Welcome to
Driftwood Stable!
Since our founding, Driftwood Stable has had the opportunity to help countless students acquire foundational skills, develop new techniques and confidently move forward in their riding journey. We were formerly the only USHJA Recognized Riding Academy in South Carolina and voted the best Horseback Riding Lesson Academy in the Hilton Head Area.
*Update*
As of January 1, 2024 we have closed our doors.
Thank you to all the riders and horses who were a part of our journey over the past few years. We couldn't have done it without you and we will always cherish the memories made in our barn.
Testimonials
Read what former students had to say about our Nationally Accredited Award Winning Program!
Camryn Bell
IEA Team Driftwood Captain, Attended Nationals
"When I was invited to join Driftwood's IEA team, my heart filled with so much excitement. Shows with the Team Driftwood family are something I always look forward to no matter how early we are up making sure we are ready for the day. Shows at Driftwood consists of bonds between not only riders but as well as parents. Show days mean waking up early and getting things done together as a team. Nobody is ever left out and nobody ever has to be reminded to be inclusive - we just are. Team Driftwood’s best traits are sportsmanship, perseverance, and encouragement. Long days at the barn or at shows Driftwood riders are always showing these traits naturally. The bonds between horses and their riders are unbeatable. Seeing the “littles” reactions when they arrive to the barn and see their favorite lesson pony is something I forever want to see. Sondra and Marlene’s love for teaching and working with students and their love for horses is something that you can not find anywhere else, except in the hearts of them. I am so thankful to be apart of such an amazing environment, barn family, and opportunities provided from Sondra and Marlene as well as the horses."
Ella Wedgewood
IEA Team Driftwood Captain
“One of the most important things about any barn is the type of atmosphere that the barn has. Having a place where girls can get together and enjoy riding, talking to each other, developing long lasting relationships is part of what makes the barn so much fun. When I was younger my barn split apart and left so many of us kids with no where to go and no family to be apart of. That was when we found Driftwood. When I needed Driftwood the most they were always there for me. I found an amazing group of girls that I belonged with and for the past 5 years I have proudly been a member of the IEA team. I can thank Sondra and Marlene for a huge influence in my riding career. I have learned so much from both of them as well as their amazing horses. Driftwood offers me a place to belong, to learn, and to grow. I know I will always remember how incredible my time there was and I am so grateful for every experience.“
Shelby Smith
Long-time
Stable Manager
"Driftwood has been my home away from home for the past 5 years and not many people can say that about their place of employment. Sondra took me in with no experience and taught me everything I know from barn chores to riding. Without her, and Driftwood I wouldn't be where I am today. I am truly heartbroken that we are having to close our doors
We have worked so hard for so long to get where we are now and we have a close to perfect group of horses who all work so well together and don't deserve to be separated. Working at a barn you really get to know each and every horse and develop a bond with them all. You learn what they like/don't like, their favorite treats, their quirks, habits, & so much more. I am not ready to part ways with my barn family, and I can only hope and pray we are able to re-locate somewhere nearby."
Karen McDonnell
"Where do I begin… I heard about the wonderful Driftwood Stable by many people around the Low Country area. They shared how amazing their barn family, facility, horses, and coaches are. I wanted to try out a lesson and I absolutely loved it. I remember the first horse I rode at driftwood and his name is Toulouse. Not to mention, the coaches at Driftwood are super kind and have lots of knowledge on what they are doing. It’s an exquisite facility with the most breath taking local sunsets. I joined the IEA team at Driftwood last year. It has been a great experience, I have made great friends along the way and have learned many new skills that will help me for the future. I’ll be returning this season in hopes to learn more and advance in horse back riding."
Kaylee Sharman
"The barn has meant so much to me, it’s where I met my amazing coaches and teammates. All the horses at the barn have their own personalities but, all of them are so special. We are a big, unique, loving family. I can’t imagine a life with out these people and horses in it. Miss Sondra and Miss Marlene have been amazing coaches, teaching me something new every time I walk in the barn. Thank you Miss Sondra and Miss Marlene for all you have done."
Kinsey Mayoh
"I have lived in the neighborhood that Driftwood Stable is located in and ridden at the barn for all 5 years. I have improved so much and had so many great years on their IEA team and in their lesson program! My horse Faith and I have made an amazing pair over the last 2 years I've had her and we are sad to see Driftwood leave. Hopefully some place even greater is in store for them and their business, and I wish so much luck to them and their horses! Thank you for being the best trainers I've had in the 8 years I've ridden."
About Us
Welcome to Driftwood Stable, a USHJA Recognized Riding Academy now located in Fort Myers, Florida. Take a look at our site to learn about our Lesson Program, Day Camps, dedicated IEA team, Boarding Options, Horse Shows, and Clinics.
Are you interested in learning how to ride, or are you an experienced rider looking to further your skills? Get on the track to success at Driftwood Stable, with our high quality, specialized riding program.
