Lessons & Programs


If Only Farm specializes in teaching classic english hunt-seat riding. We emphasize the development of good posture and a balanced seat with soft contact and effective aids. Skills and sensibility developed with these fundamentals creates a secure, confident and beautiful rider on the flat and over fences.

We also offer instruction in dressage for those who wish to to pursue this discipline, though any rider and horse will benefit from this work.

Please take a look at our Instructors to get an idea of what each of us focuses on. Give us a call or drop us an email to discuss your goals or to schedule a lesson with our online Lesson Request Form. We look forward to having you in the barn! Please see our Fee Schedule for our current Lesson prices.
Please print and fill out the following forms, and bring with you to your first lesson:
New Rider Forms
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File Type: pdf
Download File
We welcome riders of all skill-levels, from first-timers all the way to advanced riders who want to compete at the nationals. If Only Farm owns a number of well-trained, quality horses and ponies who can suit many different riders. If you are looking to develop a partnership with a horse of your own, we have horses available for sale and lease. 
​Contact us today to discuss your goals and we can tailor a program specifically for you!

Lessons

We are fairly flexible with scheduling so it's just a matter of setting up a regular time with your preferred instructor. We have a few regular weekday evening and Saturday morning group jumping lessons for intermediate to advanced riders.  Beginners are best suited to private lessons at first and then advancing to group lessons after they are proficient with grooming, walking, trotting, and cantering (W/T/C) their horse. Riders are welcome to continue with private lessons as well. Riders in a regular lesson program and who are proficient with proper horse care and W/T/C may schedule a "practice ride" using their usual lesson horse. Practice rides are dependent upon horse availability and riding ring availability, so riders should always pre-arrange practice rides with the help of their regular instructor. Please see our Fee Schedule for our current Lesson prices.
Use our Lesson Request form for requesting a riding lesson

Gift Certificates​

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Riding Gift Certificates for your favorite rider!

Horse Training

The trainers at If Only Farm have many years starting and training horses. Let us help you start your horse, or take him to the next level. Training program at the Farm includes full board and working with and/or riding your horse five times a week.  Please contact us for much more information and to discuss your training needs. For current training fees please see our fee schedule.

Ithaca College Equestrian Team

If Only Farm is the home of the Ithaca College Equestrian Team. We provide training, horses and equipment for the team who compete throughout New York State during the academic year. The Team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association against other teams in the region.
Trainers: Audra Ravo-Putnam (Head coach), Terry Spada, Liza Bourdon.

Cornell Dressage Club

If Only Farm is also the home of the Cornell Dressage Club. We provide training, horses and equipment for the club which competes against other colleges within Region C of the Intercollegiate Dressage Association during the academic year.
Trainers: Carol Collyer and Terry Spada

Riding Camps

We host two week-long equestrian camps during the summer for children ages 6-14, offering an opportunity for kids to learn about good horsemanship while having fun! Find out more on our Summer Camp page.  We also offer riding camps at other times of the year. Keep an eye on our website and Follow us on Facebook for dates and information.

Clinics

Olympian Michael Page has conducted a popular juming clinic at If Only Farm every Autumn for over 30 years! And, in 2016, Grand Prix Dressage rider Tracy Durham began conducting regular half-day clinics at the farm. More information about Clinics at If Only Farm. 

Fee Schedule

Please see our Fee Schedule for full details on cost of our programs and services.