Facility Series: Equestrian Center
May 22, 2020
Written By Victoria Dissmore, Marketing Employee
So, you’re probably asking yourself, “What can I do at the Equestrian Center?”, and there are a variety of opportunities for the Liberty and local communities available! Liberty is blessed to have this USHJA Recognized Riding Academy that spans across 380 acres of Liberty Mountain. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the great outdoors and meet some animal friends, come visit the Equestrian Center!
Facility Tours
Anyone is welcome to visit the Equestrian Center from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The staff and horses love having visitors to tour the facility and pet their favorite horses. If you’re looking for an educational experience for your children or simply get some fresh air, we highly recommend checking out this fun opportunity!
Trail Rides
Students, faculty, and staff can explore the Liberty Mountain property on horseback on a guided tour around the mountain for free. Come experience the soft rhythmic motion of the saddle as your horse strolls through the shaded trees with a cool breeze blowing by and the sun peeking through the trees.
Trail rides are by appointment only and limited to roughly 2 people at a time based on experience levels. The ride starts with a brief lesson in the outdoor riding ring followed by the 20–30 minute walk around the mountain. Visit the Programs page for more information on what you need to know before you ride and set up your visit!
Riding Lessons
If you’re looking to improve your riding—take a lesson! These lessons are offered for residential students and all levels are welcome, both for hunt seat and western riding. Students can take group lessons for $25 per lesson, or private lessons for $40 per lesson. Lesson packages with discounts are available.
Riding Classes
If you want to improve your riding skills and learn all about horseback riding in general, you can take one of three 2-credit classes offered by the Equestrian Center: PHED 170, PHED 270, and PHED 280. Students can check through the registrar for availability each semester and sign up through course registration.
As part of the class, students will get to:
- participate in both barn and mounted riding lessons
- learn the fundamental skills in hunt seat and western riding (according to student background or interest)
- participate in one riding lab and one lecture-based class per week
Horse Boarding
Liberty students who have their own horses can board them at the Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center. This is a full care stall board that includes the use of all facilities as available at an affordable cost. This is a perfect opportunity for those who don’t want to leave their horse back home while they’re studying at Liberty!
Summer Camps
If you have a younger sibling or know a child who loves horses, tell them about summer camp at the Equestrian Center! The camps are offered at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels for varying ages between 8–18.
- The beginner level camp is for ages 8–14 and does not require any horseback riding experience! This day camp goes from June 22–26, Monday–Friday from 9 A.M. to Noon.
- The intermediate camp is for students ages 8–14 who have some riding experience but would like to sharpen their skill. This day camp goes from August 3–7, Monday–Friday from 9 A.M. to Noon.
- The advanced level camp is for females only, ages 14–18, grades 9–12. Riders must feel comfortable walking, trotting, cantering, and jumping a 2’ course on an unfamiliar horse. This overnight camp will run from June 16–19.
Visit the Programs page to learn more about the camps and to register.
Employment and CSER
The Equestrian Center is always looking for helping hands around the facility! If you are interested in obtaining CSER hours working in the barn or would like to apply to a student position and work directly with the horses, visit the Employment page for more information.
So, whether you are a riding expert, beginner, or have never ridden before, there is an opportunity for you at the Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center!