Find Your Horseback Riding Adventure
Horses are gentle animals and riding them can be both fun and educational. Have you been searching for the perfect stable or equestrian center that offers horseback riding for kids as an extracurricular activity?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a horse expert or novice – these stables near Kalamazoo and beyond offer riding experiences, camps, and lessons for all ages and experience levels.
There are several options for horseback riding for kids, plus drop-in trail riding experiences for a unique way to explore the outdoors.
As parents, we can agree that safety is of the utmost importance. Finding the right instructor and place to take riding lessons for kids is paramount to a successful and FUN experience.
Featured SW Michigan Stables and Equestrian Centers
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Providing therapeutic horseback riding, equine companionship and professionally designed riding programs for physical, personal and spiritual growth through weekly lessons, summer clinics, special needs programs, and a variety of volunteer opportunities.
OFFERING: Horse Riding Lessons, English Riding Lessons, Western Riding Lessons, Riding Clinics
AGES: Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
AGES: Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Horseback Riding FAQs
Working with and handling an animal over twice the size of a child is daunting. It is also a huge confidence builder for children. As they work with and build a relationship with this gentle creature, it can and does empower kids to have an “I can” attitude.
Ready to get started but don’t know where to start? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions for families ready to start riding lessons for kids:
FAQs
What Age Do Lessons Start?
Depending upon facility, toddlers (aged 2-3) or preschoolers (4+) can start horseback riding for kids.
How Much Do Horse Riding Lessons Cost?
You can expect about $30 per week for group lessons. Private lessons are $50 or more per session.
What Should We Expect from the First Lesson?
Consider the first lesson your introduction to horseback riding. Staff teach riders some basic horse care and evaluate their current skill level and comfort riding.
Riders typically learn how to groom and tack a horse and how to lead a horse on the ground. They will also spend time riding so the instructors can assess their ability to steer and stop their horses.
What Type of Clothing or Equipment Is Needed?
Riders will need to wear long pants, boots with a heel and riding helmets.
Note: You may not need to buy special riding equipment. Most facilities have extra boots and helmets for riders to use; contact them before registering to see if your child can borrow equipment (and save yourself the expense!).
What’s the Difference Between Western and English Riding Styles? Which One is Better for My Child?
Western and English riders use different saddles, participate in different horse events, and rein usage is different. As a quick visual check, English riders take a rein in each hand, while Western take both reins in one hand.
Talk to your equestrian center or stable about your child’s interests and riding experience to determine the right style fit.
Horseback Riding for Kids Lessons
Whether you’re looking for an introduction to horses before committing to signing your child up for lessons or simply a fun family day out, here’s a roundup of 10+ spots in SWMI:
| Cedar Lodge Stables 47000 52nd St, Lawrence, MI 49064 |
| Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center 8450 N 43rd St, Augusta, MI 49012 |
| Crystal Farms Equestrian Center 15203 C-Drive S, Marshall, MI 49068 |
| Diamond Sahara Equestrian Services, LLC 6700 Moe Rd, Middleville, MI 49333 |
| Eastfork Farms 10392 North 44th St, Augusta, MI, 49012 |
| Every Stride Dressage 13482 S 29th St, Vicksburg, MI 49097 |
| Legacy Stables, LLC 8001 Patterson Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 |
| Lou Don Farm 4115 N 36th St, Galesburg, MI 49053 |
| Model Farm Stables, LLC 67503 38th St, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
| Pine Meadow Farm 8125 N 42nd St, Augusta, MI 49012 |
| True Vine Equestrian Center 72861 28th St, Lawton, MI 49065 |
More to Explore
