Horseback Riding in Iowa

CHA Certified Instructor
Insured by Equisure for Professional/General Liability Insurance

Chasing Laurels enjoys providing a variety of programs for children, teens, and adults. There are riding lessons, day-camps, Birthday parties, unicorn parties, public & private school visits, trail rides, camp-outs with horses, hang outs at the barn, Girl Scout Badge Clinics, boarding for ponies & horses, volunteering opportunities and more.

The lessons last one hour. They include grooming, tacking, and riding. We teach both the English and Western disciplines. Along with some gaming. We have Jumps, poles, barrels, trail equipment, and more on site. We focus on safety, center of balance, and knowledge, while having fun on horseback. All lessons are customized to the individual(s) with a general focus on establishing the rider/horse bond, harmony, developing centered riding skills, care of the horse, and following good safe horsemanship standards. We also assist riders with overcoming fears.

The day camps are coordinated during Des Moines Public School breaks. There is a 1-3 day camp during spring break, a 1 week camp in June, a 1 week camp in July, 2 weeks in August, and then 1-3 day camp during winter break. All the day camps start at 9AM and go till 5PM.

Quite often we also camp out with the horses during spring break and again the last weekend of October. Camp outs include- the horses /tack, 2 days of trail riding, meals, wood for the fire, entertainment in the evening, etc… There are also options for day time riding without the overnight(s).

Hang outs at the barn are from 11AM-5PM when scheduled. The hang out is supervised but, unstructured. Children often groom and ride the lesson horses, play horse board games, socialize, chill out, etc… We have had people come to the barn to do nothing more than homework or read books, while sitting on a horse.

We also allow volunteering. This usually begins at 13. However, we do occasionally make exceptions based on knowledge, safety, focus, and ability.
:)

Chasing laurels offers a full range of horse boarding, exercising, training, lessons, and more. We cater to our clients. Our monthly fee includes- regular worming, holding for the vet and farrier, and more. If you are unable to come out regularly, your horse will be cared for as our own and we can communicate regularly.

Other amenities available (for an additional fee) include- in-house training, general exercising, working with difficult horses, lessons in several disciplines, and short haul horse transportation around the Des Moines area, and judging.... See More

We offer saddle seat riding & driving lessons with American Saddlebreds & Hackney Ponies. We are a full service horse training, sales, and riding lesson barn. Our goal is to develop a passion for horses in each student. Our lesson program is tailored to prepare riders to be successful in horse show environments as well as overall horsemanship & equitation skills. We provide introductory horse showing opportunities to young riders in our lesson program and high level showing to those that own their own horse. Lessons are offered year round in our heated facility.

Horse camp information: https://iowahorseriding.com/summer-camp... See More

Dragonfire Dancing Horses offers Riding Lessons, boarding, equine entertainment, unicorn photo shoots, birthday parties, trick riding, drill team, etc. We specialize in Western Pleasure, Ranch Pleasure, Hunt Seat, and Liberty ....but can teach introductory side saddle, trick riding, vaulting, jumping, saddle seat, trick training, showmanship, and much more. More than 50+ years riding experience. Over 30 years of showring experience. Find us on Facebook under: Kelly Christine knrarabians at iowaconnect.com Minimum age: 6 years old.... See More

