May Web

Horses Of Course:
Equine Learning For All Ages
Want to learn how to ride a horse, but think that cityliving
might hinder that possibility? If you’re reading this,
you probably live in the Quad-Cities – which is surrounded
by beautiful rural areas, with horse-riding opportunities
aplenty. A fine example of a local business that can help get
you into the saddle is Horses Of Course.
Established by Barbara Langley in 1988, Horses
Of Course has served the Quad Cities with equine learning
opportunities for students of all ages and abilities. Horses
Of Course is located at 11818 95th Ave., Blue Grass,
Iowa. In 2015, the school became a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization.
All lessons at Horses Of Course are taught by
qualified instructors who have a wide variety of equine
experience. A person does not need to own or even lease a
horse to ride there. They are home to a total of 25 horses,
and their string of 15 school horses are well-trained and
specifically chosen for their ability to help riders learn in a
safe environment.
Liz Kantner is the Vice President and on the Board
of Directors of the school. She is also an instructor, and
the daughter of founder Barbara Langley. “An appreciation
of horses runs in the family,” Liz said. “We love helping
people to spend time with horses and bond with them.”
One of the great joys of working at Horses Of
Course, Liz noted, is granting young people scholarships to
go to horse camp.
Kids who attend
the five-day camp
learn how to ride,
groom, and feed
horses. “Learning
to ride horses can
give kids selfconfidence
and help
them to overcome
their fears,” she
said.
Liz herself learned to ride at an early age. “I was
four years old when I rode my first horse,” she said.
What should a person wear to ride a horse? The
folks at Horses Of Course suggest:
• Long pants (preferably jeans or riding breeches).
• Boots with a heel and little to no tread.
• A properly fitted helmet. They will provide a helmet if
the rider does not own one.
It’s clear that the team members at Horses Of
Course love their horses and take excellent care of them.
Horses usually live into their twenties, but their oldest
horse will turn 31 in May!
To find out more about Horses Of Course, call
(563) 381-2123 or visit www.horsesofcourse.org.
RIVERBANDITS.COM (563) 324-3000
8 May 2017 - QC Family Focus