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Find Joy in the Saddle

Make amazing memories and learn a new skill.

Immersive, Natural Horseback Riding Lessons

Michelle Van Baalen has been offering guided trail riding lessons for both children and adults since 2020. She has six English and Western lesson horses available for students. Whether you want to learn a new skill, get fit or just have fun, Michelle offers tailored lessons to meet your needs. 

Trail riding is an amazing way to connect with the land, while enjoying some quality horse time. It’s both more stimulating and challenging, providing more opportunities for fun activities and development than traditional ring riding. Lessons are a relaxing 2.5 hours, to ensure enough time to prep and ride. Special lesson activities include Gynkhana and lake swimming. 

Safety is always a top priority, especially when instructing younger riders. Michelle is always on hand to help manage the situation. An instructor and trainer, Michelle only uses horses she has hand-trained herself that have proven to be reliable and child-safe mounts.

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Riding Lesson FAQ

What horseback riding lesson packages do you offer?

Monthly packages include one trail riding lesson per week, and each riding session is 2.5 hours long. Michelle offers horseback riding lessons for adults, kids and families.

Lessons include instruction, trailering two and from the lesson location, and all necessary equipment (tack and brushes.) With a pool of 6 teaching horses, riders can find the right match for their skill level. 

Do you offer individual or group riding lessons?

Michelle offers both. Group lessons can accommodate up to 3 people. Michelle offers a 2-for-1 deal for family sessions, consisting of a parent and child.

What will I learn?

Lessons focus on the fundamentals of horsemanship in a natural setting. Michelle teaches both English and Western riding. 

Riders will learn how to safely catch a horse from a herd environment, effective and ethical groundwork, tacking up,and how to navigate natural obstacles such as water features, rough terrain, wildlife, recreational vehicles, and shared-use trails with bicycles and off-leash dogs.

What skill levels do you serve?

From complete beginner to advanced riders, all are welcome. Lessons and activities are customized to the rider's comfort and growth goals. Children must be 5 years or older, and start out in individual lessons until Michelle is comfortable with their riding skills.

What if I have my own horse?

If you have your own mount and transportation, you are welcome to bring your personal horse to ride for the lesson. Michelle also helps owners problem-solve equine behavior, offering guidance and exercises to refresh and reinforce training.

What personal equipment is required to start riding?
  • Horse Council BC Insurance, $70 per person and available here
  • An equestrian helmet (no bike or ski helmets)
  • Secure footwear with a heel (such as a workboot)
  • Gloves
  • Appropriate attire, because we ride in all weather conditions
What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Sessions are booked month-to-month, with no formal commitment or contract. As a courtesy, a 14-day notice would be appreciated if you wish to discontinue lessons. 

Cancellations require 72 hours’ notice. A make-up lesson will be offered at your earliest convenience.

Meet the Equine Team

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Rooney

This 16.1 hh, 2012 Standardbred mare is worth her weight in gold; big or small, beginner or advanced, Rooney will match her rider. She's got a big personality and while she's warm and friendly, she's also serious about getting down to business. Whether working cattle, wild horse chasing, flat racing, hunting, mounted archery or taking care of a beginner, this big girl easily takes the title of barn favourite. 

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Kodi

This 16.1 hh, 2008 Ottb mare has buttons and is all heart! Her passion is jumping and flat racing, giving it 110%. With an extensive resume, she has participated in mounted combat clinics, 3-day eventing, gymkhana and is an eager swimmer. Usually reserved for the advanced riders with a calm seat and light hands, Kodi is the final conquest in the journey of horsemanship. She also enjoys long adventures in the forest, soaking in the scenery after conquering a summit. 

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Dodger

A 2020 PIB born-free mustang, this young feral gelding has taken kindly to domesticated life. This mommy's boy aims to please. Calm, kind and a 'short king', this 15.1 hh beauty sports fantastically smooth gaits and beautifully responsive aids. 

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Margaret

Margaret may be 'stubborn as a mule' but she's also cute as a button, and loves her job. Her bray will warm your heart and make you feel special. At 13.1 hands high, this 2012 Fjord x Molly mule is a joy to ride, and with her smooth gaits and can-do demeanour, she's solidified a local fan base.  

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Filbert

This 2022 Z6 born-free filly is from Quelchena, Merritt. Equineimity students handle her in groundwork as she has a few more years of growth before being saddle broke. She is gentled and wonderful to work with, boasting beautiful floating gaits. Filbert also enjoys being ponied out on adventures.

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River

In his teens, this handsome gelding is on loan to Equineimity. A  16.1 hh Arab x paint, River is an endurance horse who has traded in his running shoes to take care of our students on the trail. He's kind and sensitive, a big sweetheart who has taken nicely to his new life of calm and trails. 

Schedule a Barn Meet and Greet

Come by, meet the equines and get a feel for Michelle's teaching style. I can't wait to introduce myself and answer any questions you may have!