Camp Kulaqua Retreat and Conference Center is a place where you can renew, refresh and reprioritize your life.  Owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Conference in Florida, it is an excellent place for spiritual retreats.  Resting on 700 beautiful acres among sprawling majestic oak trees with our own natural spring, the camp offers many activities: Basketball and Volleyball in A/C Gym; Boardwalk; Canoeing; Hayride & Bonfire; Go-carts; Hiking; Low-elements Challenge Course; Horseback Riding; Mini-Golf; Natural Spring with Blob and Tarzan Swing; Rodeo; Shuffleboard; Softball and Soccer; lighted fields available); Skate Park; River Ranch Water Park; Zoo and Nature Center.


www.campkulaqua.com

This summer you can treat your horse-crazy child to a week long summer camp at Canopy Oak Trails. With 70 acres for riding and nature walks, the adventures are endless. Indoors they can learn to draw horses from a professional artist and make crafts projects - like using handmade, horse-themed stamps to decorate a t-shirt, decorate a real horseshoe or paint a miniature wooden horse. There will be presentations on horse breeds and colors, farriery (hoof trimming and horseshoeing), equine nutrition, botany (plants), horse care/grooming, tack (saddles, bridles and such), groundwork, jumping and lot's more. Campers will have the opportunity to learn a little about what it takes to own a horse by helping feed, groom, provide hoof care and tack up a horse --as well as muck stalls and clean water troughs. Most campers will spend an average of 3-4 hours a day with their horse, riding twice each day. They'll learn to ride safely, under close supervision in an enclosed area before riding out on the trails. On Friday, family is invited to attend the "horse show." Campers will present a mounted relay demonstration, a horse obstacle course and much more. We'll provide horses, tack, craft supplies (including a t-shirt to print on), water and snacks. You'll provide bag lunches and your child, eager to learn everything about horses.

Camp Schedule: Weekly Sessions June 10th - July 12th   /  9:00AM - 5:00PM
Ages: 6-16
Cost: $275  /   $25 discount for families with multiple campers or for attending multiple weeks

tmmll@aol.com
Click here for details

What sets Dannette apart as a riding instructor is her experience, dedication and ability with children. She believes in allowing children to bond with the horses while riding and working beside them.   The horses are usually used only once a day, providing a fresh horse for each child.   Each lesson usually includes at least an hour and a half of saddle time.   The remaining time is spent working with the horses: grooming, tacking, washing.   Some of the older kids ride upwards of two hours (especially if they lease or own a horse).   Lessons are not monotonous and on occasion can include trail rides, cavalleti poles and jumps, fun games such as relay races and obstacle courses.   Dannette's students leave her stables with an enhanced life experience and a new outlook on human kindness, patience and tenacity and mostly better drivers!


www.ridingfun.net

We provide a safe, peaceful place for you to learn how to ride and improve your horsemanship.  Lessons are available for all ages and are $35 an hour.  We teach safety first (helmets are provided and appropriate footwear is required); Leading, Ground work including "The Seven Games;" proper way to saddle a horse, Mounting, Balance exercises, Gaits (footfalls of the horse), Emergency stop, Walk/trot/canter, Lateral work.  A simulator is also available.

Lesson horses are available and new students will begin riding and learning the seven games during their first lesson.  We strive to always remember the dignity of the horse and to enhance the dignity and respect of the rider as well. Learn to focus on the horse, his nature, temperament, and what is going on with him as we ask him to become a willing partner for an able and growing leader.


DoubleLRanch@att.net
www.newberrydoublelranch.com

Lessons are given on your horse or one of our lesson horses and ponies.   We have mounts suitable for all riding levels.   Lessons can be given in a group setting (2-3 people), or in a private setting.   Lessons are given Monday-Sunday, with the exception of show weekends.   We offer a lesson package that allows the rider to save on lessons.

www.dreamstonefarm.org

Private horseback riding lessons are available to children and adults ages 8 and up through multiple instructors. Eclipse Sporthorses is a full service equine facility located just minutes from Gainesville and the University of Florida.

Riding Lessons: Private riding lessons for children 8 and up are available through our trainer, Jeff Broederdorf.   Lessons are available for beginners through advanced riders in the areas of basic horsemanship, dressage, and hunter/jumpers.   Riders will have the opportunity to interact with their horses, learn the basics of grooming/tacking, and learn to ride in a structured and fun enviroment.

Recreational Horseback Riding Riders of all skill levels and interests are welcomed to Eclipse Sporthorses for casual horseback riding opportunities. Enjoy a 30 to 60 minute horseback ride on our quiet farm located minutes west of Gainesville and the University of Florida.   Riders will have the opportunity to interact with their horses, learn the basics of grooming/tacking, and ride in a peaceful and fun enviroment.   Riders will have access to our farm's arena and amenities and your ride will be guided by one of our staff members for safety.


regina@eclipsesporthorses.com
www.eclipsesporthorses.com

Haile Equestrian is a premier horse facility in the heart of Gainesville, Florida. Nestled in prestigious Haile Plantation, Haile Equestrian offers quality instruction for all riding levels in dressage, hunter/jumper, and western disciplines. We also offer a comprehensive leasing program, casual horseback rides, pony parties, and horse camps. Haile Equestrian also offers an elite selection of Warmbloods and ponies for sale.