IOWA'S PREMIER RIDING ACADEMY AND ARABIAN HORSE FACILITY! FULLY HEATED FOR YEAR-ROUND EQUINE FUN!
AKS Farms' beautiful, fully heated facility is located just off of HWY 5 on Blue Street in Norwalk, IA! We are just 10 minutes from West Des Moines and are a convenient location for the Des Moines, Norwalk, Indianola and Carlisle areas!
AKS Farms is a full service equine facility offering competition training for the Arabian Horse show circuit as well as Iowa's Premier Riding School!
We are the home of Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup Gold Medalist and multi-National Champion trainer/instructor Alexis Scott. Alexis has over 20 years of experience competing at the local, regional, national and international level, and now uses her incredible talent and expertise to teach riders of all ages and skill levels!
AKS focuses on teaching the rider how to truly communicate with the horse, and use their skills to become a great horseman, no matter what discipline they ride!
We pride ourselves on teaching our students responsibility, confidence and the value of hard work! We combine the spirit of competition with strong family values, thus offering an experience totally unique to each client.
Our facility includes a fully heated indoor arena, 30 spacious heated stalls, four beautiful pastures for daily turnout, a heated wash-rack, grooming areas, two tack rooms, a gorgeous climate controlled viewing area, outdoor patio, and impeccable equine care. Preparations for a large outdoor arena are well under way!
Students and parents are welcome to spend as much time at the barn as possible, helping with chores, grooming and exercising horses, and making friends that last a lifetime! We have weekly cookouts, holiday parties and encourage camaraderie.
We hold in-barn schooling shows that give our students the opportunity to show off what they learn to family and friends, as well as attend outside shows, which range from fun-show level to national-level competition.
We offer lesson packages and competitive pricing to suit every individual, and offer gift certificates that make great unique gifts for the horse crazy person in your life!
Our heated facility allows us to give lessons year-round, and our lesson horses are the best in the Midwest at teaching students how to really ride! Safety is our priority, and in addition to in-depth instruction on how to interact with and work around horses, our lesson horses are highly experienced and incredibly reliable!
Our summer camps are always a hit! Campers learn the basics of horsemanship as well as how to care for the horse and learn horse knowledge through fun crafts!
We offer the best so you can have the best!
We are located just off of HWY 5 in Norwalk, 10 minutes from the Jordan Creek area and 5 minutes from the Des Moines Airport.
Check us out on our website, www.aksfarmsllc.com, for more information, or give us a call at !
Come join our family and learn what horsin' around is really all about!... See More

OPENINGS AVAILABLE! Spots are filling up fast!
Teaching riding lessons from the very beginner to the most advanced show lessons. Specializing in SHOWMANSHIP/HORSEMANSHIP/LUNGE LINE AND HALTER CONDITIONING.
WILL TRAVEL to your home for lessons.
I have 25 years experience in showing and 15 years of training in many events and hold all around and reserve all around titles. I have shown/trained and have points in SHOWMANSHIP/LUNGE LINE/HALTER/WESTERN PLEASURE/HORSEMANSHIP/TRAIL AND HUNTER UNDER SADDLE.
4-H DISCOUNTS!
CALL OR TEXT ME AT
EMAIL:
LET ME HELP YOU AND YOUR HORSE GET READY FOR THE SHOW SEASON!... See More

The staff at High Point prides themselves on providing first class equine services. Conveniently located just minutes south of Des Moines, High Point offers a phenomenal facility that provides all the amenities that the true equine enthusiast could ever want!

Specializing in Hunter/Jumpers, and Dressage, High Point provides its horses and riders with the skills and techniques they will need to lead successful careers in any English discipline.

By stressing her philosophy of horsemanship and a solid base of fundamental skills, Owner, Nicole Menchhoff has produced top quality horses and riders who have successfully competed up to the national level. The addition of Dressage Trainer Heather Huntoon makes us a well rounded team that is able to cater to your needs.

We keep an active show schedule complete with schooling as well as rated shows.... See More

I love to teach and help people learn about the grace and beauty that horses have. Kids and adults alike learn many life lessons from these beautiful creatures, that should be passed on. I am striving to build my life around this, and help others do the same. My program is centered on learning all that you can and making yourself the most knowledgeable horse owner/rider you can be, making riding more fun and safe. Need something specific? Let me know, and I will help you in anyway possible. If its something that I do not currently know much about I will research and learn with you.
My riding background includes 4-H and drill team through my younger years as well as competing on the hunter/jumper circuit, a graduate of the Black Hawk East equestrian program, I've worked with Annie Johnson Equestrian, John Staples, Jenn O'Neill, and am currently working with LouAnn Wulf at Wulf Run Farm. While in the equestrian program I studied subjects such as equine nutrition, show prep, barn management, and riding/training/teaching skills completing my associates in equine sciences. I also had a great networking opportunity to meet so many wonderful people while attending, and work under the wonderful rider and instructor Donna Irvin. I am also good friends with the 2013 Miss Rodeo Illinois, Cassandra Spivey, getting me interested and involved more in the rodeo circuit and learning more about running a correct barrel pattern, which I began under Donna Irvin. I currently am still involved in horse enthusiast group, Red Boots Society, and an all women's trail riding group called Trailbusters. I have also served as the vice president of the Mid-state Illinois Hunter Jumper Association and Quad Cities Al Breed Association. Lol... See More

I work with beginner and intermediate riders (children age 3 to adults) on a variety of riding and horse knowledge/ownership skills. Riders can choose English or Western riding.

