Education/Clinics

HOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Horse Course is designed to introduce home schooled students (ages 7 and up) to the wonderful world of horses. Each class (i.e. 101, 102, 103, etc.) is held for four consecutive weeks and lasts for two hours. The first hour is in the "classroom" learning about horses and their care. The second hour is dedicated to a structured riding lesson in our arena. Homework and quizzes are given to reinforce learning. Because each course builds off the knowledge learned in earlier classes, students must take classes in order. (You cannot take Horse Course 103 unless you have completed 101 and 102). Registration two weeks in advance with a credit card number to hold or deposit is required. Minimum of four students required to hold a class. Horse Course 101-106 is available September through May. Cost: $145/student per course. Registration Form.

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DAY OF HORSES

Celebrate your students’ love of horseback riding by taking a day to learn the fundamentals. This five hour program begins with an interactive talk on horse safety and care. Our experienced instructors will then assist the students in grooming, saddling, and bridling their own horses. Students will spend the rest of the day in the arena on horseback learning the basics of western riding: mounting, dismounting, proper posture, communication, control, and safe riding habits. The day includes a half hour lunch break. We will supply a campfire at no charge if you wish; students are responsible to bring their own lunches. (Don’t forget the roasting sticks!) Available from September through May, Tuesday through Friday between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Please call at least two weeks in advance to make a reservation. Credit card number or deposit is necessary to hold the reservation. Minimum of 4 students required. Cost: 4-10 students $65/person, 10-14 students $60/person.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

We have a variety of activities for students. We can adapt any of our regular activities (trail rides, pony rides, hayrides, etc.) to fit the size and needs of your group. We also offer the following programs specifically designed for school groups:

1. Minnesota’s Early Pioneers History Program. A half hour historical presentation by Wargo Nature Center with props and printed handouts covering how settlers used hard work and horses to make homes for themselves in Minnesota. Students then take an hour long hayride through Bunker Hills Regional Park viewing the natural habitat of the region. We can accommodate groups up to 200. Cost: $12.75-16.50/student, dependent upon number of students and busing needs.
2. Horsemanship Program. A two hour program split in two parts. The first half is an interactive talk covering safety around horses, grooming, saddling, bridling, and basic horse care. The second half is a riding lesson in the arena that will teach basic riding posture, communication, and steering. We can accommodate up to 24 students per session. Cost: $35/student.
3. Trail Ride, Hay Ride, Barn Tour, Campfire Packages. A great reward for your students! We will custom design an event to fit your group size. A typical event (for up to 45 riders) last three hours. Students are split into 3 groups of 15. Every hour the groups rotates, so that each will ride on the trail, learn about horses in a barn tour, and enjoy a hay ride. Trail rides last and hour including mounting and instruction, hay rides last 35-45 minutes, and barn tours are about 20-30 minutes long. There is a large lawn area, volleyball net, and picnic tables for students to use. We can add or subtract activities (i.e. only do a trail ride and hay ride) to meet your group size and budget. Call us today for availability and pricing!

We offer a complementary campfire in conjunction with your activity. There are picnic tables for students to enjoy their lunches or snacks around. We are happy to tailor an activity to fit the size and needs of your group. Please call at least two weeks in advance to schedule your activity. Deposits or credit cards are required to hold a reservation. Pony riders are required to wear helmets. You may bring your own or rent ours for $2 each. Riding helmets are required for trail riders under the age of 18 and are provided by us at no additional charge.

DAYCARE

Plan an exciting outing for your daycare group with hand led rides on our gentle, well trained ponies! During warm weather months, an adult leads the pony on a shaded continuous loop path. For winter months, you may take the ride indoors in our spacious arena to get out of the wind and snow. You need to supply one leader per pony (up to four ponies) and adequate supervision for the children not riding. Included with the daycare program is the use of the indoor community room with picnic tables for snacks or activities. Call for pricing and availability.

CLINICS

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We offer a variety of clinics, including trail guiding, riding instructing, harnessing and driving, and specialty clinics. We may occasionally have special guest instructors, so check our web site for times and dates. If you have questions, or would like to join a clinic, please call or email us.