What 18 Years of Running Summer Camp in Sonoma County Taught Me About Kids (That No Classroom Ever Could)
Summer Camp in Santa Rosa Maggie Clancy Summer Camp in Santa Rosa Maggie Clancy

What 18 Years of Running Summer Camp in Sonoma County Taught Me About Kids (That No Classroom Ever Could)

I have been watching kids arrive at this barn every June for 18 years. And the one thing I know for certain — the kid who walks through our gate on Monday morning is never quite the same kid who leaves on Friday afternoon. Here's what nearly two decades of summer camp in Sonoma County has taught me about what kids are truly capable of.

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It may seem like we are teaching you how to ride but… what we are teaching is actually so much more.
Santa Rosa Horseback Riding Maggie Clancy Santa Rosa Horseback Riding Maggie Clancy

It may seem like we are teaching you how to ride but… what we are teaching is actually so much more.

Horseback riding lessons for kids offer so much more than learning how to ride. At Strides Riding Academy in Santa Rosa, CA, children build confidence, responsibility, and life skills through a thoughtful, structured equestrian program designed to support growth both in and out of the barn.

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Beginner Horse Riding Gear Guide: Must-Have Riding Gear for New Riders Ready to Start Lessons
Beginner riding gear guide Maggie Clancy Beginner riding gear guide Maggie Clancy

Beginner Horse Riding Gear Guide: Must-Have Riding Gear for New Riders Ready to Start Lessons

Starting riding lessons and unsure what gear you actually need? This beginner riding gear guide breaks down the essentials — from helmets and boots to breeches and layering pieces — so you can feel safe, comfortable, and confident from your first lesson onward. All recommendations focus on lesson-approved, beginner-friendly gear trusted by instructors and riders alike.

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How Horseback Riding Helps Entrepreneur Parents Raise Confident, Resilient, Screen-Free Kids
Parenting & Child Development Maggie Clancy Parenting & Child Development Maggie Clancy

How Horseback Riding Helps Entrepreneur Parents Raise Confident, Resilient, Screen-Free Kids

Entrepreneur parents want their kids to grow confident, capable, and less tied to screens—but busy schedules make it tough to create those meaningful experiences. That’s why so many families are turning to horseback riding at Strides Riding Academy. Riding builds real confidence, leadership, resilience, and responsibility in a way no app or classroom can match. It’s the screen-free activity kids genuinely love—and one that helps them grow into strong, grounded individuals who can thrive in a fast-paced world.

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November Newsletter
Strides Newsletter Maggie Clancy Strides Newsletter Maggie Clancy

November Newsletter

November was full of good rides, new faces, and exciting milestones at Strides Riding Academy. From fall horse shows and welcoming Augie to the barn, to launching Strides Legacy and opening Summer Camp 2026 registration, here’s a look at everything that made this month so special.

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