Lake Fork Stables
Riding Lessons & Horseback Riding Excursions
Beginners to Advanced Riders Welcome
English Riding Lessons
Lesson for beginners to eventers!
Western Riding Lessons
Lessons for beginners to barrel racers or pleasure riders.
Goal Setting
We work with each rider to determine their goals and help guide you in your riding to meet those goals.
Horsemanship
All riders will learn the horsemanship skills needed to not only ride, but care for horses.
Ride For Good
Lake Fork Stables is a 501c3 nonprofit. Our paid riding lessons and other events support our children’s programs.
Working Students
Our working student program allows teen riders to work for lessons.
Horseback Riding at Lake Fork
In addition to riding lessons, we also offer horseback riding excursions at Lake Fork. These excursions allow visitors to the lake to get a hands-on feel for horses and riding. We are home to five retired Thoroughbred racehorses who will provide you with a safe ride in our arena after you learn to groom and tack them. These excursions can be booked via AirBnB Excursions.
Horse Boarding
Lake Fork Stables is currently only open for horse boarding for riding lesson students. If you would like to board and participate in regular lessons, boarding is full care and $400 per month. This includes high-quality feed and hay.
What Do I Need?
A liability waiver is required to be signed prior to your lesson or excursion.
1. Do I need my own horse?
No, we provide solid lesson horses. However, if you do own your own horse(s) and would like to board at the barn, that can be arranged. We also allow haul-ins at no additional fee for lessons.
2. What should I wear?
Dress for the weather and safely! Safe boots with a heel are required. Jeans or breeches should be worn as well. No skirts or shorts please. Tennis shoes may be worn for excursions, but no open toed shoes allowed around the horses.
3. Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes, all riders must wear a helmet when mounted on any horse. Lake Fork Stables provides helmets, but if you ride on a regular basis, we recommend you purchase your own.
4. What disciplines do you offer?
We offer English and Western riding lessons. English lessons are either in a jump saddle or dressage saddle. This choice will depend on your future riding goals. However, we do recommend all riders start English and then transition to Western. The reasoning is because you will establish a better, more balanced seat if you ride English first.
Pricing
Individual Lessons
Lessons are $50 per if purchased individually.
More Details
Individual lessons are $50 per and 1 hour long.
$50
Monthly Lesson Package
Get a discounted price for purchasing a month at a time.
More Details
Lessons are discounted to $37.50 per if you purchase a month of lessons at once. If lessons are canceled due to weather or another reason, they can be rescheduled or continued the following week.
$150
Horseback Riding Excursions
Our excursions are offered to tourists and visitors of Lake Fork.
More Details
Horseback riding excursions are hands-on experiences providing visitors the opportunity to learn to groom, tack and ride in our arena. This is not a trail due to our location on the lake. You will also meet our awesome retired racehorses!
Excursions are $80 per person for an hour and a half or $100 per person for 2 hours.
$80 – $100
About Us
Lake Fork Stables was founded by Valerie Mellema in 2017. She has over 30 years of experience in the horse industry and holds an Equine Industry & Business Degree from West Texas A&M University.
Audrey Tripp is our program director and trainer at Lake Fork Stables. She runs the daily lessons, horseback riding excursions and manages the care of the horses. She has a diverse background in English and western riding having been a groom at the upper levels in Ocala, Florida to barrel racing and working cattle back home in Tennessee.
Testimonials
“For a beginner, Valerie was so patient with me and my fear of heights! She explained different techniques and which one would be good for me. As for Mistic! I will never forget you!“
“Great time and Colton loves it here. Nice and peaceful.“
“Wonderful horses, wonderful people!“