Yes. Horseback riding gives kids a rare combination of physical activity, focus, and responsibility, since caring for and communicating with a horse asks a child to stay calm, patient, and attentive in a way few other sports require. At Memory Lane Farm, kids build these skills gradually through lessons, summer programs, and time spent grooming and handling horses, not just riding them.
What skills does horseback riding build in kids?
Riding builds core strength, balance, and coordination, since staying seated on a moving horse works muscles a child does not usually train. It also builds emotional regulation, because horses respond to a rider’s energy, so a nervous or distracted child quickly learns to steady themselves. Grooming and tacking up before each lesson add a layer of responsibility and routine.
What age can kids start riding lessons?
Memory Lane Farm welcomes young beginners through its lessons and its Summer Riding Program, which runs weekday mornings from late June through August. Group and semi-private lessons are well suited to younger or first-time riders, since a smaller instructor-to-rider ratio keeps kids supported and safe.
Is riding safe for beginners?
Instruction starts on the ground with grooming and tacking, then moves to mounted work at a walk before any faster gaits are introduced. Helmets are available for riders who need one, and horses are matched to each child’s experience level. Riders and guardians sign a waiver before a child’s first lesson.
Good to know: The farm’s 2026 Summer Riding Program runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, at $600 per week, and includes both ponies and horses.
What if my child has never been around horses before?
That is the most common starting point. Lessons are structured for first-time riders as much as experienced ones, and instructors spend the early sessions building comfort around the horse before focusing on riding technique.
How do I sign my child up?
Call or text 203-979-6578, email jessicaowensmith@gmail.com, or visit the Lessons page or Summer Program page at Memory Lane Farm.