Chasing Laurels / Riding Instructor in Des Moines, Iowa

CHA Certified Instructor
Insured by Equisure for Professional/General Liability Insurance

Chasing Laurels enjoys providing a variety of programs for children, teens, and adults. There are riding lessons, day-camps, Birthday parties, unicorn parties, public & private school visits, trail rides, camp-outs with horses, hang outs at the barn, Girl Scout Badge Clinics, boarding for ponies & horses, volunteering opportunities and more.

We are located in East Des Moines. Within walking distance of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There is a small indoor arena, outdoor riding area(s), a 1/4 mile training track, and limited road /trail riding for the more experienced. We often visit the Jester Park Equestrian trails and the Elk Rock Equestrian trails.

The lessons last one hour. They include grooming, tacking, and riding. We teach both the English and Western disciplines. Along with some gaming. We have Jumps, poles, barrels, trail equipment, and more on site. We focus on safety, center of balance, and knowledge, while having fun on horseback. All lessons are customized to the individual(s) with a general focus on establishing the rider/horse bond, harmony, developing centered riding skills, care of the horse, and following good safe horsemanship standards. We also assist riders with overcoming fears. Lessons are provided on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Most students take regular lessons on a reoccurring weekly schedule. Weekend lessons may be requested to shift or reschedule to accommodate events. The cost for lessons is $50 per person, per hour.

The day camps are coordinated during Des Moines Public School breaks. There is a 1-3 day camp during spring break, a 1 week camp in June, a 1 week camp in July, 2 weeks in August, and then 1-3 day camp during winter break. All the day camps start at 9AM and go till 5PM.

Quite often we also camp out with the horses during spring break and again the last weekend of October. Camp outs include- the horses /tack, 2 days of trail riding, meals, wood for the fire, entertainment in the evening, etc… There are also options for day time riding without the overnight(s).

Hang outs at the barn are from 11AM-5PM when scheduled. The hang out is supervised but, unstructured. Children often groom and ride the lesson horses, play horse board games, socialize, chill out, etc… We have had people come to the barn to do nothing more than homework or read books, while sitting on a horse.

We also allow volunteering. This usually begins at 13. However, we do occasionally make exceptions based on knowledge, safety, focus, and ability.
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Chasing laurels offers a full range of horse boarding, exercising, training, lessons, and more. We cater to our clients. Our monthly fee includes- regular worming, holding for the vet and farrier, and more. If you are unable to come out regularly, your horse will be cared for as our own and we can communicate regularly.

Other amenities available (for an additional fee) include- in-house training, general exercising, working with difficult horses, lessons in several disciplines, and short haul horse transportation around the Des Moines area, and judging.

Specialties

Confidence Building For Horse And Rider 4-H Adult Riding Lessons Balance And Confidence For All Types Of Riders Balanced Seat Beginner Riding Lessons for Adults Beginner to Advanced Riders Beginning Riders Welcome Breaking Certified Instructor Children's Horse/Pony Birthday Parties Children's Riding Lessons Coaching Equitation All Seats Family Friendly Atmosphere Family-Friendly Rates Gift Certificates Available Ground Work Group Lessons Horse Boarding Horse Leases Horse Sales Horse Training Horseback Riding Camps Hunt Seat Hunter Jumper Training Intermediate Riders Leasing Lesson Horses Available Lunge Lessons Natural Horsemanship Training Private Lessons Problem Horses Reasonable Rates Riding Clinics Riding Lessons Sales Preparation & Representation Starting Horses Summer Day Camp Program Timid Riders Trail Riding Lessons Trailer Loading Weekend Lessons Western Pleasure Working Student Program Young Riders