With a focus in Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation, we offer training programs designed with your personal goals in mind, and care to suit the individual needs of your horse.
Sondra Makowski was the Owner and Head Riding Instructor at Driftwood Stable and also served on the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy Committee.
She started riding at a young age and successfully competed on the A-circuit for over 20 years. Sondra incorporated a wealth of knowledge, passion and skill into her customized training program. Her specialty was hunter/jumper lessons with a major emphasis on safety, correct basics, and equitation.
Sondra enjoyed working with clients of all ages and levels and her student's earned year end high point championships on the local, regional and national circuits.
Lesson Program
All instructors are USEF SafeSport Certified.
Riding Levels
Beginner: Instruction for inexperienced riders. Riders learn fundamentals of horsemanship, correct position and basic riding commands at walk/trot.
Advanced Beginner: Practicing trotting skills; diagonals must be mastered and ability to ride without stirrups before learning how to canter. Horsemanship and basic horse care covered in more detail.
Novice 1: Riders develop confidence and security at all three gaits and master diagonals and leads. Continue education on horse care, stable management and riding theory. Small jumps introduced. Participation in horse shows is encouraged starting at this level.
Novice 2: Exercises in lateral work, stride adjustments, understanding contact and advanced flat work furthers rider’s control and understanding of horses. More sophisticated jumping as well as advanced riding theory and horsemanship taught.
Intermediate: Riders have the skills to evaluate different horses and learn to adapt their riding to enhance the performance of each horse. More technical jumping exercises taught as well as more advanced flatwork. Riders are encouraged to lease or purchase a horse to further their skills over higher jumps and enter competitions to achieve their goals.
Day of Lesson
Check in at the stable for horse assignments. Our program includes learning how to handle, groom, tack up, and appropriate aftercare of the horse and equipment. Lessons include learning these skills until riders demonstrate they can do so independently and correctly.
Novice Riders (and above) should arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of their lesson and are responsible for getting their horses groomed and tacked up, proper cool-down, care and tack cleaning before departure. Lessons are 45-60 minutes depending on group, semi-private or private instruction.
Pricing, Dress Code, and Cancellations
Pricing: You can purchase discounted lesson packages in advance for each Quarter or Month or pay by per lesson. We recommend taking one private lesson and one group lesson a week to optimize learning potential as you progress through the levels. Call to inquire about this month's special!
Dress Code: In order to be safe and excel at any sport you need to dress the part. Riders must wear breeches with tall boots or paddock boots and half chaps. Jeans are discouraged. An ATSM/SEI approved helmet is required. Shirts should be tucked in with a belt and hair should be pulled back in a ponytail or hair net.
Cancellation Policy: We must be notified of a cancellation at least 24 hours in advance, or you will incur a $20 fee. Management reserves the right to cancel for any reason.
Schedule your lesson today!
IEA, Day Camps, and more!
IEA
Team Driftwood Interscholastic Equestrian (IEA) is a competitive riding team for grades 6-12. Riders compete on randomly chosen horses for both individual and team points. The season runs from August through National Finals in May. More information can be found at www.rideiea.org
Day Camps
Driftwood Stable offers Seasonal Day Camps for children of all riding levels. Campers learn about all aspects of horsemanship, proper horse care, and safety practices. They learn to handle, groom, tack up, and clean up after their mounts, in addition to a one-hour riding lesson. Afterwards, campers create horse themed arts and crafts and participate in games.
Birthday Parties / Scout Events
We also offer birthday parties featuring pony rides and opportunities for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to earn various badges at the barn! Available on weekends for children 7-12 years of age. Birthday party goers will enjoy pony rides and use of the porch area to set up food and decorations. Scouts will enjoy a taste of farm life, learning about and assisting with daily barn chores, aspects of equine ownership, and the basics of riding. All riders must have a signed waiver. Pricing depends on number of children attending/ponies needed and length of event.
Please inquire for more information about our exciting IEA Competitive Riding Team opportunity, Camp dates and registration, and pony parties/scout events!
Boarding
Our beautiful family owned and operated farm features 12’x12’ stalls, and a large grass jump arena. Boarders are permitted to use arena at all times (weather permitting) and footing is dragged several times a week. Each stall has a mounted fan and thick rubber matting lining the floors. The main aisle contains large industrial fans to keep horses and riders cool. Boarders will have a spot in the tack room, access to free laundry services, and use of our wash rack. The barn is equipped with a security system, a fire detection system, and the owners live on property and do night checks on the horses.
Board includes our high quality feeding program, daily or nightly turnout (weather permitting), stall cleaning and maintenance, and blanketing. Feed supplements will be given at no charge when provided by client. Water is filled manually to ensure adequate water intake.
Our barn is closed on Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving Day. If you are interested in boarding at Driftwood Stable please call to schedule a tour and discuss pricing.
