Horseback riding in Kentucky, just outside Cincinnati
“Trail ride” will have a new meaning after two hours at First Farm Inn
Whether horseback riding is a one-time bucket-list check-off or you’re an experienced rider in need of a horse fix, you’ll enjoy safety-based riding lessons at this Kentucky farm just 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.
If you aren’t staying with us, call 859-586-0199 between 8 and 8 to schedule your ride. The nicer the weather, the busier we are. Because our sessions are personalized to your interests and abilities and not a rote routine, we only take up to five riders at a time.
“Trail riding” often means bouncing around as a poorly-cared-for horse mindlessly follows a leader. At First Farm Inn, you’ll learn to communicate and move safely and comfortably with one of our happy, healthy horses selected to fit your size and personality.
You will be coached as much as you need, encouraged to build your connection and communicate quietly in ways that your horse can understand.
After you demonstrate control and respect for your horse, we head for the hills, along the ponds and through the woods. Speed depends on riders’ demonstrated abilities, how well you move with your horse and how kindly you use your reins.
First Farm Inn horses are a colorful assortment of breeds, sizes and personalities. Riding is physically strenuous and requires good posture, balance, concentration, thoughtfulness and the ability to listen.
Two-hour Trail Rides
Two-hour horsemanship sessions are designed for thoughtful, considerate, animal-loving attentive and eager-to-learn humans over the age of 12 and under 200 pounds. Occasionally we take extremely focused, animal-loving and well-mannered kids who are younger, call to discuss. We explain how horses think and why they do what they do as you’re grooming and helping tack up. We help you mount and fit the saddle to you. Then we walk to the riding arena to practice becoming the horse’s leader and communicating when we want stops, starts and turns.
As you gain balance and confidence, you will be allowed to speed up and stretch your skills. Nearly all riders learn to sit the trot. If you’d like to practice posting or learn how to do it, just ask. We have English, dressage and western saddles. Have your own saddle? We’ll check to see if it fits one of our horses.
Experienced riders report riding at First Farm Inn is “like owning your own horse,” but with extra eyes to remind you about the basics your body may have forgotten. Gentle coaching encourages you to stay safely centered and balanced. The experience ends with removing tack, feeding treats and bathing or grooming your new equine friend. The two-hour trail ride session is $100 per person and also available to those not staying at the bed and breakfast.
Personalized Horseback Riding
Your horseback riding experience begins in a historic wooden barn. Each ride is a very individualized experience, geared to your particular interests and goals. If you plan to buy your own horse someday and are looking for tips, ask. Or, just enjoy the scenery and watch for deer, small animals and birds.
One-Hour Horse Interaction
A young girl works to overcome her anxiety and sit up straight while being led in the riding arena.
If you love horses and want to spend time with them, but aren’t up to, don’t have time for, are afraid you may not be fit enough for a longer adventure riding around the farm, have a younger child you want to introduce to horses – or whatever, try a one-hour horsemanship session.
Geared to ages 7 (responsible, well-mannered kids who follow directions and have an adult to assist) and up, you’ll groom, learn about how horses think and why they react the way they do. Then depending on your comfort level, ride at the walk or lead your horse in the riding arena.
No weight limit for leading, 200 lb. weight limit for riding. This is a great way to deal with fears created by bad horse experiences in your history, as well as demonstrate to our rescued horses that people can be kind and trustworthy.
Depending on your interests, the hour may include horsey face massage, carrot stretches, walking over, through and around obstacles, cleaning hooves, bathing, combing out manes and tails, and talking about the horse of your childhood.
Every animal encounter at First Farm Inn is tailored to the interests and abilities of those participating. The one-hour experience can include up to six horse-human pairs at $50 per person.
Prep for your ride by joining B&B guests for a big breakfast.
Breakfast and Ride
Want to make your country escape more memorable? Join B&B guests for a family-style, all-you-can-eat breakfast before your ride. For an additional $25 per person, enjoy a full homemade breakfast with coffee, juice, homemade sweet breads, fruit and entree. Check out the menu and share your preferences. Be sure to schedule when you reserve your morning ride.
Weather
At First Farm Inn, we ride horses year-round in the riding arenas, over and around the hills, woods, ponds and pastures. Rain, heavy snow, extremely high winds, heat indexes nearing 100 degrees or temperatures below freezing mean rescheduling. For safety’s sake, ground conditions also play a role. Communicate with us if it looks like your riding time may get weathered out and we’ll reschedule.
Call for Reservations
Call 859-586-0199 with a credit card to reserve a date and time. If you wake up to bad weather the morning of your ride, call to reschedule.
Horseback Riding Tips
Come prepared to have fun in weather appropriate clothes, a very supportive bra (or two), straight-legged jeans and hard-soled shoes. (No Crocs, Converse, cleated hiking boots or spike heels. Rubber rain boots are hot and not very protective for your feet.)
Since even the quietest horses can be unpredictable, by coming to the farm, you accept responsibility and all liability for your experience on the ground or riding. Helmets are provided. If you are bringing children under 18 who are not your own, please print out the liability release, have their parents sign and bring it with you. You cannot legally accept liability for someone else’s child.
Gift certificates are available for rides, as well as bed and breakfast stays. Call 859-586-0199 to have your gift certificate personalized and mailed or emailed to you or your friend.