Riding Lessons Riding lessons are available through multiple trainers at Haile Equestrian. Lessons are available for beginners through advanced riders in the areas of basic horsemanship, dressage, hunter/jumper, and western riding. Riders will have the opportunity to interact with their horses, learn the basics of grooming/tacking, and learn to ride in a structured and fun environment. After the first few lessons, students will have the option to prepare their own horse for their ride and warm-up under saddle to allow for maximal riding time during their lesson.

Horseback Riding Riders of all skill levels and interests are welcomed to Haile Equestrian for casual horseback riding opportunities. Enjoy a 30 to 60 minute horseback ride on our farm located at the entrance to Haile Plantation. Riders will have the opportunity to interact with their horses, learn the basics of grooming, and ride in a peaceful and fun environment. Riders will have access to our farm's arena and amenities and your ride will be guided by one of our staff members for safety.


www.haileequestrian.com

Mission: To provide a safe and enjoyable environment where individuals with special needs benefit from developmental, therapeutic, and educational equine-oriented activities. To improve the individual's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills through equine assisted therapy. To build a cooperative link within the community through educational opportunities.

Programs include therapuetic riding, hippotherapy, horses for heroes, pony pals, and equine assisted psychotherapy.   Visit the website for details.


info@horseshelpingpeople.org
www.horseshelpingpeople.org

1 hour private boarding lessons for non-boarderd available by appointment.

Madonna’s Equestrian Academy offers beginning, intermediate and advanced riding lessons.  An evaluation ride will determine the skill level a rider will start at.

Beginners lessonsinclude basics in horse sense, grooming, mounting and dismounting, starting and stopping, approach and leading, walking, steering and an introduction to trotting and showing a horse.

Intermediate lessonsrefine all skills learned in beginners lessons and include activities such as trots, canters, schooling figures, horsemanship patterns, gymkana and equitation.  Advanced lessons refine all skills learned in previous lessons and allow riders to master their skills.

Advanced lessonsuse a strong emphasis on communication between rider and horse.

Mbynum1973@aol.com/
www.horsebacklessons.com

At Pony Paddock, we specialize in teaching children and adults the basics of horsemanship and a balanced seat.  Lessons are based on individual needs, strength and weaknesses.  Each child progresses at his/her own rate.  We set realistic goals based on each student’s abilities and budget.  All students begin riding in individual lessons.  Students must stay in individual lessons until they are able to tack up their pony and control their pony at a walk and a trot.  At which time the student has choice to go into a group lesson.  Groups are established based on the rider’s ability.   However, we will also try to match the groups based on the age of the riders.


ponypaddock@windstream.net
www.ponypaddockatcedarlane.com

Skunkie Acres Zoo is open from 10 a.m. until Dark Daily, Holidays included.   We welcome School Groups, Daycares, and Field Trips.  There is no Admission charge to our Zoo.   We have many different animals for you to enjoy.   Come and visit with our newest addition "Mariah Wind" our Cougar.   Visit with Amara and Gustah, our Columbian Wolves, Bandit the Raccoon, Foxy Lady, Rita, and Fang, our Foxes.  We have Deer, Possum, Armiddilo, African Tortosises, and don't forget our Skunks.   Meet Billy our mascot or one of our other many colored Skunks.   The Zoo is run entirely on your Donations.   We accept donations of cash, animal feed, bedding, etc...

Trail Rides We have 1 Hour Horseback Trails for $20.00 per person and a 2 Hour Trail which is $35.00 per person.   These are very scenic and Beautiful Trails and there is always the chance to see some of Florida's Wildlife.   We also have a 3 Hour Trail which goes down by the Beautiful Suwannee River for $50.00 per person.   Children are welcome on our trails however children under the age of 16 must wear helmets per State Law.   We have Helmets available for your use at no charge.   Children 5 and under can ride with a responsible adult on the same horse for no additional fee.   All Proceeds from Trail Rides goes to help support the Animal Rescue and Zoo.

School Programs and Field Trips Our Objective here at Skunkie Acres, Inc. is to educate Children about animals here in our State of Florida and also about animals from around the world.   Children receive hands on educations about animals and lessons on the importance of animals to our world. Our Goal is to interest the School System in affordable and educational field trips right here in Northern Florida.   We have something for all ages from Horseback Riding to a Walk Thru Zoo, to Petting Farms and much much more.We have a spacious tent with seating to rest or to enjoy your lunch upon. We also have available an exotic zoo with benches available.   We also have ample parking and can handle bus parking.   Each of our field trips will have a guided tour by a professional guide and animal handler with questions and answers.   Flyers will be presented to all children and chaperones.   There is a minimum of 1 Chaperone for every 10 Children.   Our intentions will be to try to keep the age groups in their selected locations.   Children will also learn the importance of cleanliness when interacting with animals.   We stress the importance of hand washing when handling animals.   We have several hand washing/sanitizing stations available throughout our animal areas.We have specific days for horseshoeing and farriering.   Horseback lessons are available but are not included in our field trips.

