Saddle up at Carriage Hill MetroPark
LESSONS: Participants attend one-hour lessons once a week for eight weeks. Curriculum includes riding as well as before and after care for your horse. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Cost is $200.
PONY RIDES: For those 2-7 years of age, hand-led pony rides are available on Saturdays and Sundays beginning in April between noon-4 p.m. $5. Reservations are not required.
HORSE CAMPS: Group camps are offered in the spring, summer and fall. Youth summer camps are available from June through August ($175.) Adult camps and family camps are available during May and September ($160.)
MORE INFO: For more information or to register for lessons or camps, call the Riding Center at (937) 274-3120 or go online to www.metroparks.org.
Fresh air and friendship — horseback riding is part outdoor recreation, part relationship as riders and horses work together.
And while it may appear that the horses do most of the work, horseback riding is a workout for the rider as well. Riding helps improve flexibility and balance, strengthens core muscles and burns calories.
With sunshine and milder temperatures rolling into the Miami Valley, thoughts may shift to outdoor recreation. Whether it’s lessons, pony rides or camps, there are many opportunities to saddle up in the Dayton area in the coming months.
GIVE IT A TRY
First-time or casual riders might have a little initial apprehension before climbing into the saddle. Size is one consideration, another is the fact that a horse has a mind of its own.
Horses are measured in hands from the ground to the withers, which is where the neck meets the back. A hand is equal to four inches so a horse that measure 16 hands is about 5-foot-4 inches at its withers.
“The size of horses can be a bit intimidating at first but the emphasis here is on safety,” said Gloria Turner, equestrian facility technician at Carriage Hill MetroPark Riding Center. “These horses are well cared for and well trained. They know their job and they do it well.”
The smaller set can enjoy an equestrian interaction on a smaller scale as the riding center offers pony rides for those 2-7 years old.
“We are educators here but it’s also a lot of fun,” Turner said.
TAKE A LESSON
While trail rides through the scenic countryside are enjoyable, if you want an equestrian education, lessons are the best option.
The spring lesson series is already underway at Carriage Hill Riding Center but the MetroParks facility offers a variety of lessons and camps from now through fall.
“The really nice thing about the lesson programs is the camaraderie,” Turner said. “Beginners are all in it together.”
There are several equestrian centers in the area that offer lessons year-round. Trails End Equestrian Center in Moraine offers classes ranging from beginner riding to advanced jumping. Cape Cod Farm in Spring Valley offers individual and group lessons to meet the needs of beginners, competitive riders and anyone in between. Royal Creek Farm in Springfield also offers lessons at a variety of levels, both English and western saddle.
Lessons usually offer much more than time in the saddle as aspiring equestrians learn how to care for the animals and, even, clean up after them.
SHARE THE LOVE
Nicole Eckert has been actively riding since she was 16. More than a decade later, Eckert is now sharing that love with aspiring riders of all ages and skill levels as an equestrian technician at Carriage Hill.
In addition to the staff, the 23-horse facility boasts as many as 50 volunteers all of whom share a love of riding and horses.
“I like the effect that horses have on people,” Eckert said. “I really love when someone comes in here who has never seen a horse. The look in their eyes is something else.”
Horse sense — rules and reasons
Tips from the folks at the Carriage Hill MetroPark Riding Center.
1. Praise often, punish seldom. Firm, gentle treatment will gain your horse’s respect. Harsh or cruel treatment will make your horse fear you.
2. Stop, look and listen. Use caution when working around horses. Horses are frightened by loud noises and sudden movements. They may react in unexpected ways.
3. Never stand directly behind or in front of a horse. A frightened horse may kick or run over you.
4. Horses should never be hand fed. Fingers may be mistaken for treats and be bitten.
5. Keep at least one horse length between your horse and the horse in front of you. Crowding a horse may cause him to kick or bite.
6. Check equipment for proper fit and have your instructor check it before you mount. Improperly fitted equipment may cause an accident or injury to horse and rider.
7. Always use a halter and lead rope to tie your horse, never tie with the reins. Reins may be broken or the horse’s mouth injured if tied by the bridle.
8. Treat equipment with care and always put it away properly. Properly cared for equipment is easier to use and lasts longer.
9. Never wrap or tie anything attached to your horse around your body in any way. Being tied may result in being dragged by your horse.
10. Listen and learn. Always listen for commands from your instructor and act promptly. Keep alert at all times when around horses.
11. Dismount to adjust clothing or equipment.
12. Dress appropriately, wear long pants, shoes with a heel or boots and proper head gear.
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