Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Shannon Russell recaps her riding experience at First Farm Inn in this article July 29, 2006 Horseback riding at First Farm Inn is different than anywhere else you've ridden.  Jen's trail ride lessons are a mix of aikido, tai chi and horse sense geared to teach you why and how your horse thinks and clue you in to his personality and herd position, enabling you to communicate effectively with your new equine partner.  Whether you've never ridden before, have taken a series of lessons, or grew up with your own horse, you'll enjoy your ride here. First Farm Inn horses have optimum horsy lifestyles.  They live in a herd, graze constantly, go barefoot, and are well fed.  They are not sedated before rides.  Several are retired from the race or show arenas and like most, several have recovered from starvation or abuse. "Your patient teaching with my little horselover was wonderful.  I'm sure the time spent on your beautiful, thoughtful farm will be a lasting treasured memory for both of us."      Cincinnati With the drought and with rising gas prices, the costs for hay and feed have gone up. Consequently we must increase our riding fees to help cover our expenses and support our horses. Sorry. Jen is a member of the Kentucky Equine Education Project, the Kentucky Horse Council and the Northern Kentucky Horse Network.

Jen is a member of the Certified Horsemanship Association and subscribes to the safety-based training techniques and philosophies of Julie Goodnight.   Julie is known for her upbeat, logical and straightforward style of teaching and her ability to bridge natural horsemanship techniques with the principles of classical riding.   You can visit Julie's website at JulieGoodnight.com or email her at jgoodnight@cha-ahse.org       The mission of Certified Horsemanship Association is to promote excellence in safety and horsemanship education internationally.   You can visit their website at Cha-ahse.org or call them at 1-800-399-0138.

With basic balance, posture, common sense and willingness to learn about horses and their habits, guests can ride our horses under Jen's supervision for $60 per person. For non-First Farm guests, the two-hour ride is $65 per person, discounted to $60 for cash rather than check or credit card.       Please do not ask to ride if you weigh over 225 pounds or if you are not physically fit enough to get up on a horse. Generally a horse should not carry more than 20% of it's body weight. Most of our horses weigh around 900 to 1100 pounds - so we must set the rider's weight limit to 225 for their protection.  Anyone who is fearful may be led on horseback.       Many children are capable of riding, but they must be willing to listen and respond to instructions for their own well being and enjoyment.  It is not safe to bring an undisciplined or irresponsible child to a farm.       The B&B horse experience lasts approximately two hours because most people can′t sit on a horse for any longer than that.       Lessons begin with grooming and getting acquainted with your horse, then we mount and fit the sallde to you. We move to the riding arena, working on basic commands and getting comfortable with your horse, ensuring you become the senior member of your horse partnership. After you have demonstrated control and respect for your horse, we move out and ride around the farm.       Horses can be unpredictable.  By coming to the farm, you accept responsibility and all liability for your experience on the ground or riding.       First Farm Inn horses are a colorful assortment of breeds and personalities that will be matched as much as possible to your personality and physical attributes.  It's a very individual experience, no more than five riders are taken out at a time.  As you gain balance and confidence with your horse, you will be allowed to speed up and stretch your skills.  More experienced riders report riding at First Farm Inn is "like owning your own horse."       Weekly Hour and Half-Hour Lessons Available       Introduction to Horses for the Young or Fearful       Four half-hour lessons for $100. Great for five-to-ten year-olds who need repetition or might be a bit fearful. Ease into learning about horses. Begin with introducing yourself to the horse and grooming, learning parts and getting acquainted with the fearful prey animal. Groom, learn about tack and how to put it on. Mount and dismount. Demonstrate knowledge of horse parts, grooming and tack up. Mount and ride at a walk in the riding arena. Groom, tack, mount, and ride. Learn how to use your reins, turning and following patterns in the riding arena. Groom, tack, mount, and ride, reining appropriately and moving with the horse. These students can move up to hour-long lessons or the combination two-hour lesson and ride. Weekly Hour Beginner or Refresher Lessons       Five one-hour lessons for $225 focused on the individual with enough fitness and attention span to focus solidly and respond to direction well. (Some 7 or 8 year olds may fit this description.)       Looking for the classic weekly riding lesson, but don't want to be stuck on the ground for weeks, then walking endless circles in a dusty ring? Playing with horses should always be fun, tho expect some muscles to complain a bit at the new angles you're stretching them!       You'll get on the horses the first session, while learning all the important basics of safety and awareness necessary around horses. Begin with introducing yourself to the horse and grooming, learning parts and getting acquainted with the fearful prey animal. Learn about tack and how to put it on. Mount and dismount. Demonstrate knowledge of horse parts, grooming, pick hooves and tack up. Practice leading and tying a quick-release knot. Mount and ride at a walk in the riding arena. Get your horse groomed, position your saddle appropriately, tighten the cinch, put the bridle on, mount, and ride. Learn how to use your reins, turning and following patterns in the riding arena. Build leadership with your horse. Groom, tack, mount, and ride, reining appropriately and moving with the horse up and down hills as well as in the arena. Gain more balance on your horse. Get more comfortable and assertive moving with the horse at a trot. Groom, tack, mount, and ride. Refine your communication with more subtle cues as your balance and coordination with the horse improves. Groom and tack up yourself. Build on your skills. Work with your body's balance and issues and build responsiveness in your horse. Winter Ride Discount Package Dec.- Mar.       Five 1 ½ hour rides for $200, scheduled as weather permits from December thru March 31. While it's fun to ride in the snow, cold rain isn't any fun. Just call and we'll reschedule.

"Our first 'sisters' trip has been a wonderful experience at First Farm.  How many places in the world offer horseback riding and a hot tub?  They go 'hand-in-hand'!  We'll have to make a return trip for the massage!  Thank you for allowing us to share your home.  Having the time to relax, refocus and just 'sitting' and pondering has truly been a blessing.  Those hills will forever be in our memories and we'll take a piece of Kentucky back home!       Ginger and Shadow are recommended to all!  Fluffy is just a wonderful pet - so calm and accepting to all!  We wish your family a blessed life with many tales to tell when you are relaxing in your rockers years from now.  The breakfasts have been magnificent.  Thank you for giving us a great start each day!"                                                                            Mississippi and Florida