Leasing at Cedarhill Farm
Finding the right horse or pony is about far more than availability. It is about fit, safety, budget, and your rider’s long-term progress.
Cedarhill families benefit from our years of experience and trusted connections within the horse community. We help guide each family through the process of leasing or purchasing a mount that supports the rider’s goals and suits their current stage of development.
Why Many Families Lease First
Most riders progress quickly through the lower levels, often moving from Cross Rails to 2’ and then 2’6 within a few years. During that time, it is often best for their development to ride more than one horse.
For many families, leasing offers the most practical path. It allows riders to gain experience on appropriate mounts as their skills grow, without committing too early to a purchase.
How Cedarhill Thinks About Progression
Starting Out
In the early stages, riders benefit from safe, steady, predictable horses and ponies that help build confidence and strong horsemanship. These mounts are especially valuable because of their disposition and reliability.
Moving Up
Once a rider reaches the 2’6 level and beyond, they are generally ready for a horse with both a kind disposition and greater athletic ability. As ability and experience increase, pricing and expectations usually increase as well.
When Ownership Starts to Make More Sense
Riders often begin the 3’ division on a horse that may carry them through the remainder of their junior career. At that stage, purchasing may become the more practical long-term decision.
Leasing Options at Cedarhill
Outside Half-Lease
A great entry point for families not yet ready for full leasing or ownership.
With an outside half-lease, riders share one of Cedarhill’s lesson horses kept outside and typically have access to the horse three days per week. This often includes two lessons and one additional practice ride. It is a cost-effective way to build consistency, confidence, and a stronger bond with a horse.
Typical rates:
Tier Two: $750/month
Tier One: $1000/month
These rates include horse-related expenses, but do not include lessons or show fees.
Inside Full Lease
For riders needing the most flexibility and access to a more competitive mount.
Inside full leasing includes a lease fee plus monthly maintenance expenses. The horse or pony is reserved for your use during the lease term, and you are responsible for the full associated costs.
Inside Half-Lease
Inside half-leasing allows a rider to share a more competitive Cedarhill mount for three days per week.
These leases may be shared with another rider or with the school. In addition to the lease fee, expenses such as board, shoeing, veterinary care, insurance, and supplements are typically split.
Day Lease
For families not ready to commit to a full or half lease, Cedarhill also offers day leases for off-farm events.
Minimum day lease rates:
Inside horse: $250/day
Outside horse: $150/day
Buying a Horse
The purchase price of a horse or pony can vary significantly depending on quality, experience, training, age, health, and level of risk.
Cedarhill works closely with families throughout the buying process, helping evaluate options and navigate the many decisions involved. Our role is to guide you toward a choice that makes sense for your rider, your goals, and your budget.
Full Leasing Beyond Entry Level
As riders gain experience, a full lease may become the best option for continued progress.
Cedarhill offers full lease opportunities both on and off the farm. If the right horse is not already available at Cedarhill, we may also search off-farm through our professional network to find an appropriate match.
Because this process requires time, expertise, and extensive evaluation, off-farm lease placements include a commission structure and may also involve additional costs such as vetting, shipping, trial leases, and travel expenses.
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Use this for:
Why leasing often makes sense in the early years
How riders typically progress through levels
When purchasing may become the better long-term choice
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Use this for the maintenance breakdown:
Board
Lesson program
Blacksmith
Veterinary care
De-worming
Dental care
Body clipping
Insurance
Medications and supplements
Approximate total monthly cost
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Use this for the term-based pricing examples:
12-month, 6-month, and 3-month examples
Note that shorter terms are typically higher on a prorated basis
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Use this for:
When Cedarhill searches outside the farm
15% commission structure
Split-fee example for Cedarhill family-to-family leases
Extra costs such as shipping, travel, and vetting
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