Equestrian Education

Three spring programs speak to the horse-riding community

When it comes to horses, Geauga County is among the richest counties in the state – and Geauga Park District is eager to have them in the parks.

If you ride, or if you have a horse of your own, there are at least three Saturday programs you’ll want to mark on your calendar this spring.

First, on Saturday, April 27, a Horseback Trail Clinic will help prepare riders for sharing park trails with their horses, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township.

Please leave your horse at home for the clinic, co-presented with Geauga County 4-H and the Geauga Chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council, which will focus on body scoring, pasture management, and the work of the Geauga County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Mounted Unit.

Next, on Saturday, May 11, bring your horse to complete the Trail Horse Nature Challenge, with assigned departure times ranging from 10 a.m. to noon at The West Woods.

The challenge, featuring a series of natural trail obstacles and nature questions along park trails, will award the best in youth and adult divisions. Anticipate hills, gravel, bridge and stream crossings.

Then finally, on Saturday, June 15, bring your horse again for a leisurely, naturalist-led Hikin’ on Horseback ride from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Whitetail Trail at Beartown Lakes Reservation in Auburn Township.

This ride will traverse the Whitetail Trail and private trails adjacent to Beartown Lakes, for a total of six miles under saddle. Anticipate hills, gravel or primitive trails and bridge crossings as we enjoy flowers, butterflies and wildlife in field and forest.

Helmets are recommended for all park rides, which require registration or 440-286-9516.

Geauga Park District is onlineFacebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Geauga News
Author: Geauga News