SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
September was filled with so many things! We had our IEA season kick off, started lessons at the new location, got settled into a fall routine and were so lucky with the mild September weather this year! Here is our September recap!
Mini Horse Camp – Sept 21 (Santa Rosa)
What started as a “one-time” idea turned into so much fun we are adding it to the October calendar ongoing! We had our first Mini Horse Camp in Santa Rosa and it was filled with riding, horse care, crafts and fun. As a mom, I am not sure there is a better option for my kids on the weekend than 3.5 hours of barn time!
These are geared towards beginner riders and open to current and new students! Check here for more info on our next mini camp days! We have a great indoor arena in Santa Rosa and enclosed barn area so the mini camps are on rain or shine!
Santa Rosa Grand Opening – Sept 4
Just two weeks before the first mini camp, we officially opened the doors to our new Santa Rosa location.
We have a great crew up here teaching and taking care of the horses!
On horse care we have Daniel and Madison - look out for their info and bios soon, teaching we have Bella Sikes returning (she taught in Petaluma for many years and was loved by all) and Elizabeth joining us!
Elizabeth has been an instructor for many years and took a brief break to have her son. She is so excited to get back to it and we are so lucky and excited to have her!
Keep an eye on our social media for more info on our Santa Rosa crew!
Welcome, River
In September River joined us as Strides’ very first Instructor Apprentice. Her energy and heart for teaching already make her a natural fit, and we’re thrilled to see her grow and bring her along to be a future Strides Instructor!
Meet Snickers!
And then there’s Snickers, the bay pony with a big show record and an even bigger heart. His new role? Walk-trot professor for our Santa Rosa riders. He’s already proving that the best teachers sometimes come with four hooves.
Strides Show + Fundraiser – Sept 20 and 21 (Petaluma)
The Strides IEA team spent Saturday the 20th preparing for the regional season opening show! After setting up for the event the team had a get together, bake sale, and clothing drive that turned into a fun get to know you for our riders!
The show on the 21st was fantastic, horses were great, horse handlers and riders matched and we are so excited to be in full swing for IEA season!
Upcoming events and dates in October!
October 4 and 5th: Maggie is headed to the Westwind IEA show with the IEA team to compete at their event!
October 19th: the IEA team heads to Napa for their show
October - date TBD : barn halloween parade and party! We are sorting through dates and will have this to you shortly!
This September was so busy and so awesome filled with new programs, new people, and new ponies.
I am always so grateful to our community of riders, parents, and supporters that make our Strides program what it is!
Thank you for showing up, cheering us on, and growing with us.
Thank you for being a part of our barn family.
Happy Fall!
Maggie and The Strides Crew