Why Lesson at Grosse Pointe Equestrian?

• Group size is limited to 4 riders and lessons continue even if one rider is able to make the time.

• Extra care is taken to help each student reach their goals.

• High-quality footing in all 5 arenas.

• Emphasis on FUN, and enjoying the riding experience, while learning and being safe.

• Knowledgeable and friendly staff for every aspect of the riding experience.

• A full range of school horses for riders of all sizes and abilities.

• Ages 4 and up are accepted.

Meet the School Program Head Trainer and Director: Jaafar Reza

Originally born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Jaafar Reza started riding and showing horses at his family’s farm where he spent much of his time as an aspiring young rider.  Among his accomplishments as a young rider and trainer, Jaafar won the Lebanese Cup, qualified for the World Jumping Challenge, and competed in multiple Grand Prix across Lebanon.

In 2014, Jaafar made his journey to the United States where he continued riding and training horses, while also earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. After graduating, he decided to follow his true passion and continued to work as an equestrian professional. 

Jaafar went on to ride and train horses at a private breeding farm in North Carolina. He traveled to multiple different showgrounds including Tryon International Equestrian Center and WEC Ocala, where he competed in many national Grand Prix.

Jaafar’s path brought him to Michigan in May of 2021. Since then, he has earned sponsorship under CWD saddles and Razza Pura.  Jaafar’s goal is to share his knowledge and passion for horses with hunter / jumper riders.

Starting Young Riders the Right Way

Jaafar and his team specialize in starting riders as young as 4 years of age. The school program starts all beginner riders with a knowledgeable leader. While the instructor is coaching, each leader is able to reinforce the finer details of riding. This system has led these young riders to gain freedom off the lead line sooner than other programs. Having a knowledgeable lead-rein staff member allows the student to get the focused detail that is found in a private lesson while reaping countless benefits from our small groups.

Another unique aspect to our school program is learning through playing games. Jaafar and his team use skill building games to help riders gain confidence and cement skills, while focusing on having fun and enjoying the horse-riding experience.

Solid Foundation for Jumping

All riders are given a proper foundation in Dressage before deciding what sport to specialize in. This creates safe and knowledgeable riders. A solid dressage seat makes the transition to jumping safer and easier than simply coasting into jumping.

Easy to Follow Lesson Curriculum

Grosse Pointe Equestrian follows the CHA program and text books. Certificates are given out every time a student passes a level. Information can be found on the CHA website, and supports what is being learned in lesson. These resources allow ‘horse-crazy' students to take charge of their education outside the lesson environment, and reach their goals! This also provides an awesome opportunity to parents to be involved with their child’s equestrian education.

Advanced Lessons

Our lead trainer Jaafar does much more than beginner lessons: he works with the advanced rider to train their own mounts, meet riding goals, and prepare for shows.

Have your own horse?
Our trainers are able to train the horse and support the training through rider mounted lessons.

Don’t have a horse but want a more advanced lesson?
Take a lesson on one of our school horses. We also have several up-and-coming youngsters to get a feel for the training aspect of riding.

Want to delve deeper into Hunters?
Take a lesson with our very own, Tim Sullivan. With over 50 years of training and teaching experience, he’s able to really hone in on those with Hunter/Jumper ambitions, and make you shine!

Want to immerse yourself in Dressage?
Take a lesson with Lynne Krueger; Dressage extraordinaire! Lynne has a passion for the sport and a true understanding of what it takes to climb the levels.

What to Expect in Lessons

Please plan 2 hours of time at the barn. Students are expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of a lesson to tack up their mount and get ready for the lesson. Lessons run approximately 60 minutes (including a maximum of 15 minutes of prep. time). After instruction, students un-tack and care for their mount. Un-tacking and care may take up to 30 minutes. Knowledgeable staff is available for students learning to tack and un-tack.

Dress for Success

ASTM Certified Riding Helmet

• Must be less than 5 years old.

• Bike helmets do not provide the same amount of protection as a riding helmet does.

• We have a limited supply of ‘loaner’ helmets available to borrow.

• We highly recommend Tipperary helmets for the extra coverage at the base of the neck.

Breeches/Riding pants

• These are specially designed to allow the rider flexibility in the saddle and extra grip.

• Leggings are an acceptable short-term solution, but do not allow the rider the best grip in the saddle.

Half Chaps

• These are typically made of suede or leather, and allow the rider a better grip and feel in the saddle.

Paddock Boots

• These have enough grip to help the rider stabilize their foot, and have just enough heel to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup.

• Any brand tends to work, although Ariat seems to last the longest.

Riding Gloves

• Riding gloves are specially made to help the rider grip the reins and protect their hands from blisters.

What Not to Wear

Stiff Jeans

• These limit how much the rider can adjust in the saddle.

Tennis Shoes

• These present a serious safety concern as riders’ feet can slip though the stirrup without a heel.

Dangly Jewelry

• This can easily get caught on tack or the horse and lead to an injury.

Elaborate Hairstyles

• These can prevent a safe helmet fit.