If you don’t know me very well, you may think that I have always been a family photographer. I actually started my professional photography business by taking photos of competitors at different equine events around NS. Mainly barrel racing but I was also the official photographer for Color Classic APHA/AQHA shows for a couple of years. I grew up riding horses and had my own horse up until about 5 years ago. With kids, running my own business and I, at the time, was also working 2 part-time jobs there just wasn’t enough time in the day to enjoy my horse. Now that we have a 4-year-old, I have been looking into taking her to lessons. She hasn’t been around horses very much so I’m not sure how it will go. I know I’m probably not the only parent who is looking for these resources so I wanted to share them with you all!
Check out the Top 5 barns offering horseback riding lessons in the Annapolis Valley below:
Western
Valley View Performance Horses
Greenwood, NS
Valley View has recently opened in 2021 but the owners’ Bowie Langille and his son, Branden Langille are far from newbies. Bowie has been in the horse world for 50 years and Branden has been riding and showing horses since he could hold onto the reins. They teach any level rider from 3 years and up in either western or English disciplines.
Contact: Facebook
Sky Valley Farm
Nictaux, NS
Sky Valley Farm is owned and operated by Norma Graham who specializes in reining and western disciplines. She teaches recreational and competitive lessons for children to adults.
Contact: Facebook
English
Rohan Wood Stables
Aylesford, NS
Alissa Cue (head coach) began her riding career in BC at the age of 7 and in 2003 she opened Rohan Wood Stables here in NS. In 2017, Alissa won the Equine Canada/NCCP National Competition Coach of the Year and the NSEF Coach of the Year award. Jessica van Nostrand and Kate Marshall are both coaches teaching at Rohan Wood with Alissa. Lessons are for children 3-years-old to adults and are for both recreational and competitive riding.
Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association (FSTRA)
Located at Rohan Wood Stables in Aylesford, NS
Therapeutic riding lessons are available for all individuals and abilities aged 3-years+. People who are eligible to participate in their program may have ASD, anxiety, behavioural concerns, Cerebral Palsy, eating disorders and more. You can see a full list on FTRAs website here. They also offer a 3-day summer camp, Freedom to Belong (lessons for beginners 50+) and equine-assisted learning and activities for groups.
Fairytail Fields
Waterville, NS
Fairytail Fields is owned by Gina Martin and they offer trail rides, birthday parties, lessons and day camps for ages 18 months – adult. They also offer both English and western disciplines as well as therapeutic riding.
Contact: Facebook or 902-599-1882
Horseback riding is really popular all around Nova Scotia and some of the best relationships I have had over the years have been because of horses. They are such amazing animals and I hope that if you or your child is interested in learning more, you get in touch with some of the amazing barns above.
While you’re here, you should check out these other featured posts:
