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.
In this guide
• Horseback Riding Lessons Providers
• Horseback Riding FAQs
• Map
Horseback Riding for Kids Lessons
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.
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 spots in SWMI:
| Cedar Lodge Stables 47000 52nd St, Lawrence, MI 49064 (269) 674-8072 What You’ll Find: Summer Camp, Riding Camp, Vaulting Club, Equestrian Team, Horse Boarding, Riding Lessons |
| Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center 8450 N 43rd St, Augusta, MI 49012 (269) 731-4471 What You’ll Find: Therapeutic riding center for individuals with disabilities |
| Crystal Farms Equestrian Center 15203 C-Drive S, Marshall, MI 49068 (269) 317-3910 What You’ll Find: Summer Camp, Schooling Shows, Private Lessons, Group Lessons, Birthday Parties |
| Eastfork Farms 10392 North 44th St, Augusta, MI, 49012 (269) 806-3525 What You’ll Find: Riding Lessons, Horse Camp, Birthday Parties, Adult Outings, One Time Rides |
| Every Stride Dressage 13482 S 29th St, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 547-0647 What You’ll Find: Dressage Training, Magna Wave Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy |
| Lou Don Farm 4115 N 36th St, Galesburg, MI 49053 (269) 665-9782 What You’ll Find: Riding Lessons, Birthday Parties, Summer Camp, Horse Boarding, Schooling Shows |
| Model Farm Stables, LLC 67503 38th St, Paw Paw, MI 49079 (269) 569-6678 What You’ll Find: Riding Lessons, Horse Boarding |
| Pine Meadow Farm 8125 N 42nd St, Augusta, MI 49012 (269) 731-4294 What You’ll Find: Riding Lessons, Horse Boarding, Horse Training, Horse Showing |
| Rise & Ride Ranch 2855 36th St, Allegan, MI 49010 (616) 422-8200 What You’ll Find: Trail Rides (for small groups and private groups) |
| True Vine Equestrian Center 72861 28th St, Lawton, MI 49065 (269) 501-0529 What You’ll Find: Riding Lessons, Horse Clinics, Programs for Individuals with Disabilities |
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.
SWMI Equestrian Centers Map
Find horseback riding lessons for kids at these SWMI stables and equestrian centers:
More to Explore
