Frequently Asked Questions
How can I start riding at Wrenacyn?
The first step is a New Student Consultation that you can book by visiting:
https://www.wrenacyn.com/lessons-1
This is a great way to discover if joining our community is right for you. During the consultation, you will tour our facility, meet our friendly horses, and enjoy a riding evaluation to assess your skill level or experience your first lesson. You will have the time to ask questions and discuss goals with our instructors, who will create a personalized plan to help you succeed.
Or if you aren’t quite ready to jump in the saddle, book a 30-Minute Farm Tour/Meet & Greet available on the same link: https://www.wrenacyn.com/lessons-1
What are Wrenacyn’s guiding principles?
At Wrenacyn, our teaching philosophy is rooted in a simple but uncompromising principle: the health, safety, care, and happiness of both horse and rider always come first. Every decision we make—whether in the saddle, on the ground, or in how we maintain our facility—reflects this commitment. Riding is not just a sport here; it is a relationship built on trust, respect, and responsibility. Please read more about our guiding principles here: The Wrenacyn Way
We do not operate with “lesson horses” in the traditional sense. The horses at Wrenacyn are not disposable tools for instruction or animals acquired inexpensively to cycle through a program. They are valued members of our program—partners we work with to teach horsemanship and riding. Many represent significant financial investment, and in some cases, extensive rehabilitation and care. Whether purchased at a high level or rescued and thoughtfully brought back to health, each horse is treated as an individual with long-term wellbeing in mind. Because of this, our expectations for how they are handled and ridden are intentionally higher than what may be found at other facilities.
It is important to understand that programs like ours are rare. Many lesson barns operate on high-volume models with horses that are expected to tolerate a wide range of riding with minimal customization. At Wrenacyn, we take the opposite approach. It is not uncommon for riders here to work with horses of exceptional quality and value—horses that require thoughtful, correct riding and careful management. This is a privilege, and it comes with responsibility. Instructors and clients alike are expected to rise to that standard.
The “Wrenacyn Way” emphasizes correct, empathetic riding over quick results. We prioritize fundamentals, balance, and communication, always advocating for the horse’s physical and mental wellbeing. There is zero tolerance for riding that is harsh, careless, or rooted in frustration. Progress is measured not just by rider achievement, but by the horse’s comfort, willingness, and soundness over time.
This philosophy extends beyond riding into every aspect of the facility. We expect everyone—staff and clients alike—to treat the barn, arenas, and equipment with the same level of care as if they personally invested in them. Act as though you purchased every saddle, built every fence line, and funded every inch of footing. Our arenas, fencing, and equipment represent substantial investment and are essential to maintaining a safe, high-quality environment. Respect for the space is non-negotiable.
Being part of Wrenacyn means recognizing that what we offer is special. It is a place where horses are respected, riders are developed with intention, and standards are upheld without compromise. Every interaction—with horses, people, and property—should reflect that understanding.
Can I stop by the farm to look around?
Wrenacyn is a private property and residence, so we kindly ask that you do not stop by unannounced. To ensure the safety and privacy of our riders, staff, and horses, all visits must be scheduled in advance.
If you’d like to see the property, we’d love to have you—please book a farm tour or new student consultation so we can give you the time and attention you deserve.
Where do I go once I arrive?
After turning into the property, please park by the garage or on the gravel between the barns if possible. You are welcome to park on the grass if the ground is not wet. For New Student Consultations, a staff member will meet you at the garage. For all other lessons, please proceed to the main barn or arena barn and locate a staff member. Do not enter empty barns.
What gear should I or my child(ren) wear to Wrenacyn?
You or your child(ren) do not need any special equipment besides long pants and closed toed shoes. When riding with stirrups, we require a boot with a small heel (so the rider's foot cannot slip through the stirrup and trap the rider) but we do a lot of work at the beginning without stirrups. We also have various boot sizes available for children to borrow. Do not wear crocs or flip-flops.
