Hickory Haven Equestrian

09/06/2026

🇺🇸 LABOR DAY LESSONS 🇺🇸

Weather is looking much better tomorrow! I can't wait to do some riding and see everyone... give the horses some TLC after the heatwave.

Volunteers welcome during lesson hours to care for horses and help during lessons.

Lessons times:
830-11 AM
430-8 PM

09/04/2026

All lessons are canceled for the afternoon. Monday looks MUCH better and we will be excited to have everyone back riding and caring for the horses. Enjoy the weekend and stay cool!

09/03/2026

🌟 POWER OF POSITIVITY 🌟

We have another team member to recognize and celebrate this week! A youth that plays a vital role in helping tie up loose ends and who offers a helping hand to our younger riders... RIVER!

✋️ River has been riding for several years and volunteers nearly every week, helping assist younger riders to groom, tack, and lead horses. This is such a HUGE help, especially since River assists all those little ones that just can't quite reach those tall places.

🍀 Just this week, River assisted in taking down a fellow 4-H member's horse (along with his own) to the State 4-H Horse Show in Lexington, Va. Thank youuuuu, River, and good luck!

🥕 Also.... Luthor would like to personally thank River for his weekly carrots that he receives after his rides.

THANK YOU River! Hickory Haven appreciates all that you have done for our team, as well as our 4-H group, The Four-Legged Clovers. 🥳

08/31/2026

Watch your step around the barn. We have a cute, little barn rat hanging out lately!

08/28/2026

September invoices have been sent! NEW SCHEDULE BEGINS NEXT WEEK!

Reminder... Per pur handbook, discounted lessons are to be pre-paid at the beginning of the month around the time of booking and beginning of your first lesson. If you would prefer to pay weekly, please reach out to have your invoice modified to reflect the non-disocunted rate.

Thank you to all families for supporting the Hickory Haven Equestrian family!

08/17/2026

SEPTEMBER SCHEDULING - 5 WEEK MONTH
(August 31 - October 4)

* Weekend lessons begin September 12th! We will have 4 weekends this scheduling period.

* 5 PM times are offered, but skill level/age has not been set yet. If you want that time, let me know ASAP so I can start forming groups.

It is that time again! School starts next week for most folks. The new schedule is out, and it has quite a few changes. Please check the schedule on the website (link below) BEFORE reaching out to confirm your lesson time. We will be forming some new groups due to instructor needs, new riders, and horse use needs.

* EMAIL US FOR A CURRENT SCHEDULE OF FEES. *

08/17/2026

🌟 POWER OF POSITIVITY 🌟

We have been a bit behind, but better late than never. Our first recognition goes out to an outstanding family that has shown an immense amount of support and dedication to our Hickory Haven Equestrian Family, THE FONTAINE FAMILY!

Autumn Fontaine and Kennedy stepped up earlier in the Spring during a horse show to help cover an advertising event when the show ran later than anticipated. Without hesitation, they volunteered to leave from horse showing to hold down the event table while Ashley hauled horses.

On another occasion, Autumn stepped in VERY last minute to assist a "Little Ones" lesson during an emergency where one of our horses needed to be hauled to the vet on the weekend.

Kennedy was also our top earner during out Annual Fall Horse Sponsorship Program to raise funds for our vet expenses, exceeding her goal! She also spent hours loving on and showing extra attention to our missed Maybeline after lessons.

THANK YOU Kennedy and Autumn! Hickory Haven appreciates all that you have done for our team. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. 🤩🥰

08/12/2026

Advanced lesson opening this evening at 7 pm, shade and cooler weather. Text Ashley if interested!

ALSO, reviewing feeding instructions for the horses at 4:30 PM if anyone wants to come watch/help. We have some horses moved around and it would be helpful for folks to know the details of feeding in case you'd like to volunteer in the future.

08/10/2026

Heavy hearts this weekend at Hickory Haven Equestrian. For unknown reasons, our sweet mini Maybeline, became ill this weekend and had to be humanely euthanized. I know she was the smile on many kiddos' faces and she will be deeply missed. I wanted to make sure parents had the opportunity to prepare children for the news, how they see fit. I know many love to run back and visit her during weekly lessons.

I am at a loss for words... please feel free to share your memories/pictures in the comments.

08/04/2026

It is that time! Invoices have been sent and are due. If you have not received one, it is likely you were missed... Oops. Just reach out and let me know!

Friendly reminder! Lesson cancelations require 24 hours notice. If you cancel last minute, your lesson can not be made up another time (not including emergencies). Please be fair and respectful of this policy! I know many are, and I appreciate the honesty.

Also to note... during inclement weather, barn lessons may be done instead of riding. I limit barn lessons to one per month (per client). These do not happen often! If you decide to not attend your barn lesson, you will not be granted a make-up. Barn lessons are a GREAT opportunity for riders to fill in gaps in their learning that are not always addressed during regular riding lessons.