by Joanna and Eli Dokson.
The Baca Grande Stables’ 2024 summer children’s riding program for children ages 6 to 15 is scheduled to begin the week of June 3.
Following are the weekly sessions as currently scheduled: Session 1, June 3-7; Session 2, June 10-14; Session 3, June 24-28; Session 4, July 8-12; Session 5, July 22-26; Session 6, August 5-9. Each session is five days for two hours, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Lessons include riding in the arena and on trails and general horsemanship — safety, grooming and tacking up. The cost is $200 per weeklong session.
As in years past, the Baca Grande Property Owners Association (POA) has generously agreed to underwrite a portion of the summer children’s riding program in order to reduce the cost of lessons for local residents who demonstrate financial need. With the POA subsidy, the full cost of $200 per weekly session will be reduced to $150 for eligible students. Sessions are filling up quickly, so if interested, please sign up soon!
Summer is a busy time at the Baca Grande Stables. Private and group lessons are available for beginners through intermediates. We teach both English and Western riding. Our philosophy is based on discovering and establishing a loving, safe, and knowledgeable partnership with horses. Body awareness, boundary setting, effective communication with honest intention, and self-confidence are all enhanced by equine sports.
Trail rides are available year-round by appointment, weather permitting. These are usually one to two hours long and can feature a variety of terrain and areas of interest. Ages 6 and above are welcome.
Community members who believe in the value of this program for local youth, and would like to underwrite a partial scholarship for families in financial need, can make a tax-deductible donation to the Atalanta Association (the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that leases the Baca Grande Stables), earmarked “Summer Children’s Riding Program.” We will gratefully accept donations of any amount and will send a receipt to donors for tax purposes.
To sign up for the summer children’s riding program, schedule a lesson or trail ride, inquire about horse boarding or arrange to pick up free manure for your garden, please call 719-256-6200 or email us at info@bacagrandestables.com.