Helmets that meet ASTM/SEI standards are encouraged but not required. Investing in a helmet once you know your or your child(ren) will ride regularly is a great idea. We do have helmets available for use that are sprayed heavily with lice/bug treatment and disinfectants so tend to smell...um...strong ;)
The goal is to remove barriers to learning about horses so we are flexible with the gear required for the introduction phase of riding and while exploring if riding is right for each individual.
Can I stay to watch my child(ren)’s lesson?
Yes. Please do. In fact, to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all our riders, our facility follows the safety guidelines set by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. These rules are in place to protect everyone—especially our young riders—and to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and care.
One of the key policies we follow is about one-on-one interactions between adults and minors. Simply put: Private one-on-one interactions between a coach and a minor are not allowed unless they are observable and interruptible. This means the lesson must take place in a space where others can see or enter at any time—like a ring or barn with open sight lines.
What this means for you:
If there is only one staff member on-site during your child’s lesson, we require that you stay for the duration. Your presence helps us maintain compliance with SafeSport rules and ensures your child’s experience is safe, positive, and in line with national standards. We ask that you remain a bystander during your child(ren)’s lesson. This helps ensure that the instructor can maintain a safe and structured environment as our instructors are responsible for fitting and adjusting everything appropriately for safety and comfort.
We truly appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to keep our barn a safe and welcoming place for all!
What should I expect in terms of lesson frequency, length, and scheduling?
Most riders see steady improvement riding 1–2 times per week, though additional rides or leasing may be recommended for faster progress. Lessons are 60 minutes total, which includes grooming, tacking, riding, and untacking. Please arrive at your lesson time. We cannot supervise or ensure that our clients can be attended to properly before your scheduled time. Lessons are held year-round, weather permitting. In cases of extreme or unsafe weather, lessons may be rescheduled to prioritize safety.
How are groups formed? How can I expect to progress?
We use the Wrenacyn Equitation Progression: Standards and Proficiencies as a guideline for our lessons. that is grounded in The Wrenacyn Way: correct, empathetic riding that prioritizes horse and rider safety, balance, and long-term wellbeing.
Advancement through levels at Wrenacyn is not based on time or number of lessons, but on demonstrated proficiency, consistency, and readiness; both physically and mentally. Riders must show respect for the horse, control of their body, and understanding of fundamental aids before progressing. Each level builds on the last, with an emphasis on independence, feel, and thoughtful horsemanship.
How much do lessons cost and how can I schedule?
Private lessons are $85/hour, semi-private lessons are $75/hour, and Group Lessons (4 riders) are sold in 8-10 week packages that are $70 per session. Generally, instruction takes place Monday-Friday from 12-7 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, we offer lessons from 9-3 pm and again from 4-7 pm This schedule might change for the summer as we consider how best to care for our horses given the DC area heat and humidity.
There are several scheduling options available depending on how much flexibility or consistency you prefer.
Option 1 is our Monthly Flexible Subscription, which includes 4 lessons per month for $340/month. This subscription automatically renews each month until canceled, and you will receive a code each billing cycle to book your 4 lessons. This option is best for students or families with changing schedules who do not need the same lesson time every week. It also eliminates the need to re-enroll each session or season. The main advantage is flexibility, but because scheduling is first come, first served, preferred time slots may not always be available, and you can only book 4 lessons at a time.
Option 2 is the Session Subscription for 10 lessons. This option is billed at $170 twice per month, totaling $850 for the session. Once you subscribe, you can immediately use your code to book all 10 lessons for the current session, making it easier to secure consistent or preferred time slots. This option works well for students who want a more regular schedule while still spreading payments out over time. However, all 10 lessons must be scheduled by the end of the session, and you will need to re-enroll for future sessions.
Option 3 allows you to book lessons one at a time as needed. This is the most flexible option and is ideal for students with very unpredictable schedules or those who only want occasional lessons. The downside is that availability may be limited, and it can be more difficult to maintain a consistent weekly lesson time since each lesson must be booked individually.
Option 4 is the Reserved Weekly Time Slot option. With this plan, you pay $850 upfront to book all 10 lessons at once and reserve the same day and time each week throughout the session. This is the best choice for students who want a guaranteed recurring time slot and a consistent weekly routine. The main benefit is convenience and schedule consistency, while the tradeoff is less flexibility and full payment due upfront.
