Hooves and Hands Education & Riding Programs
"The knowledge of the nature of the horse is one of the first foundations of the art of riding, and every horseman must make it their principal study." - Francois Robinho de La Gueriniere
Hooves & Hands Children's Program
For over 50 years, HAHS has served the equestrian community. In 2023, we expanded our community outreach to include children’s programming. In 2024, we formally launched our Hooves and Hands Children’s Program so that all children can experience the joy of horses and other hooved animals.
We hope you will extend a warm HAHS welcome to our community partners and the children they serve by donating to help us fund the children’s program. Below is a list of a few non-profit organizations we partner with. Time with the animals is free for children who come to HAHS with one of our non-profit partners. Our generous sponsors make this program possible.
- Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County – Reduces trauma to child victims of abuse through coordinating a timely, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary response in reported cases of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or child witnesses of violent crimes.
- Pioneer Center for Human Services – Helps improve the lives of individuals challenged by developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, and homelessness.
- Woodstock Publick Libary – Children in grades 1 -5 can register at the Woodstock Library for our Rescue Readers program, where they can enjoy reading books of their choice to the animals.
- Woodstock School District 200
- Huntley School District 158
Juniors Lesson and Riding Program
This program provides opportunities for students to learn more about and interact with horses. This program is open to all children ages 7 to 17 who purchase lesson packages.
Our Juniors Club will be firmly based on horse care and education. Students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one and in group settings with our instructors and horses. Students will learn to interact, care for, groom, tack, and ride horses.
Below are examples of some of our lesson topics:
- Horse Science
- General Anatomy of the Horse
- Basic Nutritional and Health Care Needs of the Horse
- Horse Tack and Equipment – Tacking a Horse
- Groundwork, Grooming, and Leading
- Safely Handling a Horse
Age Ranges: 7-10 Years, 11-13 Years, 14-17 Years
The program is tailored to specific age groups for an optimal learning experience.
Progress will be solely determined by the student’s ability and comfort level.
Lessons will be available in packages of four sessions for $240.00
Each lesson is approximately 45 minutes in duration. Lessons are available on Saturday and Sunday.
We recommend a parent or guardian be present during the entire lesson. All visitors will be required to sign a waiver. Riders must wear long pants and boots with a heel. Helmets will always be required while interacting with the horses, including grooming, leading, handling, and riding. Helmets must be an approved ASTM/SEI helmet. Gloves are recommended while leading and riding the horses.
Adult Lesson and Riding Program
This program allows adults aged 18 and over to learn more about and interact with horses. This program is open to all adults 18 and up who purchase lesson packages.
If you are interested in someday owning a horse and want to learn about all aspects of horses, their care, cost, etc., this program is for you.
The HAHS Hooves and Hands Education Program will provide sessions for adults ages 18+ with horses and our in-house instructor. Students will learn about horse care, health needs, grooming, and riding.
Below are examples of lesson topics:
- Horse Science
- General Anatomy of the Horse
- Basic Nutritional Needs of the Horse
- Horse Tack and Equipment – Tacking a Horse
- Groundwork, Grooming, and Leading
- Safely Handling a Horse
Progress will be solely determined by an individual’s ability and comfort level.
Lessons will be available in packages of four lessons for $240.00
Each lesson is approximately 45 minutes in duration.
All visitors will be required to sign a waiver. Riders must wear long pants and boots with a heel. Helmets will always be required while riding. Helmets must be an approved ASTM/SEI helmet. Gloves are recommended while leading and riding the horses.