"There are many wonderful places in the world, but one of my favorite places is on the back of a horse."
Adults & Childrens Lessons
Discover the joy of Horseback Riding
At Victory Training Center, we welcome riders of all levels to develop their skills and confidence in a supportive and structured environment. Whether you dream of showing horses or simply want to enjoy time in the saddle, our program is designed for everyone. With experienced instructors, well-trained horses, and a top-tier facility, we ensure a safe and enjoyable learning experience for riders of all ages.
We look forward to being a part of your journey!
"Victory Training Center has been an incredible experience for our family. CJ, our amazing trainer, works to ensure our daughter has personalized attention and guidance. Her dedication truly stands out. My daughter has loved each horse she has worked with and it is evident the horses are well cared for. We've seen remarkable improvements in our daughter's confidence and riding skills since she began training with Cj. Her progress is a testament to the quality instruction and nurturing environment provided by Victory Training Center."
-Alanna Carlins
Program Overview
We offer lessons for riders of all ages and experience levels, from children to adults, with instruction tailored to each rider’s goals and pace. Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction, making them ideal for beginners who need a strong foundation or experienced riders looking to refine advanced skills. For those who enjoy a group setting, our semi-private and group lessons provide a supportive learning environment that fosters teamwork, confidence, and social interaction. No matter your goals, our lesson programs are designed to help you develop skills and build a strong connection with your horse.
Lesson Schedule
Lessons are available:
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Monday through Friday: After school and into early evenings.
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Saturday: Morning and early afternoon sessions.
We ask riders to arrive 5 minutes before their scheduled lesson to ensure they are ready to ride. Lessons will begin promptly, and any tardiness will result in a shortened session. Riders are encouraged to stay after their lesson to help untack their horse.
Lesson Duration
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Private and semi-private lessons: 60 Minutes includes ride time, tack time and cool down if needed.
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Group lessons: Generally 45 minutes.
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Young riders who find 30-45 minutes too long may spend part of their lesson grooming or learning about horse care.
Lesson time is defined from the moment the horse and rider enter the arena until they exit. Mounting and adjustments are included within the lesson duration.
Lesson Pricing
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Private lessons: $60 per session when purchased individually.
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Discounted Bundle Program: $55 per lesson when purchasing 4 or more in advance.
Attire Requirements
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ASTM/SEI certified helmets are required for riders under 17.
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Riders must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
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Shorts, skirts, capris, sandals, and open-toed/open-heeled shoes are not permitted.
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For long-term riders: Ankle-high, hard-soled boots with a half-inch heel are required.
Requirements for Enrollment
To ensure the safety and comfort of both horse and rider, we have the following guidelines:
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Minimum age: 5 years old, with the ability to follow three-step verbal instructions.
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For the comfort and safety of the horse and rider, industry-standard weight guidelines apply.
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A limited number of horses are available for riders between 180-260 pounds.
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Riders must be able to mount unassisted, sit upright, and hold reins securely in both hands.
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Balance and core strength are essential
All riders must sign a release form before their first lesson. Riders under 17 require a parent/guardian signature.
Cancellation Policy
Riders must cancel lessons at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to do so will result in a charge for the missed lesson, except in cases of sudden illness or bad weather.
Contact us today to schedule your first lesson!
Things your riding instructor wants you to know:
1. This sport is hard. You don't get to bypass the hard…..every good rider has gone through it. You make progress, then you don't, and then you make progress again. Your riding instructor can coach you through it, but they cannot make it easy.
2. You're going to ride horses you don't want to ride. If you're teachable, you will learn from every horse you ride. Each horse in the barn can teach you if you let them. IF YOU LET THEM. Which leads me to…
3. You MUST be teachable to succeed in this sport. You must be teachable to succeed at anything, but that is another conversation. Being teachable often means going back to basics time and time and time again. If you find basics boring, then your not looking at them as an opportunity to learn. Which brings me to…..
4. This sport is a COMMITMENT. Read that, then read it again. Every sport is a commitment, but in this sport your teammate weighs 1200 lbs and speaks a different language. Good riders don't get good by riding every once in awhile….they improve because they make riding a priority and give themsevles opportunity to practice.
5. EVERY RIDE IS AN OPPORTUNITY. Even the walk ones. Even the hard ones. Every. Single. Ride. Remember when you just wished someone would lead you around on a horse? Find the happiness in just being able to RIDE. If you make every ride about what your AREN'T doing, you take the fun out of the experience for yourself, your horse, and your instructor. Just enjoy the process. Which brings me to...
6. Riding should be fun. It is work. and work isn't always fun.....but if you (or your rider) are consistently choosing other activities or find yourself not looking forward to lessons, it's time to take a break. The horses already know you don't want to be here, and you set yourself up for failure if you are already dreading the lesson before you get here.
7. You'll learn more about horses from the ground than you ever will while riding. That's why ground lessons are important, too. If you're skipping ground lessons (or the part of your lesson that takes place on the ground), you're missing out on the most important parts of the lesson. You spend far more time on the ground with horses than you do in the saddle.
8. Ask questions and communicate. If you're wondering why your coach is having you ride a particular horse or do an exercise, ask them. Then listen to their answer and refer to #3 above.
9. We are human beings. We make decisions (some of them life and death ones) every day. We balance learning for students with workloads for horses and carry the bulk of this business on our shoulders. A little courtesy goes a long way.
Contact
12287 Clarence Center Rd
Akron, NY 14001
CJ Dressel, Owner/Trainer
Call or text: 716-560-5732