How are horses assigned, and can I request a specific horse?
Horses are assigned by instructors based on rider ability, size, goals, and each horse’s training needs. While requests may be considered, final assignments are always made in the best interest of both the horse and the rider.
How are children split up? (Camps + Clubs)
Depending on the group, we will divide riders up by age and/or ability level so everyone can get safe, personalized attention when we are working with the horses. We will teach our beginners on a lead line or a longe line where we have a little distance but are still in control of the horse so the rider can focus on one thing at a time. Otherwise, our groups are together on the ground or while we are doing the craft projects.
We value enthusiasm for horses, learning, and horsemanship—but we also value professionalism, safety, and fairness. The following policies allow us to provide the best possible care for our horses and the highest-quality experience for our clients.
Can I volunteer or work in exchange for time in the saddle or lessons?
At this time, we do not offer work exchange opportunities. Our daily operations require trained staff who already know our systems and can work independently. Training and supervising someone in exchange for riding time is not something we are able to accommodate. Our horses are so wonderful because they receive focused care and consistent, experienced handling—and we like to be efficient with the work that goes into running a truly exceptional facility.
However, you are welcome to volunteer. You can sign up to do so through our Non-Profit Partner, Rooted in Unity by visiting https://www.wrenacyn.com/volunteers
Can I shadow or observe a lesson?
If you are interested in joining our community, have taken a Farm Tour, completed a New Student Consultation and would still like more experience with us before committing to lessons, please feel free to audit a lesson. Auditing a lesson is a great way to learn more and watch the daily interactions between students and instructors. Auditing is also great if you are a current client and want to learn more by listening/watching lessons or training rides by our staff trainers. Auditing is $20/hour and can be arranged in advance by contacting Elizabeth at Elizabeth@wrenacyn.com.
I am an experienced rider. Do you offer exercise or practice rides without an instructor?
We truly appreciate people’s interest in our horses and our program. Horses tend to attract passionate, curious people, sand we understand why many want to spend more time at the barn or in the saddle. That said, running a safe, professional, and sustainable program means we have to be very clear about what we can and cannot offer. We do not offer any unsupervised rides or “practice” rides. However, We do offer horse leasing, which allows riders more saddle time while still keeping our horses safe and well-managed. Leasing ranges from $540 to $940 per month. Leasing can include 8 to 16 rides per month with one of those rides per week being a lesson. The other rides are supervised and follow a training program constructed for the lessee by the trainers.
This structure ensures riders receive proper instruction while maintaining the health and consistency of our horses. If you are interested in leasing, please contact Elizabeth at Elizabeth@wrenacyn.com.
Do you offer boarding?
No, we do not provide boarding.
Do you offer leasing?
Yes, we offer lease options designed to provide consistency, structured support, and meaningful partnership with one horse.
Our 1/4 Partial Horse Lease Subscription – 8 Rides per Month is $540 per month and is an auto-renewing subscription. This option includes 8 total rides per month, consisting of one supervised ride per week and one private lesson per week. Supervised rides give you dedicated time with your lease horse to practice and build partnership. These sessions follow an agenda and take place alongside another group lesson or while an instructor conducts a training ride. They are not formal instructed lessons, but they provide structured, supported riding time with professional oversight. Your weekly private lesson is a focused, one-on-one session designed to refine your skills, strengthen your riding foundation, and help you progress toward your goals.
We also offer expanded lease options for riders who want additional saddle time. Our 1/2 Lease – 12 Rides per Month is $740 per month and includes two supervised rides per week plus one private lesson per week (12 total rides monthly). Our 3/4 Lease – 16 Rides per Month is $940 per month and includes three supervised rides per week plus one private lesson per week (16 total rides monthly). Contact Elizabeth@wrenacyn.com for more information.
What is your cancellation policy? What happens if I am running late?
If you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, we kindly ask that you do so at least 48 hours in advance via the website or by communicating directly with the Director or Assistant Director. This allows us to adjust our schedule and offer that time to another rider.
