JULY NEWSLETTER

If July had a tagline, we’d probably call it: “laughter with ponies and friends!”

It’s been a full month here at Strides with the kind of summer energy that only horses, sunshine, and a lot of smiles can bring.

1-Hour Group lessons for Beginner Kids and Adults are HERE!

I am super excited to be launching some 1-hr group format lessons for beginner riders! We will have afternoon and evening options for kids and adults starting the week of August 18th in Petaluma! This longer group format will allow riders to learn more about horsemanship as well as have more time in the saddle to work on their riding skills. We are keeping the groups small so reach out quickly if you would like a spot!

Young rider in a patterned shirt and helmet on a light palomino pony with a purple saddle pad, walking inside the covered arena at Strides Riding Academy in Petaluma.

Santa Rosa Waitlist - the wait is ALMOST over!

Keep an eye on your inbox in the first 2 weeks of August! We are working hard to create more lesson spots in Santa Rosa and will reach out really soon with some lesson availability! We are so excited to meet all of our waitlist riders and help to get you in the saddle.

Focused rider in a black show jacket and helmet guiding a dark bay horse over a white jump during a summer horse show at Strides Riding Academy.

Summer Camp in Full Swing

 Camp has been a blur of brushing, trotting, learning, and a lot of fun with our campers. It’s been amazing to watch kids grow in confidence and skill each week.

We’re not done yet, but big thanks to everyone who’s joined us so far and to those who are still gearing up for their turn! Camp is such a favorite of mine! It is so special to share the space we get to enjoy year round with up and coming riders!

Happy riders enjoying sunny summer days at Strides Riding Academy in Petaluma, California — featuring smiling kids with ponies and instructors during July lessons and camp.

 Business After Hours

 We had the chance to host the Petaluma Chamber of Commerce this month, and it was so much fun sharing the behind-the-scenes of what we do at Strides. It was great to connect with other businesses in our local community.

The best part (next to the ponies of course) was my dad and his Guitars for Vets group playing. I don’t often get to pause and enjoy the scenery but the nice weather, music and good company was definitely something special!

Outdoor music performance at Strides Riding Academy during Petaluma Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours event, featuring Guitars for Vets members playing guitars and percussion under a shady tree beside the barn.
New trainer at Strides Riding Academy riding a bay horse with a white blaze, dressed in show attire including navy jacket, white breeches, and black helmet, during a lesson in the arena.

Welcoming a New Face

We’re thrilled to introduce a new member of the Strides team!

"Hi, my name is Hattie Lewis. I’ve been riding for about nine years, and I’m passionate about riding because I love connecting with horses and growing alongside them. One day, I hope to own a small ranch and become a sociological researcher and writer. I’m so excited to be part of the team and to share in everyone’s horse journeys!"

Smiling young rider in purple shirt and helmet on a black horse with a purple saddle pad, inside the covered arena at Strides Riding Academy in Petaluma.

Intro Lesson spots are Now Open!!!

If you are new to riding this a great pace to start! Our Intro Lesson is designed for total beginners—no boots, no gear, no pressure. It’s a one-time session to try it out and see how it feels. If your child ends up loving it, we can make suggestions for next steps after the intro.

With gentle horses, encouraging instructors, and a welcoming space for kids to build confidence it is the perfect way to try something new!

Click here to register!

Thanks for a Great Show Season!

A big thank you to everyone who took part in our Strides Horse Shows this season. So proud of all the progress, grit, and smiles in the arena!

That’s a wrap on July!

Thanks for being part of this barn of ours. Whether you’ve been with us for years or just getting started, we’re grateful for the chance to share this space, these horses, and these moments with you.

—Maggie and The Strides Team

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