Ironstone offering free horseback riding lesson - just RSVP by Wednesday 3/15

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, March 19. People must sign up in advance for the lessons, which will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. What better way to look forward to the longer, brighter days of spring?

Ironstone Farm is open 12 months a year, six days a week.

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. Ironstone has two indoor arenas for riders, but many people prefer to be outside regardless of the weather. Riders say the heat of the horse helps keep them warm. Of course, Daylight Savings Time on March 12 is a sign that spring -- and its warmer weather -- is around the corner.

This is the third year that Ironstone is offering the day of free lessons. Previous free-riding opportunities offered by Ironstone Farm have filled quickly.

People must preregister for the free riding opportunity, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 19. 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. Call Ironstone Farm at 978-475-4056, or email programs@challengeunlimited.org for more information.

About Ironstone Farm

Ironstone Farm offers recreational riding and a summer camp that has sold out since 2000.

It is also home to two nonprofit programs that benefit children with special needs, veterans, 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. 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.

For more fun: Sign up for charity Ironstone Derby 5K & Kentucky Derby Party

On Saturday, May 6, Ironstone will host the Ironstone Derby 5K & Kentucky Derby Party on the afternoon of the Kentucky Derby. People can run or walk the race and then stay at the Andover horse farm on Route 133 for a Kentucky Derby party with Texas Roadhouse barbecue, live band, beer and mint juleps, horse-and-rider exhibition, games, prizes and a showing of the Kentucky Derby live on big screens in the farm’s indoor arena. There’s even a stick-horse race for kids. To sign up, visit https://www.RaceMenu.com/IronstoneDerby. For more information about Ironstone Farm’s nonprofit programs visit www.ironstonefarm.org.