Lessons

Baymare Farm welcomes adult riders, and specializes in both adult beginners and “re-riders”, people who rode when younger, but have been away from horses for years while family and job responsibilities took over. In either case, overcoming the lack of confidence stemming from age and/or fitness issues is often the adult rider’s biggest challenge. We take the time to solidly establish basic seat and position and to field the many questions posed by the typical adult learner. As a rider of “mature” years herself, instructor Miranda Bogardus fully appreciates the anxiety and frustration of owning a body (and brain!) that doesn’t cooperate quite like it used to. Using a variety of balancing and suppling exercises, both on the longe line and independently, she helps the rider develop security through greater body awareness and control. Whether your long-term goal is to feel comfortable out on a quiet trail ride or to go foxhunting for the first time in 30 years, she can help you.

Fit to Ride

The role played by rider fitness and conditioning cannot be overestimated if you are contemplating getting in the saddle for the first time as an adult, or for the first time in many years. Fitness enhances safety and reduces odds of injury, and also smoothes the path to finding balance and harmony on horseback. Baymare Farm is fortunate to work in partnership with Fitness Solutions, a private gym five minutes from the farm. Owner Bill Cole and trainer Jan Obdrzalek conduct Equestrian Fitness classes tailored specifically for adult riders. Classes or private sessions may be scheduled to coordinate with and complement your riding lessons. Highly recommended, and your horse will thank you.

Adult Camp

At Baymare Farm, camp is not just for kids. Adults enjoy the camaraderie and challenge of a more intensely concentrated experience as well. In addition to riding, a popular feature of past camps has been shuttling over to Fitness Solutions and experiencing an equestrian-tailored workout led by personal trainers Bill Cole or Jan Obdrzalek. Adult camp also features guest speakers and demonstrations on topics such as the effect of seat and position, saddle fit, and proper hoof trimming.