We are operating out of Hunter's Glen Farms with a nice indoor arena, an outdoor riding space, and access to trails.

Elvis the Pony Adventures offers several birthday party packages for onsite parties as well as trailering ponies to party locations. On-site parties can be actual riding lessons for older riders or lead-line pony rides for children under 8.... See More

Natural Horsemanship Lessons & Training. Off site with your horse(s) at your farm/boarding facility or on-site at Lewis Bottoms Farms. Experienced. Excellent References!

I think you'll find our instructors/trainers are exceptional.
While we are currently looking for a trainer, since our horse trainer (of the past 7 years) has recently moved back to her hometown, we do have an accomplished instructor that boards with us, who is willing to give lessons.....but due to the cost of insurance, she can give you lessons on YOUR horse only.

She specializes in beginning lessons for any type of riding, and lessons for the english rider....up to intermediate dressage.

We've never had anyone send their horse to us for training -or boarding - or lessons - and
have them tell us is was a negative experience. And I'm betting there have been at least a
hundred horses trained here in the past 2 or 3 years and several dozen people take lessons......

Check out our web site: www.diamanh.com for more information
You can also check out all the photos of our horses at our face book page: Diaman H Stables... See More

Stillwater Stables offers Horseback Riding Lesson for Beginner Riders to Advanced Show Veterans. Ages 6 to adult are welcome. Professional Trainer and Owner, Sally Pray, teaches Hunter/Jumpers, Equitation and Dressage. Sally has over 20 years of experience coaching and riding in nationally recognized USHJA shows. Her training develops successful riders by teaching good, solid fundamentals. Stillwater Stables has wonderful, experienced lesson horses for beginners and there is school tack available to use. With both Outdoor and Indoor Arenas, lessons take place year round. Lessons are personalized to be fun and challenging. Safety is always first and students wear ASTM approved helmets. Stillwater Stables also has Stalls Available for Boarding. Contact Stillwater Stables, www.stillwaterstables.org, email: , call or text: ... See More

The Circle C Ranch is a full equestrian facility. We offer riding lessons for the beginner to the advanced. Private or family groups or friend groups. If you show or want to show,we can get you there. First time horse owner or wanting to own your first horse, we can help. We have horses for lease with purchase options. Full Time Trainers Boarding,veterinary care and farrier available. Indoor and outdoor arena.Heated arena for winter riding. Breedings available also-check out our website for available stud services AQHA NRHA APHA 4H... See More

Mindy Knoll has been a student and assistant of Ms. Anita Adams, FEI dressage rider and Certified Karl Mikolka Method Trainer, since 2001.

She studied with Ms. Adams daily in the Chicago area working with horses and riders showing to FEI on a national level, then continued to assist in the training at Blue Mounds Equine Center near Madison, WI where she worked with Ms. Adams starting and training young Lipizzan stallions and mares for demonstration and school.

Mindy is trained in the classical art of dressage and has assisted in the training of piaffe, passage and pirouettes. She is dedicated to preserving the classical principles of training and has seen great success with her students, horses and riders, using this method over the years.

Mindy is available in Central Iowa, and on occasion in the Twin Cities.

Rates:
45 min to 1 hr lesson: $50
1st lesson introductory rate: $30
5 lesson package: $200

Part Training (2 sessions per week): $250/month
Full Training (4 sessions per week): $450/month
Lesson travel fees may apply for clients who are far away.

To discuss training possibilities or to host a clinic email mindyknoll (at) gmail (dot) com.... See More

Whether you want to spend a relaxing afternoon on the back of a horse or be a strong competitor in the show pen, we can help!

We are proud to offer riding lessons for all ages and top quality, professional training.

Horses not only give students an opportunity to be physically active, but offers life lessons of responsibility, patience, hard work, caring, and friendship. We are excited to offer a riding program that includes not only lessons, but regular riding club meetings to expand your knowledge and build relationships!

We are excited to have SUPERB lesson horses available. Not only are these horses wonderful teachers at home, but they are available for lease to show.

Boarding at our facility is available at reasonable fees with extraordinary care.

Please contact us for more information on all services!... See More