The Flying Change Stable Inspires Riders of All Ages

Just a few minutes outside of downtown Chelmsford, along a few twisty, quiet roads, turn a curve and you'll find a sign directing you up a gravel driveway to The Flying Change Stables.

Set back from the road and protected by trees, horses are grazing in a large corral as several young girls gather under a nearby tent taking part in an introductory horsemanship class.

Kathy McDermott, owner of The Flying Change Stables, looks proudly at the students.

"It's been a great summer for our camp program. Not such a good year for the hay, but great riding weather. Well, except for today," she said, laughing and looking at the gray spitting clouds.

McDermott started The Flying Change Stables 23 years ago and is still operating at the same location. McDermott grew up in Chelmsford, trading stall cleaning for riding lessons and eventually going into business for herself.

Most riders at the stable are between the ages of 5 and 16, although there are some exceptions.

"We had a 4-year-old being signed up by her parents and they said that she had been talking about horses and horseback riding since she could talk," said McDermott. "It's just in their blood sometimes." New students can take beginner riding lessons, or sign up for a camp session.

Week-long camps are offered during the summer and each school break to give students exposure to each part or working with and enjoying horses. The horsemanship class focuses on different aspects each day, including learning the body parts of a horse, tools, equipment, interacting with the animals, and cleaning their homes - the barn stalls.

"We have the kids help us clean up the barns in the morning, figuring they could get that part of the lesson over with. But then we can't get them out of there," said McDermott. "We're ready to go to the next part of the camp and they're saying, 'But we got to do a little more in here!'" It's all part of embracing the riding experience for the students, she said.

The stable has recently introduced two-day camps as well for students to get a feel for the sport without a large commitment. Each of the classes fills up to the maximum of 20 students quickly these days, said McDermott. The stable also offers lessons year-round and staffs several trained instructors, all of whom are former students of the program.

Some adult lessons are offered, but The Flying Change Stable prides itself on embracing younger riders, and houses 18 smaller, older horses and ponies who are very gentle with kids. They also offer boarding to other riders, rounding out the barn with larger thoroughbreds.

McDermott enjoys watching the students progress and grow as riders, and speaks proudly about several former students who now own their own horses and barns. One owns a barn down the street and is rising quickly in competitive horseback riding and dressage, while another owns a barn in Dover and is currently training with a former Olympic Dressage medalist.

Another rewarding section of the stable's offerings is the Greener Pastures therapy riding program. The program aims to use horse-related activities to enhance the cognitive, physical, emotional and social development of those with disabilities.

Through engaging with the horses, riders are able to develop their flexibility, strength, and their listening skills and concentration. The activities also aim to increase their self-confidence and offer a sense of achievement and independence.

McDermott is a strong supporter of the program: "The animals almost seem to know that they're helping," she said.

The business is finding new ways to expand their offerings, just finishing the last touches to a cross-country course, which will circle the back coral. Obstacles including low jumps and a tire course will give students a taste of the challenging sort.

On the business side, McDermott launched a Web site last year and has seen the business grow visibly since its launch. The barn is also on Facebook, reaching out to even more prospective riders.

"It's hard to be inside working on the computer and figuring out websites after years outside with the horses, but it's worth it," she said.

McDermott has a sense of humility when talking about her work.

"I like having the kids here. There's a need for down-to-earth fun that's affordable. It's fun for kids who aren't interested in group sports, the more reserved children," she said. "They find their niche here and get to connect with the horses. They're comfortable."