Horseback riding at Cincinnati's 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 trail rides. Several are retired
from the race or show arenas and like most, several have recovered from starvation or abuse.
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"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
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While always exploring a wide variety of teaching and training techniques,
Jen 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
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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 let us know if you weigh more than 225 pounds. Horses should only carry 20 percent of their body weight. We have two horses big enough to carry larger riders, but we need to know in advance because they can only carry one rider at a time!
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 saddle 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 & 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.
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Fall and Winter Horse Riding Packages)
Dec. 1-Mar. 31) -
Call to set up a time that fits your schedule and mine. If it rains, we reschedule.
These packages can be purchased as gifts as well.
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| 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.
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Monday-Thursday one 2-hour lesson/ride
for 2 $100 cash ($110 credit card or check)
for 4 $180 cash ($200 credit card or check)
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After School Lessons (Anyone over the age of 5)
3 - 1-hour lessons Monday-Thursday
Single person $110 cash ($120 credit card or check)
Bring a friend or sibling with you, price for 2 $200 ($210 credit card or check)
Bring 2 friends or siblings with you, price for 3 $250 ($270 credit card or check)
Bring 3 friends or siblings with you, price for 4 $300 ($320 credit card or check) |
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Weekend one 2-hour lesson/ride
for 2 $110 cash ($120 credit card or check)
for 4 $200 cash ($220 credit card or check)
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Last Minute Luck Ride
(Call within 24 hours of the time you'd like to ride, mention this discount
and, if there is an opening, you can join the ride.)
This is for the 2-hour lesson/ride combination that is usually offered between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day.
Other times may also be available.
for 2 $100 cash $110 credit card or check
for 4 $200 cash $220 credit card or check
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Younger Next Year Jump Start
Heading toward the middle years? Follow Dr. Henry Lodge & Chris Crowley's recommendations in their phenomenal best sellers
"Younger Next Year" to reverse the aging process with a jump start trip. Push your body into healthy exercise at First Farm Inn.
Bring a friend, walk the 1-mile long rolling hills of Stevens Road, ride the horses, paddle and row around the pond, relax in the
hot tub and release the tension. Girlfriend getaways as well as couples packages available.
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"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
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