Before They Can Say It, They Can Ride It: How Horses Teach Kids to Lead
Kids can't always explain what makes a good leader. But put them in front of a 1,000-pound horse, and they start proving it. Here's how riding lessons in Petaluma build leadership from the ground up.
Kids Learn to Read a Room Because They First Learned to Read a Horse
Long before kids can explain what empathy or leadership means, horses are already teaching them. Here's how reading a 1,000-pound animal builds the exact skill kids need to read a room.
Adults Ride Too: Why Summer Is the Season Grown-Ups Finally Try Lessons
You've been saying someday for years. Here's why summer is when adults actually stop putting off horseback riding lessons and start.
The Screen-Time Battle You Didn't Know Horses Could Win
Summer means more free time and more screens. Here's why a 45-minute lesson with a 1,000-pound animal does something no app, show, or game console can.
The Sonoma County Kid's Bucket List: Outdoor Adventures They'll Actually Beg to Do Again
Sonoma County is basically a giant outdoor playground—but some adventures stick with kids way longer than others. Here's the bucket list worth checking off, starting with the one they'll be talking about for years.
You're Closer to the Barn Than You Think
Fulton and Penngrove residents often don't realize how close they are to Strides Riding Academy's Santa Rosa location. Here's why this summer is the perfect time to try a 30-minute intro lesson.
The Santa Rosa Experience That Stays With You Long After You Hand Back the Reins
Santa Rosa has no shortage of things to do outdoors. But few experiences stay with people the way horseback riding does — and at Strides Riding Academy, that's exactly the point.
The Unspoken Language of Horses: What Your Ride Is Telling You Without Words
Every horse is communicating, even when they're silent. Learn how to read horse body language through ear position, tail movement, posture, and breathing, and discover why these skills help riders build trust, confidence, and stronger partnerships during horseback riding lessons in Windsor, CA.
The Drive Out to the Barn
Families from Windsor and Santa Rosa drive out to Strides Riding Academy every week for more than horseback riding lessons. Tucked between the two towns in Fulton, the barn offers kids and adults a chance to slow down, connect with horses, and leave the noise of the day behind — even if just for an hour.
Make This the Summer You Finally Ride
This summer, we're launching a two-month riding program for beginner and intermediate riders in Santa Rosa and Windsor. Eight private lessons, four horsemanship classes, flexible scheduling, and no prior experience needed. Here's everything you need to know.
How Riding Lessons Can Improve Balance and Coordination at Any Age
Horseback riding isn’t just fun, it’s a workout for your body and mind. Learn how riding lessons can improve your balance, coordination, and confidence at any age with Strides Riding Academy.
From Lesson to Event: Preparing Your Horse and Yourself
Preparing for your first horse show or event? Discover how lessons at Strides Riding Academy teach both you and your horse the skills, confidence, and trust to shine.
Family-Friendly Horse Activities Near Santa Rosa
From beginner riding lessons to family events, Strides Riding Academy in Santa Rosa offers horse activities that everyone can enjoy. Learn, play, and bond with horses together!
Understanding Your Horse: Building Trust in Every Lesson
Horseback riding isn’t just fun—it’s a workout for your body and mind. Learn how riding lessons can improve your balance, coordination, and confidence at any age with Strides Riding Academy.
From Beginner Lessons to Camps to Horse Leasing: Growing as an Equestrian at Strides Riding Academy in Sonoma County
Discover how riders grow from beginner lessons to horse camps and leasing programs at Strides Riding Academy in Petaluma. Serving Sonoma County and the North Bay with equestrian programs for all ages.
What 18 Years of Running Summer Camp in Sonoma County Taught Me About Kids (That No Classroom Ever Could)
I have been watching kids arrive at this barn every June for 18 years. And the one thing I know for certain — the kid who walks through our gate on Monday morning is never quite the same kid who leaves on Friday afternoon. Here's what nearly two decades of summer camp in Sonoma County has taught me about what kids are truly capable of.
Why Group Horseback Riding Lessons Are a Great Choice in Petaluma & Santa Rosa
Learn why group horseback riding lessons in Petaluma & Santa Rosa are a great choice for young riders. Discover skill-building, independence, and fun at Strides Riding Academy.
The Summer Camp in Sonoma County Parents Wish They Found Sooner
Some kids just need something different. Discover why families across Sonoma County return to Strides Riding Academy’s summer camp year after year — and why spots for 2026 are already limited.
Outdoor Learning Experiences for Girl Scouts in Northern California: Why Experience-Based Learning Builds Confidence and Real-World Skills
Hands-on outdoor learning helps Girl Scouts build confidence, teamwork, and real-world skills. Learn why Northern California troops are choosing experience-based programs.
Expanding Access to Horseback Riding in Sonoma County
At Strides Riding Academy, we believe horseback riding should be accessible to more families in Sonoma County. Beginning February 1, 2026, a portion of all tuition will support a new scholarship initiative designed to reduce financial barriers and expand access to equestrian education.