Please note:
Cancellations or rescheduling requests made within 48 hours of your lesson cannot be refunded or rescheduled. This is because that time has been reserved specifically for you—our instructors are committed to being there, and our horses still require care whether or not the lesson takes place.
If notified more than 48 hours in advance, rescheduling a makeup lesson is dependent on staff, horse, and facility availability. We will do our best to accommodate your request but cannot guarantee another time will be available. All rescheduled lessons must take place within the same month of the original lesson and be confirmed within 2 days of the original lesson.
Missed group lessons are not able for rescheduling. Since group lessons are held in a group setting, we’re unable to accommodate reschedules or make-up sessions. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you whenever you’re able to attend.
To ensure fairness to our horses, instructors, and other scheduled riders, students must arrive on time to leave enough time to groom and tack up for their lesson. If a rider arrives too late to be mounted and ready to ride by the midpoint of their scheduled lesson time, the lesson is considered forfeited. In these cases, the lesson is not eligible for rescheduling or refund.
What about summer camp?
Visit the Summer Camp page to learn about summer camp or view our summer camp specific FAQ section.
What rules should we expect to follow for safety?
Hours of Operation: The facility operates from 8am to 7pm. Staff members are not available outside these hours unless in case of emergency.
Child Safety: Children must be supervised at all times.
Barn Access Policy: Clients and visitors are not permitted to enter barns without an instructor present. All clients must be accompanied by their instructor at all times while in barn areas. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of our riders, staff, and horses.
Dogs are not allowed on the premises at any time for any reason.
Helmets are mandatory for riders and closed toed shoes are required for all individuals.
Waivers: ALL guests, including friends and family who are not riding, MUST sign waivers before or upon entering the property.
Respect for Horses and Others: All activities should be conducted with consideration for horse behavior and the needs of others. Avoid loud noises, running in the stables, or any actions that may disturb the horses or people.
Field and Facility Security: Ensure that all chain latches, clips and chains are secured when entering and exiting fields to prevent horses from escaping. As we have multiple buildings including quarantine areas, please do not enter any buildings without staff or prior staff permission. If a building is not staffed, do not enter.
No Smoking or Substance Use: Smoking is strictly prohibited in and around the stables, including enclosed spaces and within 100 feet of the stables. The use of drugs on the premises is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate removal from the property. Alcohol is prohibited unless consumed in conjunction with a facility sponsored event. This is a family-friendly facility, and we expect all clients to behave accordingly, both in person and on social media.
Equipment Return: Return all equipment, such as muck buckets, wheelbarrows, and pitchforks, to their designated storage areas after use.
Cleanliness: After grooming, riding, or training a horse, clean up after yourself and the horse. This includes picking up manure in the ring, driveway, parking lot, and other areas.
Facility Maintenance: Help keep the facility clean and organized. Pick up trash if observed. Dispose of trash properly, return items to their proper places, and take all personal belongings when leaving. Wrenacyn is not responsible for lost items.
Mucking Tool Safety: Never leave mucking tools, such as buckets, forks, rakes, or wheelbarrows, unattended. These tools can pose a serious injury risk to horses.
Calling “DOOR” Requirement:For safety, all riders and visitors must clearly and loudly call “DOOR” before passing through any doorway on the property. This alerts others to movement through shared spaces and helps prevent accidents and spooks.
Additional Rules and Considerations:
Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the facilities emergency procedures, including the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers and emergency contacts.
Horse Handling: Only experienced individuals should handle horses. If you are unsure how to interact with a horse, ask a staff member for guidance.
Health and Safety: Do not come to the barn if you are sick or have been exposed to a contagious illness.
Personal Belongings: Wrenacyn is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Keep valuables secure.
Reporting Concerns: Report any safety concerns or incidents to a staff member immediately.
Respect for Others: Be courteous and respectful to other riders, staff, and horses.
Environmental Responsibility: Conserve water and electricity. Dispose of waste properly.
Compliance: Follow all posted signs and instructions from staff members.
Our staff and facility strictly adhere to all guidelines and regulations set forth by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, integrity, and professionalism to ensure a safe and positive environment for all participants.