15 +
Years in the saddle
Howell, Michigan - Livingston County
Riding Lessons
That Build
Real Riders.
Disciplined, self-sufficient riders with a skillset that extends far beyond the saddle.
MSB Riding Academy is Howell's premier lesson program, led by Melinda Blaine, an instructor with over 15 years in the saddle and 5 years developing riders of all ages. We teach English (hunt seat), equitation and western horsemanship with an emphasis on safety, connection, balance, and building students who truly understand horses in and out of the saddle. We provide the horses, you show up ready to learn. Proudly serving families in Howell, Brighton, Hartland, and throughout Livingston County.
5 +
Years developing riders
3
Core lesson tracks
All
Ages & skill levels
Programs
Lesson Programs That Build Capable Riders
Our lessons do more than teach riding basics. They help students become confident, responsible, self-sufficient riders who understand horses, carry themselves well, and keep growing in and out of the saddle.
Ages 7+
Private Lessons
$60 per lesson
1 hour - one-on-one
Focused one-on-one coaching that builds strong fundamentals, rider feel, and the confidence to think independently in the saddle.
- Individual coaching tailored to goals
- Builds self-correction, balance, and clear communication
- Ideal for beginners through competitive riders
Best Value
Ages 7+
Group Lessons
$50 per lesson
1 hour - small group - best value
Structured small-group instruction where riders learn by riding, listening, and watching coaching happen in real time, helping concepts click faster and translate into the ring.
- See mistakes, corrections, and good decisions play out live
- Excellent for building ring awareness, timing, and show readiness
- Awesome value for riders who learn well through shared coaching
Ages 4-6
Little Riders
$35 per lesson
30 min - intro
A welcoming first step for younger riders built around safety, confidence, listening, and comfort around horses.
- Short-format lessons built for attention span and success
- Introduces balance, basics, and respectful horse handling
- Creates happy first experiences and responsible habits
Your Instructor
Melinda
Blaine
Patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in every rider who walks through the gate.
Melinda founded MSB Riding Academy on a straightforward belief: students who understand horses become riders who are safe, confident, and self-sufficient. Every lesson, from the first time in the saddle to showing, is built around that idea. English huntseat, western, horsemanship, tacking up, horse care. You leave knowing more than how to ride.
15 +
Years Riding
5
Years Teaching
100 +
Riders Trained
Seasonal Program
Summer
Horse Camps
A full day in the barn: games, crafts, riding, grooming, horsemanship, and learning what it really means to care for a horse. Small groups, safe horses, and Melinda's undivided attention.
The summer experience kids talk about all year
Who It's For Kids & beginners
Horses Provided by MSB
Location Howell, Michigan
What Families Are Saying
Reviews from Facebook, 100% recommendMy daughter Isabelle loves riding horses and has had such a wonderful experience learning from Melinda. She feels very comfortable working with Melinda, and you can see her confidence growing. We tried another riding academy, and Isabelle didn't feel comfortable. I would highly recommend MSB Riding Academy to anyone interested in learning to ride horses!
My daughter loves Melinda, and looks forward to her lesson every week. Not a single day goes by that she doesn't ask to go ride. Melinda is very patient and explains everything very thoroughly. We couldn't have asked for a better place for riding lessons.
I took refresher lessons as an adult rider after taking a long break from formal lessons to build confidence. Melinda is very kind, patient and helped recommend exercises and tips to help me correct my riding and posture. The convenient close location to downtown Howell was an added bonus.
My daughter has been taking lessons, both private and group, for several months and always has a great experience! She also attended one of the summer day camp sessions and had so much fun. She has gotten the chance to ride many of the lesson horses and they are all wonderful. Melinda is very patient and knowledgeable.
Melinda at MSB Riding Academy is A+ a wonderful teacher. My 7-year-old loves her riding lessons.
Get in Touch
Ready to
Start Riding?
Send Melinda a message and she'll get back to you directly to talk through the right program, answer any questions, and get your first lesson scheduled. No commitment needed, just reach out.
Location Howell, Michigan - Livingston County
Response time Typically within 24 hours
Phone (810) 210-4824
Facebook MSB Riding Academy
TikTok @msbridingacademy
Melinda responds personally.