★★★★★
I bought 4 lessons and I am very pleased with the teacher and the farm — my daughter is delighted.
Natali O. · Google review
Your Kid Wants a Horse.
Start With a 30-Minute Trial Ride.
Bring them out to a real working horse farm in Phillipsburg, NJ. They'll meet the horses, learn the basics, and take a guided ride — no experience and no gear needed. Just $60 for a real 30-minute trial lesson with a trainer.
The 30-Minute Trial Lesson
What Happens in Your First Lesson
Your first lesson is a 30-minute trial for just $60. It's the easiest, low-risk way to find out if riding is your thing — for your child or for you. Here's exactly what to expect when you arrive.
Who it's for
- Kids ages 6 and up who can't stop talking about horses
- Adults who always wanted to learn and never did
- Returning riders who've been out of the saddle for years
- Anyone curious who wants to try before committing
No experience needed. No gear to buy. No pressure to sign up.
Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants and we'll handle the rest — helmet included. Come see if it's a fit. If it is, we'll talk about next steps. If it's not, you've still spent a beautiful half-hour on the farm.
01
Meet the horses
We'll walk you out to the barn and introduce you to a calm, well-trained horse matched to a first-time rider. You'll learn how to approach, pet, and get comfortable around them. For a lot of kids, this is the moment they fall in love.
02
Learn the safety basics
Before anyone gets on a horse, we cover the ground rules: how to stand, how to lead, how to mount, and what to do with your hands and feet. Simple, calm, and clear — built for someone who's never done this before.
03
Take a guided ride
With a trainer right beside you the whole time, you'll get on and ride. Walking, steering, stopping. You'll leave knowing what riding actually feels like — not just what it looks like from the fence.
Why Thunder Ridge
A Full-Service Farm Built Around Great Horsemanship
Thunder Ridge isn't a one-trick riding school. It's a complete working horse farm — and that depth is exactly why first-time riders learn faster and feel safer here.
01
Award-Winning Training
Our team and students compete and win at horse shows, in both Saddle Seat and Western disciplines. The same trainers who coach champions are the ones teaching your first lesson. You learn from people who do this at a high level.
02
American Saddlebred Specialists
We specialize in the American Saddlebred — one of the most elegant, intelligent, people-loving breeds in the world. Training, breeding, sales, and lessons all happen right here, so you're learning the breed from the people who know it best.
03
A True Full-Service Farm
Lessons, boarding, training, sales, breeding, and equine therapy services — all under one roof. Whether you book one trial lesson or your child grows into a lifelong rider, everything you'll ever need is in one place.
04
The Place Itself
Rolling Warren County hills, white fences, an aerial-view estate, and quiet pastures. This is the kind of farm kids beg to come back to and parents are happy to spend a Saturday at. It doesn't feel like a lesson. It feels like a day out.
Social Proof
Ribbons on the Wall, Riders Who Stay
Walk through Thunder Ridge and you'll see the championship ribbons and trophies our team and students have earned at shows across the region.
That's the thing about this place. People come for one lesson and end up part of the farm.
4.8 on Google
Our team and students at the awards banquet — a few of the ribbons and trophies earned at regional shows.
★★★★★
We ended up coming here for a birthday party. And I will tell you, the views are fantastic and beautiful! Did I mention the views are fantastic?
Stacy P. · Local Guide on Google★★★★★
My favorite equestrian facility in the area.
George C. · Local Guide on Google
The Farm
Take a Look Around
Photos do more than a paragraph ever could. Here's the farm your first lesson happens on.
A working horse farm on rolling Warren County hills.
Born right here on the farm.
A few weeks old and already curious.
Come up to the fence and say hello.
White fences, open pasture, quiet valley views.
Thunder Ridge in every season. Lessons run year-round.
Common Questions
Questions Parents (and First-Time Riders) Ask Us
Anything we haven't covered — call us at (484) 221-3950.
We start riders at age 6 and up. There's no upper limit — plenty of our riders are adults who decided it was finally their turn. If you're not sure whether your child is ready, call us and we'll talk it through.
Long pants (jeans are perfect) and closed-toe shoes with a small heel if you have them — boots, sneakers, anything closed-toe works. Skip the shorts and sandals. That's it. We provide the helmet and everything else.
Safety is the first thing we teach and the first thing we check. Every rider wears a properly fitted helmet, a trainer is beside you for the entire ride, and we match first-timers with calm, well-trained horses. Nobody gets rushed.
None at all. The 30-minute trial lesson is built specifically for people who have never touched a horse. We start at the very beginning and move at your pace.
Your first lesson is a 30-minute trial for just $60 — a low-risk way to try riding before you commit to anything. If you'd like to keep going, we'll walk you through our lesson options and packages in person, so we can match the right fit for your goals and schedule. No pressure, no surprises.
We'll always be in touch before your lesson if weather is a concern, and we'll find a time that works. Reach us anytime at (484) 221-3950 or info@thunderridgefarms.biz.
Get Started
Book Your 30-Minute Trial
Fill this out and we'll call to confirm your day and time — your 30-minute trial lesson is just $60. Takes 30 seconds.
Call
(484) 221-3950
Visit
160 Esposito Road
Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Hours
Tue–Sun, 10 AM – 8 PM
Closed Mondays
Closed Mondays
Book Your 30-Minute Trial — $60
Fill this out and we'll call to confirm your $60 trial. Takes 30 seconds.
You're in. We'll be in touch soon.
Thanks for reaching out to Thunder Ridge Farms. One of our team will call you within one business day to confirm your 30-minute trial lesson. Can't wait to meet you at the barn.
Need to reach us first?
Call (484) 221-3950 or email info@thunderridgefarms.biz.
One Last Thing
Trial Lesson Spots Are Limited Each Week
We keep first-lesson spots limited so every new rider gets real, one-on-one attention from a trainer. We're open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 8 PM, and closed Mondays — which means spots fill up, especially on weekends. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get your rider on a horse.
Book My 30-Minute Trial — $60Open Tue–Sun, 10 AM – 8 PM · Closed Mondays
From I-78, take the Route 22 exit toward Phillipsburg, follow River Road to the Harmony Station Road exit, then turn onto Esposito Road — the farm is at the end of the road.
