Riding Programs
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Welcome to the wonderful world of horseback riding - a unique sport which combines exercise, the outdoors and a love of horses.
Our Riding Lesson Program places a strong emphasis on developing an independent seat, soft, steady hands and a solid lower leg. By focusing on the building blocks of good equitation, our riders establish a strong foundation from which grow. We also believe great riding comes from understanding the horse - the mechanics of movement as well as knowledge of horse behavior -- which in turn creates compassionate, well rounded riders and harmonious partnerships.
Our inviting facility features a brand new (2023) 60' x 140' indoor arena with state of the art fibre footing, an upstairs viewing area and classroom, as well as a large (120' x 220') outdoor sand ring with a full hunter and jumper course, starter level cross country course and walking trails. Other ammenities include a bathroom, kitchen/lunch room and tack shop on site!
Our coaches and staff are knowledgeable, experienced and friendly. Our 20 school horses are the pride of our farm as they provide the solid foundation required to allow our beginner riders to safely tackle their first skills, and the talent and athleticism needed to take our High Performance riders into the show ring.
Our year-round program includes two 'streams:' Learn to Ride (LTR) and High Performance Program (HPP) and are based on the Long Term Equestrian Development Guidelines offered by Equestrian Canada.
Our Riding School Program emphasizes a strong foundation to ensure the best pathway for skill development, confidence and progress! Safety, fun and a sense of personal accomplishment are key elements of our system. Lessons run all year round in eight week sessions. We feature a large, bright indoor arena with state of the art fibre footing and viewing area (for year-round riding), a 120' x 220' outdoor sand ring, grass ring/cross country field and walking trails. New riders will begin in our INTRO TO HORSES program, with our assistant coach Nadine, as she guides them through the beginning fundamentals of riding, as well as how to lead, groom and tack up their horse/pony safely and properly.
Riders will continue in the Intro to Horses program until they are comfortable leading, grooming/saddling and basic walk-trot manoeuvres and ready to 'graduate' to private (30 or 60 min) or group lessons with our head coach Colleen. Price list below!
For riders who aspire to take their knowledge and training to higher levels, we offer our High Performance Program (HPP). Riders take part in a minimum of two lessons per week, and have access to additonal learning opportunities on subjects that range from ground work, horsemanship and stable management to mental performance, goal setting, healthy living and personal excellence.
For riders who aspire to compete, Storybook Stables also attends an average of 6 -10 horse shows per year - from local training shows to Regional Gold and National 'A' competitions. Opportunities are available for our HPP riders to lease (or board) a horse/pony and to participate in training clinics, show preparation seminars and other workshops as they continue on their path towards excellence.
Horses can play a powerful role in growth, healing and skills development. They have the gift of intervening on an emotional and somatic (body) level which makes them excellent partners for helping us meet the challenges that lay before us. Our Equine-assisted programs help people take charge of their lives and their health in order to become their most authentic & inspired selves. We can tailor programs to suit an individual or group based on your desired outcome. Popular themes range from: Team Building; Leadership; Self esteem to Wellness.