The Adult Rider Programs

At Zoe Vorenas Dressage, we believe horse riding should feel welcoming, supportive and accessible, no matter your age, experience level or confidence.

Our Adult Rider Programs have been specifically designed for adults wanting to begin riding for the first time, return to horses after years away, or rebuild confidence in a calm and encouraging environment.

Unlike traditional riding schools, our programs focus on private, adult oriented coaching using experienced schoolmaster horses in a professional and supportive setting.

Whether you’ve dreamed of riding your whole life, haven’t sat on a horse in 30 years, or simply want to feel comfortable and confident around horses again, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

Each program runs over a structured 6 week period with flexible options available for:

  • One session per week

  • Two sessions per week

Programs are available midweek and on weekends, with all sessions tailored to the individual rider’s goals, confidence and experience level.

At ZVD, our focus is not just on teaching people to ride, it’s about helping riders feel safe, supported and genuinely excited to be around horses again.

All ZVD Adult Rider Programs run over a structured 6 week period with the option of either one or two sessions per week.

Midweek Programs (Tuesday–Friday)

1 Session Per Week:
6 Sessions Total
From $1,050

2 Sessions Per Week:
12 Sessions Total
From $1,950

Weekend Programs

1 Session Per Week:
6 Sessions Total
From $1,290

2 Sessions Per Week:
12 Sessions Total
From $2,390

(Weekend sessions incur a premium due to limited availability)

The Beginner Adult

Never touched a horse before? Start here.

Designed specifically for adults with little to no horse experience, our Beginner Adult Program provides a safe, supportive and confidence building introduction to horses and riding.

This structured 6 week program not only teaches the basics of riding, but also helps riders feel comfortable and confident around horses on the ground. Sessions include horse handling, safety, grooming, basic horse care, tack and equipment knowledge, mounting and dismounting, and foundational riding skills.

With calm, educated schoolmaster horses and private adult-focused coaching, this program is perfect for anyone who has always dreamed of learning to ride in a welcoming, professional environment, no prior experience required.

What’s Included:

  • Private adult focused sessions

  • Introduction to horse handling and safety

  • Basic grooming and horse care

  • Parts of the horse and tack

  • Mounting and dismounting safely

  • Learning steering, stopping and balance

  • Introduction to rising trot and basic riding skills

  • Calm, educated schoolmaster horses

  • Structured progression over 6 weeks

Perfect For:

  • Adults who have always wanted to ride

  • Complete beginners

  • People wanting a new hobby or challenge

  • Riders wanting a calm, professional environment


The Returning
Adult Rider

It’s never too late to come back.

Our Returning Rider Program is designed specifically for adults wanting to reconnect with horses after time away from riding.

For many riders, horses were once a huge part of life; before careers, university, children, family commitments or simply life getting busy took priority. Some riders may not have sat on a horse in 10, 15 or even 20 years, and returning can feel both exciting and incredibly daunting at the same time.

Many adults worry they’ve forgotten everything, lost confidence, or feel nervous about stepping back into a riding environment after such a long break. At ZVD, we understand that returning to riding is about far more than simply learning skills again, it’s about rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with something you once loved, and feeling supported throughout the process.

This structured 6 week program provides a calm, welcoming and judgement free environment where riders can progress at their own pace with supportive coaching and educated schoolmaster horses selected specifically for confidence and rider support.

Sessions focus on rebuilding balance, rider feel and confidence while gradually re-establishing foundational riding skills. Depending on the rider’s experience and goals, sessions may include flatwork, transitions, pole exercises, position work and confidence-building exercises both on and off the horse.

Whether your goal is simply to enjoy being around horses again, regain confidence in the saddle, or work towards regular riding and competition goals, our Returning Rider Program is designed to help riders rediscover the enjoyment, connection and confidence that made them fall in love with horses in the first place.

The Nervous Nellie

A calm pathway back to confidence.

Our Nervous Nellie Program has been specifically designed for riders who feel anxious, overwhelmed or lacking confidence around horses or riding.

For some riders, this may come after a fall or difficult experience. For others, it may simply be fear, nerves, loss of confidence over time, or feeling intimidated by traditional riding environments. Many riders entering this program have spent years wanting to return to riding but feeling too nervous to take the first step.

At ZVD, we understand that confidence looks different for every rider, which is why this program is completely tailored to the individual and paced entirely around what feels safe and comfortable for them.

There is no pressure, no judgement, and no expectation to progress faster than the rider feels ready for.

This structured 6 week program focuses heavily on creating calm, positive experiences around horses while gradually rebuilding trust, confidence and enjoyment. Sessions may include groundwork, round yard exercises, horse connection work, confidence building handling sessions, mounting practice, relaxation exercises and gradual ridden progression depending on the rider’s comfort level.

Some riders may spend several sessions simply becoming comfortable around horses again before progressing to ridden work, and that is completely okay.

Our calm, educated schoolmaster horses are carefully selected for temperament and suitability, and sessions are conducted in a supportive, private environment designed specifically to help riders feel safe, relaxed and encouraged.

The goal of the Nervous Nellie Program is not just to teach riding skills, but to help riders rediscover confidence, enjoyment and trust around horses again, at their own pace, every step of the way.