Riding programs
At Carriage Hill MetroPark Riding Center, 8111 E. Shull Road:
Weekend trail rides
When: Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 26 (10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m.)
What: Rides are one-hour, walk-only, guided trails through the woods at Carriage Hill MetroPark.
Who: Riders 8 years and older, six riders on each trail ride
Cost: $30 per person. The minimum age is 8. Reservations required; call 937-274-3120.
Pony rides
When: Saturdays through Oct. 25, noon-3:30 p.m.
What: Hand-led pony rides, for youngsters 2-8 years old
Cost: $5. Reservations are not required.
More info
For information on these and other riding programs, go online to www.metroparks.org or call 937-274-3120.
It was practically love at first sight — or perhaps love at first ride — for Katherine Berg.
“I learned to ride when I was in collage,” Berg said. “I didn’t go to horse camp when I was a kid, I didn’t even know they existed or I would have bugged my parents to send me.
“It’s been a hobby, a passion and, now, my job.”
Berg is now sharing her passion for horses with riders of all ages as the Carriage Hill MetroPark Riding Center manager. The Huber Heights facility offers weekend trail rides and pony rides. There are also a variety of youth and teen horse camps offered throughout the summer and lessons for youth and adults in the fall and spring.
“We offer the opportunity for people to experience horses, perhaps for the first time,” Berg said. “To be able to share that with people is one of the best things about this job.”
Riding benefits
While from the riders vantage point, comfortably perched in the saddle, it may appear that the horse is doing all the work, there are fitness benefits for the rider as well.
Research conducted by The British Horse Society indicates that regular participation in riding is good for your health. Riders expend sufficient energy to classify the activity as moderate intensity exercise.
But riding does more than help burn off some calories.
“There can be a cardio component,” Berg said. “And it’s also good for balance and improving core strength.”
But the physical benefits are only part of the perks.
The BHS study also found that horseback riding stimulates many positive psychological feelings. Riders are strongly motivated to take part due in part to the sense of well being they gain from interacting with horses. This important positive psychological interaction with an animal occurs in very few sports.
“Being around an animal with such a big heart is a wonderful thing,” Berg said. “They are very gentle and so willing to do things for us and with us.”
Riding basics
Getting started is easy. Aspiring riders 8 and older — of all ability levels — can give riding a try at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.
While experience isn’t necessary, proper attire is a must.
Berg suggests jeans and boots or, at the very least, a closed-toe shoe. Flip-flops and sandals are not permitted. All riders are required to wear a helmet, which is supplied by the riding center.
“Safety is a priority for us,” Berg said.
Riders get some introductory instruction before setting out for a peaceful one-hour ride through the wooded countryside.
“It’s an ideal introduction for beginner riders,” Berg said.
And little riders, 2-8 years old, can also spend some time in the saddle with Saturday pony rides.
Beyond the basics
What if that taste of riding is not enough?
The Carriage Hill MetroPark Riding Center offers a variety of programs for riders of all ages who want to learn more about their equine companions.
Summer horse camps are offered for youth and teen riders, from the novice to advanced. Lessons are offered, in eight-week sessions, in the fall and spring for youth and adult riders of all levels.
From becoming comfortable in the saddle to walking, trotting and cantering, the lesson program can help participants make the transition from rookies to experienced riders.
Camp and lesson participants do more than ride. They also learn about horse behavior and grooming.
While only Carriage Hill has a riding facility, several of the MetroParks have bridle trails including Englewood, Possum Creek, Sugarcreek and Twin Creek.
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