Parties Our Birthday Parties include unlimited Pony Rides and Bounce Castle Rides.   We have a covered picnic area complete with tables which is decorated in either blue or pink for your child.   We provide guided tours thru our Zoo for the children and they even get to hold a Skunk.   The Birthday child gets his/her 8x10 Framed picture on a minature buckboard pulled by a minature horse.   We provide the plates, napkins, and forks.   You bring the cake and ice cream.   We do not charge for adults attending the party we only charge for the children.


www.skunkieacres.com

The mission of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc., is to provide a program for youth that teaches riding, mounted sports, and care of the horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership and self-confidence.

The TPC meets throughout the year, at farms and homes in Alachua County.   Our members range in age from 8 to 21 and own or lease ponies or horses.

At unmounted meetings, members learn to care for their mount, and receive instruction in all aspects of horse management, from picking hooves to the identification of toxic plants.   At mounted meetings, our young riders may school in the classical pursuits of Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing, or scrimmage in Polocrosse, race in Games, or practice their marksmanship for the Tetrathlon.

Four to five times per year, our club travels within the state of Florida to compete in Rallies with other Pony Clubs.   The focus in our club is on Education, Teamwork and FUN!

www.tuscawilla.ponyclub.org

Are you a parent with a horse crazy kid? Are they begging you for a horse? Are you an adult who wants to learn how to ride and take care of a horse? Are you a timid rider? I can teach you and/or your child the challenging task of taking care of a horse and riding. I own four horses, which are all at different ages and levels, three different breeds (TB, SWB, OLD NA).

I will teach the following: grooming, stable management, equine health, care and nutrition, tack care, pasture maintenance, riding lessons, how to break young horses, breeding practices, etc.

Schedule of a typical lesson: Catch your horse, groom and bond with your horse, tack up your horse, learn parts to the horse, ride your lesson, cool down, untack, hose off, turn out, put items away, leaving area neat and tidy. Lessons are taught one-on-one, and students are able to bond with their lesson horse, and we can switch up horses as the student progresses. Local showing is also available. My lessons are challenging, yet fun, to make the students the best equestrians they can be. Children and adults will either come away from my program and still want a horse, or know that they are not really interested in the hard work. Save a lot of money, and maybe even the life of a horse that might become unwanted, by hiring me first.

I can also travel to your farm to give lessons. We have access to over 250 acres of family owned private land for trail rides as well.

Only 4.5 miles from Haile Village. My farm is a safe and private, down a dirt road in the heart of Gainesville. We are located approximately 3.5 miles west of I-75 off Newberry Rd. I am taking on a limited number of students ranging in age from 6 to adult. Dressage, English, Western, Trail Riding.

Thaddledo Farm, Inc. promotes growth, learning, hope and opportunity for at-risk and special needs residents in Alachua County communities and surrounding counties through responsive equine therapy techniques, both on and off the horse.

www.thaddledofarm.com

TKOFARM offers all types of horseback riding for kids and adults from just for fun stuff to competitive levels of showing in rodeo, hunters and pleasure horses.   Offering trail rides, camps and private or group lessons at affordable rates and packages.

kelly@tkofarm.com
www.tkofarm.com

Students new to riding begin in private lessons to ensure plenty of one-on-one instruction and may choose to transition to group lessons once they have a basic control of the horse.   More experienced students may choose between private and group lessons.   Groups are based on age and level of ability.   We have a variety of lesson horses to meet all our students' needs, beginner to advanced.

www.twinoaksstables.co

S-Connection Aerial & Equestrian Arts (SCAEA) has offered aerial dance classes in the Gainesville area since 2008 and is now opening classes for kids! Owner/operator Corey Souza has over 10 years of teaching experience and has performed with circuses in the US and Brazil. Students will learn to fly like the acrobats in Cirque du Soleil with instruction on trapeze and aerial silks. SCAEA is located at Two Hawk Hammock in Williston. Two Hawk Hammock is a recreational center offering lodging, horseback riding, performing arts and crafts courses, summer camp and event hosting.


csouza@sconnection.net
www.twohawkhammock.com

West End Equestrian Center welcomes individuals with beginner to advanced riding skills to participate in our lesson program.  We offer instruction in every aspect of English riding from beginner flat work in traditional hunt seat to upper-level Dressage, with nice stadium jumps in the larger ring.  We offer lessons starting at children 5 years of age through adults of any age. We give discounts on our lessons if you are riding your own horse.  We offer introductory rates and package discounts.


info@westendequestrian.com
www.westendequestrian.com

Our privately owned facility offers a 6 stall barn, many grassy fields for turn out, and a lighted ring complete with hunter/jumper course.  We specialize in the training of horses and riders for the hunter/jumper show ring.  We offer several board options from full board to training/consignment board.  As well as private or group lessons for the beginner to advanced rider.  We start lessons as young as age 5.  Come and join us for some fun and learning and remember the horse always comes first!


rukine@att.net
www.wynfieldfarms.com