As we settle into November, we're taking a moment to be grateful for all that October brought: an IEA show full of effort and teamwork, a Halloween celebration full of creativity, and a new member, Paula!
Most of all, we're grateful for the families who make it all possible. Here's a look back!
OCTOBER IEA SHOW
Our IEA riders continued their fall season with an October show, and we couldn't be prouder!!
It has been a fantastic season so far. We've watched riders step into more advanced divisions, take on new challenges, and leave the ring feeling accomplished and proud of their hard work.
Show days also give students a chance to put their lessons into practice, work through nerves, and support their teammates along the way.
Thank you to our riders for their hard work, our trainers for their guidance, and our families for helping make these days possible! Watching our IEA riders grow is one of our favorite parts of what we do.
HALLOWEEN AT THE BARN
We wrapped up October with our Halloween show at Strides on October 31!!
It was a fun way to spend the day together, with costumes, horses, and familiar faces around the barn.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped bring it all together! We loved seeing the creativity our barn families brought to the day!
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Summer may feel a while away, but registration for Summer 2027 is now open!!
Next year, there will be three ways to spend summer at our Petaluma ranch:
Riding Camp: Riding lessons, horsemanship, and mounted games.
Ranch Adventure Camp: Outdoor games, group challenges, and ranch exploration.
Makers & Creators Camp: Hands-on art, building, and design projects.
Camps run June 7–July 30, 2027, Monday–Friday, from 9 AM–2 PM.
Browse the camps together and choose the weeks that fit your family!
WELCOME PAULA
In October, we officially welcomed Paula Michael as our Operations Manager, and we're happy to introduce her to our Strides families!!
Paula brings 20 years of experience building teams and improving customer service with the City and County of San Francisco. A rider since age seven, she's bringing her love of horses and her operations experience together to support our riders, families, and staff.
If you haven't met Paula yet, please say hello when you see her around the barn!
NOTES ON NOVEMBER LESSONS
Strides will be closed on November 25 and 26 for Thanksgiving, with no lessons on either day.
If your lesson falls on either date, Tina will reach out with a make-up option. Please keep these dates in mind as you plan your holiday week!
As November gets underway, we're looking forward to more time with our horses, small steps forward, and chances to try again when something feels challenging.
We hope this month brings our riders a few moments of "I'm getting the hang of this!"
Thank you for being part of our barn community. We're grateful to share it with you.
See you at the barn!!
Maggie and The Strides Crew