Trail riding, Trail riding Lessons & Horse Camp

GET OUTSIDE, CONNECT TO YOUR BREATH AND BE TOUCHED BY A HORSE

- ALEJANDRA LARA

Trail Riding Lesson

By Appointment !

Corral Lesson and Trail Ride Package (Beginner Riders)

In the controlled environment of the corral, fine-tune your English or Western riding skills. Riders work one-on-one with an experienced instructor to become more comfortable and confident in the saddle. Lessons include proper posture and tips on steering, guiding a horse, trail etiquette/safety and last day is a trail ride. If you do the package of 3 lessons and a trail ride, the cost is $195, lessons will be a weekly event and trial rides will be scheduled on Sundays. The trail ride will normally run from 1 hr to 3 hrs depending on location. The minimum age is 9 years old and the lesson will take 45-minutes, this is a one-on-one program.

Learning to ride takes patience and commitment. Being introduced to the basics by an experienced instructor is crucial for building a solid foundation. But so is enjoying the entire process.

There is no better way to enjoy the outdoors then in the saddle.

Call us at 540-371-0094 to make arrangements we need 48 hour notice.

We are open for trail riding lessons and private trail rides in March, April, May, June, September, October and November. We do not do trail riding in the hot summer months.

Private Trial Ride (Experienced Riders)

By Appointment Only

Level of Trail Riding Skills:

Walk Ride

Walk ride is the most popular ride! Suitable for all levels of riders, will be gone at least 5 hours including transportation. This trail ride is a lovely walk through the woods that is slow enough to enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. It is ideal for riders that have participated in trail and have a few under their belt. $120 per individual

Intermediate Ride (Walk/Trot/Canter)

This ride consists of walking and trotting, will be gone at least 5 hours to including transportation. Riders should have approximately 10 hours of experience in the saddle throughout the year. A fun, brisk ride that requires enough experience to be in control of the horse at all times. Riders are permitted to hold onto the saddle horn with their free hand and will be screened at a trot to ensure their safety. Riders that are not ready for the intermediate ride will be taken on a nice walk ride. $120 per individual

Additional information

The trail ride times are scheduled by the stables manager after individuals complete lesson program and/or evaluation. We will not take beginner riders out without going through our course. A safety check is required before each ride faster than a walk. Also, please note that programs and rides are subject to availability and weather conditions. In extreme heat or cold, all rides will be walk-only. In this case, to ensure the safety of the horses and guests, the stables manager can reschedule or cancel rides. We does not ride in a thunderstorm or high winds.

If you are an experienced rider please call us for Trail Riding availability at 540-371-0094.

Trials Riding Request

Life Skills and Mindful Horsemanship Camp 2022

Olde Towne Carriage's Horsemanship Camp has been developed for in a way to build character, horsemanship and building life skills in an awesome, fun and nurturing environment, with horses. We mix life skills with nonstop equine assisted activities, nature interactions, and arts/crafts.

Through each camper’s daily responsibilities and activities, participants develop problem-solving skills, honesty, empathy, self-confidence, and independence that will be applied in their home and school lives while forging lasting friendships.

Life Skills and Mindful Horsemanship Camp

Horses and equipment included

No prior riding experience necessary

Riding - Western Style

Riding - English Style

Driving

Horsemanship

Horse care

Games

Arts and crafts

Mindful nature activities

Meditation

Affirmations

Teamwork

Lots of fun

…. And much more....!

We will only accept 6 children between the ages of 8 - 12 per week.

Time: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Fee: $375 Full Camp, $200 per child for three days or $75 per day (choice your days)

Before Camp and After Camp fee: $15

COMING 2022

Why Horses?

Horses are naturally social animals with personalities, attitudes, fears, and moods, and very sensitive to the energy around them just like humans. The difference is they are more able to go back to a calm state then humans.

Horses come with all types of personalities and behaviors and they will respond appropriately to human interaction, allowing kids to experience a sense of connection and participation.

Horses and kids are seeking the same feelings of trust and connection, and once a child realizes this similarity, he or she is able to form a connection that is uplifting and inspiring.

Horses are very forgiving and patient and are able to teach kids about themselves and their interaction with others around them.

Why Teach Horsemanship?

There are many reasons why horses are such effective teachers:

Their ability to read emotional and environmental cues, subtle body language, and sensations help kids focus their attention, improve their concentration, maintain self-awareness, and practice being consistent.

Horses have more facial expressions and body language than most animals, and they can easily read human facial and body language.

Horses assist kids in becoming aware of the effect their emotions and behavior have on others.

Horses also help kids appreciate the positive aspects of being part of a group, such as family, friends, and classmates.

Life Skills

For hundreds of years humans and horses have worked side by side, it has been proven that humans benefit mentally from developing a connection with a social animal known for being responsive to human emotional states.

We will use our own experiences to help kids improve their emotional expression and self-regulation, as well as reduce anxiety. We will incorporate meditation, affirmation and mindfulness into the program.

Research bears this out, including studies conducted by Ellen Kaye Gehrke, Ph.D., on heart rate variability between humans and horses, whose outcomes point to the mood-boosting effect of the horse.