Free Horseback Riding Lesson at Ironstone Farm, Andover

Want to grab more than just an extra hour of sun at Daylight Savings Time? You can learn to ride a horse for free!
Ironstone Farm, 450 Lowell St. (Route 133), Andover is offering a free horseback-riding lesson for new riders on Sunday, March 8, the day Daylight Savings takes effect. People must sign up in advance for the lessons, which will be available from noon to 3 p.m. What better way to look forward to spring?
“It’s been a snowy, frigid winter. This day can give people of all ages a powerful pick-me-up -- and a reason to get outside and have some fun. Come enjoy the winter wonderland while it’s still here,” says Deedee O’Brien, executive director.
While spring, summer and fall are the most popular times to ride, more than 200 people ride recreationally or have their therapeutic riding each week at Ironstone during the winter. Like skiing, horseback-riding is a wonderful and popular way to get outdoor exercise during the winter. Unlike skiing, it can be done any time of year.
All winter, people have being showing up to ride at Ironstone whether there’s a blizzard on its way, or the temperature is cold enough to freeze the small ponds on site.
Sophia Tran, 10, a student at Sanborn Elementary School in Andover, is one of those riders who will not miss a lesson. After her dad, Peter, posted a photo on Facebook of her riding after a snowstorm one friend commented, “Pretty awesome... Kind of looks like a screen grab from Game of Thrones.”
“It was snowing and I was having an extra, private lesson. It was actually pretty fun in the snow,” Sophia says. “It’s cool how you could see the horses’ footprints and then you could follow them – and it was fun watching the snow.”
“She did it all through this crazy winter. She’s very committed. We gave her the option of taking the winter off and she didn’t want to,” said Loren Tran, Sophia’s mom. “Outdoor, cold weather activities are limited. We’re always looking, ‘what can we do to be active?’”
“If you do it, you realize it’s hard work, but it’s also fun at the same time. It’s a sport. It’s even in the Olympics,” says Sophia.
Ironstone does have two indoor arenas for riders, but Emily Hutson, associate program director, says many people prefer to be outside regardless of the weather. Many say the heat of the horse helps keep them warm.
Of course, Daylight Savings Time is a sign that spring -- and its warmer weather -- is finally around the corner.
People must preregister for the free riding opportunity, available from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. Riders must be 6 or older. There are a limited number of lessons available, and they will be awarded based on who calls or emails first. Call Ironstone Farm at 978-475-4056, or email programs@challengeunlimited.org