Lesson Fees

• Pony pals (20 min) $15
• 30 minute lesson $25
• 45 minute lesson $35
• 60 minute lesson $45
• Jumping lesson (30 min) $40
• Group lesson – 2 to 4 riders $25 per rider for 60 minutes
• Evaluation lesson (30 min) $35

Every rider over 10 must have an evaluation lesson. This is essential for us to properly serve your needs and to get to know the rider and what he/she is capable of to properly complete lesson plans. Each rider must complete and evaluation sheet and a liability waiver prior to the evaluation lesson.

Kellie Sipos

From homeschooling for over 10 years, teaching at co-ops, leading a 4-H club for six years to teaching equestrian safety and riding, I wear many hats at Saddle Up, but teaching students in the arena is my passion!

I am a certified riding instructor through CHA and NARHA. I teach English, Western and horse ground work to beginner/intermediate adults and children. I leave dressage, speed and jumping to my fellow colleagues. I utilize games during my lessons to teach the basics of horse care and horsemanship, this makes it more interesting and informative. Teaching each rider how to find their balance and centered riding is a must. Proper breathing, stretching and correct posture are a part of each session with the goal of riding one “with the horse”.

I love working with our special equestrians- riders with downs syndrome, autism and cognitive mental delays.  I am open for private therapeutic lessons with individuals, but have limited openings and recommend group riding sessions.  Please contact me for availability at 727-520-3132 or ksipos@saddleupridingclub.org

Melissa Kasper-Yarbrough

Hard working and dedicated, Melissa Kasper brings more than 26 years experience in the equine field to Saddle Up Riding Club.

Melissa earned her BS degree from Purdue University in Animal Science, with concentrations in Equine Reproduction and Behavior. Melissa has been an active member of the NARHA since 2000. Melissa earned her Registered status instructor certification in 2001 with NARHA. She has worked on developing 2 NARHA centers in Florida and 1 center in Texas. She is also an Equestrian Special Olympics Coach. Melissa has successfully shown Hunter and Jumper show horses throughout Illinois and Indiana. During college, she was a member of the Purdue Intercollegiate Equestrian Team and Polo Club. Melissa recently received her Master’s degree from the University of South Florida in Special Education. She is a certified special education public school teacher in Hillsborough County specializing in the disability of Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is currently taking coursework at the World Campus of Penn State University to be able to complete her certification in Behavior Analysis.

Melissa believes that every child should be given every opportunity to live an independent and successful life. Her dedication and patience shows when she is working with her students, staff and horses. Melissa plans to assist in the development of Saddle Up Riding Club into a NARHA premier accredited center. She hopes to be able to reach children and adults with varying disabilities from across Pinellas County. Her future goals for the center include offering Hippotherapy, driving therapy services, competition training, equine psychotherapy, and inclusion lessons (having able-bodied riders riding with riders with disabilities). Overall, Melissa is excited to be working for Saddle Up Riding Club, to be able to “Saddle Up” to make a difference for persons with disabilities.

Melissa also conducts English Equitation and Jumping (Hunter, Equitation, and Jumpers) lessons for beginners and intermediate riders with a focus on competition training. Showing in Open, Schooling, C and B level Hunter/ Jumper shows. Lessons are $30.00 for 30 to 45 minutes with own or leased horse. For lessons with school horses, $35.00 for 30 minutes. For more information please email Melissa at mkasper@saddleupridingclub.org.

You can contact Melissa at mkasper@saddleupridingclub.org.

Mags Lombard "Miss Maggie" Barn Time Insructor

I have always been, and always will be one of those little girls who would rather clean a stall than my own room. I began begging for a pony at age 2, riding at age 8, and my passion for horses continues today.

In 2006, I attended a weeklong clinic in my home state of Connecticut and earned my CHA certification to teach both English & Western lessons, including jumping. I gained experience doing so for 3 years at SJ Ranch, the equestrian summer camp for girls that I have attended since 1998.

Outside of the barn, I am a full-time student at Eckerd College, expecting to graduate with a degree in Philosophy and Human Development in May 2010.

I take great joy out of teaching children to ride; and my lessons focus on safe, fun, effective, and correct horsemanship. This includes grooming, tacking, and all the rest that goes along with total horse care in addition to riding. It is my goal to inspire relationships of mutual respect and gentle communication between my students and their mounts.

I am extremely grateful to Saddle Up Riding Club for giving me this wonderful opportunity to share my enthusiasm with so many great kids. I am currently supervising the club’s Barn Times, and am available to teach hour long private or small group lessons, as well as ½ hour Pony Pals lessons to children less than 5 years of age, all on Saddle Up’s fantastic herd of school horses.

Because of my student status, I have a flexible schedule that changes occasionally throughout the year, so please feel free to contact me at any time to set up a lesson.

To contact Mags by phone, call: (203) 915-1853  - (It is a CT phone number) Or email: Lombarmm@eckerd.edu