Free horseback riding Sunday, Feb. 10 at Ironstone Farm, Andover

Have you or your kids ever wanted to learn to ride a horse? Now, you can try for free!

Ironstone Farm, 450 Lowell St. (Route 133), Andover is offering a limited number of free horseback-riding lessons for new riders on Sunday, Feb. 10. People can find a new love, or get to pursue their love of horses up close for the first time. But people must sign up in advance for the Introduction to Horsemanship lessons, which will be available from 1 to 3:30 p.m. What better way to spend some time on a February afternoon?

People will have a chance to briefly groom a horse and then ride one at the Sunday, Feb. 10 event. Similar free-riding opportunities offered in previous years by Ironstone Farm have filled quickly, so people must register in advance.

Ironstone has two indoor arenas for riders, but many people prefer to be outside regardless of the weather. Many say the heat of the horse helps keep them warm.

While spring, summer and fall are the most popular times to ride, approximately 300 people ride recreationally or have their therapeutic riding each week at Ironstone during the winter. Horseback riding is a wonderful, popular way to get outdoor exercise during the winter, and when the weather warms, too.

Ironstone Farm is open 12 months a year, six days a week. On Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 18, Ironstone also will offer a 9 a.m.-to-3 p.m. full-day Introduction to Horsemanship course to a limited number of new riders, a one-day event that might be perfect for people who find they enjoy riding on Feb. 10.

People must preregister for the free riding opportunity, available from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10. Riders must be 6 or older. There are a limited number of lessons available, and they will be awarded on first-registered, first-served basis. Riders with a diagnosis or who are on medication will need a physician’s approval. Required forms (registration forms and emergency releases) can be found at http://ironstonefarm.org/free-riding/. Call Ironstone Farm at 978-475-4056, or email programs@challengeunlimited.org for more information.

About Ironstone Farm

Ironstone is home to two nonprofit programs that benefit children with special needs, veterans who have experienced trauma, people diagnosed with cancer and others. More than 200 people volunteer their time each week to help keep Ironstone Farm’s nonprofit programs running strong. [Ironstone Farm also offers recreational riding and a summer camp that has sold out since 2000.] Clients come from more than 90 communities in Greater Boston, the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. Top doctors and major medical institutions refer clients to Ironstone Farm because of its successful programs and reputation.

Upcoming May 4 events Ironstone Derby charity 5K & Kentucky Derby Party at horse farm

Ironstone will host the Ironstone Derby 5K & Kentucky Derby Party, a charity race/walk, barbecue and Kentucky Derby party on Saturday, May 4. People can run or walk the USATF-sanctioned race and then stay at the Andover horse farm for Kentucky Derby party with optional Texas Roadhouse food, music, games for all ages, derby-hat contest, prizes, and a horse-and-rider show. There’s even a stick-horse race for kids (currently just $10, and it includes a kids hotdog meal), and a cash bar with mint juleps. Register here: https://register.chronotrack.com/r/45748

Learn more about the Ironstone Derby 5K & Kentucky Derby Party at www.ironstonefarm.org/derby