive riders. Our team includes certified professionals with expertise in hunter/jumper disciplines, dressage, and eventing, ensuring diverse teaching methodologies for varied learning styles. Located just seven minutes from Wayzata adjacent to Wolsfeld Woods, our facilities at Fortuna Farm and Grand Oaks Farm provide year-round access to well-maintained arenas and quality horses suitable for all ages and abilities.Small class sizes guarantee individualized attention, while our structured programs emphasize both technical riding proficiency and character development. We maintain rigorous safety standards requiring SEI-approved helmets and proper footwear, and we partner with trusted tack suppliers to ensure rider preparedness. Our progressive curriculum balances serious instruction with enjoyment, fostering lifelong equestrian enthusiasts while prioritizing transparency in operations and client satisfaction.
Services
Riding Lessons
Competitive Training
Horsemanship Instruction
Adult Riding Programs
Horse Shows Participation
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized hunt-seat riding lessons with certified instructors
- Our team includes Grand Prix-level competitors and experienced trainers
- Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and safety
- We provide horses suitable for all ages and ability levels
- Our facilities combine professional instruction with family-friendly environments
Services
Riding Lessons
Structured hunt-seat riding instruction for all skill levels combines technical proficiency with character development. Our small group lessons emphasize safety, horsemanship, and progressive skill acquisition through personalized coaching. Certified instructors utilize proven methodologies to build confidence while maintaining an enjoyable learning environment.
Competitive Training
Comprehensive preparation for hunter/jumper competitions includes horse leasing options and show scheduling. Experienced trainers develop riders' technical skills and mental readiness for regional and national events. Our program emphasizes proper technique, ring etiquette, and performance consistency at various competition levels.
Horsemanship Instruction
Foundational horsemanship courses teach essential care, grooming, and handling techniques alongside riding skills. Curriculum covers stable management, equine behavior, and safety protocols for responsible horse interaction. Instruction emphasizes mutual respect between rider and horse through practical hands-on experience.
Adult Riding Programs
Specialized instruction caters to adult learners seeking recreational riding or competitive pursuits. Flexible scheduling accommodates busy lifestyles while focusing on confidence-building and technical improvement. Program includes both casual riding experiences and structured skill development pathways for mature students.
Horse Shows Participation
Guided participation in regional and national horse shows includes logistical support and competition preparation. Our calendar features schooling shows and rated competitions at premier venues across Minnesota and Ohio. Program requires horse ownership or leasing for full event participation opportunities.
People
Gina Vlahos
Director of Riding Program & Trainer
With 25+ years of Grand Prix competition experience, Gina specializes in hunter/jumper training for riders of all levels. She has taught riding lessons and camps for six years, focusing on personalized instruction that balances technical excellence with rider confidence development.
Raven Bellefleur
Trainer
Raven brings a decade of riding experience and three years of teaching expertise to beginner and intermediate riders. Her cross-disciplinary approach combines dressage fundamentals with hunter/jumper techniques to develop well-rounded equestrians through patient, compassionate instruction.
Diane Westby
Trainer
With 40+ years in hunter/jumper and dressage disciplines, Diane specializes in foundational horsemanship instruction. She creates engaging learning experiences for beginners while maintaining technical rigor in hunt seat equitation training for developing riders.
Leslie Davis
Trainer
Leslie offers 25 years of eventing and dressage expertise, particularly excelling in adult rider instruction. Her unique perspective as an adult learner informs her teaching approach, which balances fundamental basics with progressive skill development for students of all ages.
Questions
What riding experience levels do you accommodate?
We offer lessons for complete beginners through advanced competitive riders with personalized instruction tailored to individual skill levels and goals.
What equipment do I need for my first lesson?
Riders must wear SEI-approved helmets and paddock boots with heels. We recommend purchasing your own helmet for proper fit and safety.
Are there competitive riding opportunities available?
Yes, we provide structured competitive training programs and participate in regional/national horse shows with required horse ownership or leasing.
What are your facility locations?
We operate at Fortuna Farm (Long Lake, MN) and Grand Oaks Farm (Delano, MN) with convenient access to the Twin Cities metro area.
How do lesson scheduling and commitments work?
Lessons occur weekly with flexible day/evening options. Regular attendance is required, with additional sessions available for accelerated progress.
