Scholarships are available for all horse programs!
Spring Break Horse Camp
Ihduhapi’s Spring Break Horse Camp (hosted at OutWest in Buffalo, MN—address will be provided upon registering) provides school-aged kids with an informative, fun, and unique horse experience each day of spring break. The morning session from 9-11 am is reserved for younger students aged 7-10 years old, while afternoon sessions are open to all students over 10. Each day, kids will spend two hours at the horse barn learning hands-on horse care and riding skills. On the ground, kids will work with an instructor to brush horses, feed horses, and tack horses up, along with other essential horse care activities. While in the riding arena, they will learn and practice introductory riding skills such as walking, steering, and stopping the horse. Near the end of the week, instructors will introduce each group to intermediate riding skills such as trotting, western gaming, and ranch riding. Any students with previous riding and/or horse experience are welcome join this spring break experience, as there will be plenty of opportunity to practice and develop their skills while helping others learn along the way! Please contact Jenna at jenna.hagglund@ymcanorth.org for more information.
Spring Western Horseback Riding Lesson
Western Riding Lessons at Ihduhapi cater to all riders no matter where you are in your equestrian journey. During each 75-minute lesson we instruct riders in both horse care and ground skills as well as riding skills. Horse care skills all students learn include grooming, feeding, leading, and saddling. In the arena, lessons for beginner and intermediate students cover riding skills such as steering, speed control, balance at the walk and trot, and trail riding. Advanced lesson groups will expand on all these skills and include loping, with an introduction to western gaming events such as barrel racing. After registering, students are placed into lesson timeslots based on previous riding experience. Please reach out to Jenna at jenna.hagglund@ymcanorth.org for any questions.
Private Horse Experiences
Interested in customizing your own horse lesson? Looking for a fun daytime event with a work or school group? We’re happy to work with you to curate your own private experience with our horses! Ideas for this experience include hosting a birthday party, taking a one-time lesson, educational opportunity for a homeschool or scout group, or even a fun family outing. Horse Experience activities vary from group to group but may include both assisted and independent riding, games on horseback, horse care instruction, and more! Activities are up to the discretion of the riding instructors and will depend on the number of participants, ages of those participating, and participant experience or comfort levels.
For questions or more information, please contact Jenna at Jenna.Hagglund@ymcamn.org
Open Saddle Trail Rides
oin us this spring for a fun evening in the saddle! Friday night Open Saddle Trail Rides at Ihduhapi take participants on an equestrian journey through Ihduhapi's wooded riding trails. Starting with instruction on basic horse care and riding skills, visitors are able to brush and interact with horses before riding on a long group trail ride. Instructors pair each rider with a horse that fits their experience and comfort level. Trail rides last approximately 40-60 minutes. No previous riding experience required. Maximum rider weight 230 pounds. Minimum rider age 10 years old; all riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Location address and more information will be sent after registering.