Lessons / Activities

  1. Coronavirus Update
    City of Springfield orders related COVID-19 prevention may limit availability of facilities, programs and events Check ParkBoard.org/Coronavirus for more information.

Valley Water Mill Equestrian Center Show Series


Introduction to the world of competitive horse showing, with three categories: Academic, Fun and Pleasure. Open to all current Valley Water Mill Park students and all other riders if they are competing on their own horse. Points accumulate for year end awards.

Age: 5 yrs. and up
Date: Sat., Jan. 25 2019 Award Ceremony

Sat., April 18 Fun Show

Sat., May 30 All-Breed Show
Time: 9 a.m.
Fee: $35/Show                                                                         

Pony Day Camp 
When school’s away, it’s time to play! Fun-filled days surrounded by fuzzy, furry horses. Day campers are immersed in barn life: feeding, grooming, saddling, one indoor riding lesson, as well as crafts and movies. Bring a lunch, snack and water. Wear jeans, boots and appropriate outdoor clothing. Previous horse experience not necessary. Space is limited. Registration required.

Age:7 yrs. and up
Date:Dec 20 & 27, Jan 20, Feb, 17, Apr 10
Time:Drop-off opens 7:30 a.m.Pick-up before 5:30 p.m.
Program is 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fee:$35/Student/Day

My Little Pony


Introduction to horses for children. Parents must be present on facility grounds for duration of the lesson. One-hour class includes basic safety, grooming, leading and saddling techniques. Ponies and helmets provided. Class may be repeated.

Age: 4-8 yrs. with parent/guardian
Date: By appointment
Time: Varies, call for details
Fee: $20/Person

Pony Pals


Private introduction to horses for a young child. Parents must be present on facility grounds for duration of the lesson. Includes horse-related story time, stable tour, grooming, petting and feeding miniature ponies. Class may be repeated..

Age: 4-7 yrs. with parent/guardian
Date: By appointment
Time: Varies, call for details
Fee: $15/Person

Youth HorseSHOE I and II
Homeschool HorseSHOE I and II


Sheriff’s Horsemanship Outreach and Education (HorseSHOE) teaches safety around horses and basic grooming, saddling and riding techniques. Eight students per class. Horses and helmets provided.

Age: 7-16 yrs.
Date: SHOE I Session 1: Tues., Feb. 4-25
SHOE I Session 2: Thurs., Mar. 5, 12, 26 & Apr. 2
SHOE I Session 3: Tues., Apr. 7-28
SHOE II Session 1: Tues., Mar. 3-10, 24-31
SHOE II Session 2: Thurs., Apr. 9-30
SHOE II Session 3: Tues., May 5-26
Time: Youth: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Home school: 10-11 a.m.
Fee: $60/Session

Adult HorseSHOE I and II


For adults who always wanted a horse or just want to get back into riding. Teaches basic horsemanship skills, including safely approaching, haltering, leading, grooming and saddling. Horses and helmets provided. Eight students/class.

Age: 18 yrs. and up
Date: By appointment
Time: Varies, call for details
Fee: $60/4 Group Lessons $120/4 Private Lessons

Winter Horse Camp


Ring in the new year at the barn! Students are assigned a horse for the week to feed, groom, clean the stall and ride. Students will also help with daily barn chores (picking pens, sweeping aisle, etc.). Bring a water bottle, lunch and light snack each day. Jeans, boots and winter attire are appropriate. Horses and helmets provided. Some activities will be weather dependent. Must be current EC riding student or have attended HS 1 & 2 or Summer Camp 2019.

Age: 7 yrs. and up
Date: Dec 31—Jan 2
Time: Drop-off opens 7:30 a.m.Pick-up before 5:30 p.m.
Fee: $150 for three days

Riding Lessons


Private, semi-private and group instruction with your horse or one of ours. Beginning to advanced riders focus on a specific skill set including balance, seat, effective leg aids and control. Completion of HorseSHOE I and II required.

Age: 7 yrs. and up
Date: By appointment
Time: Varies, call for details
Fee: $100/4 group lessons

$120/4 semi-private lessons

$140/4 private lessons

Horse-Themed Birthday Parties


Give your little or big “buckaroo” a birthday party to remember. Party is held in the meeting room followed by lead line horseback rides and/or petting and grooming miniature horses in the indoor arena. Each horse can give 10 rides/hour.

Age: 5 yrs. and up
Date: Wed.-Sun.
Fee: $70 Room Rental

$40/Hour Each Lead Line Horse

$30/Hour Miniature Horse Grooming