Cole Acres Farm

09/11/2024

Week #3 in the Homeschool Learning Series is grooming. Why we groom, how we groom, and decorating our own grooming tools! 🐴

I have a few spots left in each class, so reach out if you’d like to jump in at a discounted rate. We’ll be taking a break from the Homeschool Series this winter and likely adding a session next spring.

09/08/2024

Congratulations to our very own Gaia Alexander and her filly Willow on making it to The Fort Worth Mustang Show and doing a heck of a job once they got there! Gaia competed against 18 other youth and was the youngest competitor of the group- we are so proud of her!

These shows are meant to showcase the versatility and trainability of the American mustang. Trainers have approximately 100 days to gentle an untouched mustang and teach them all they need to know to be a safe and well-adjusted domestic horse. This kiddo has done a phenomenal job with Willow and I can’t wait to see where their future takes them!

09/05/2024

Happy almost weekend barn fam! 🐴

A reminder for those on installments for tuition that your second installment is due no later than 09/12. Invoices went out yesterday- please let me know if you did not receive yours!

We’ll see everyone back for lessons next week!

09/01/2024

Our first day camp of the school year is Friday, October 11th! Open to currently enrolled students. We do these a few days during the school year when school is out for teacher-in-service days.

*Currently 5 spots are taken, I’ll update this post once it’s filled up!

08/31/2024

Happy long weekend!!!

🐴 A reminder that we are closed for lessons next week, 09/02-09/08 due to Labor Day as well as an offsite show.

🐴 Please join me in wishing our very own Gaia Alexander luck as she competes at The Fort Worth Mustang Show with her 2 year old filly, Willow. Willow was an unhandled mustang 120 days ago and Gaia has done a phenomenal job teaching her all of the skills that a domestic horse needs! Gaia will compete against 20 other youths who have been on the same 100 day journey. We’re so proud of you Gaia!!

🐴 I have an opening on Mondays @ 4:00 pm. If you have reached out about a spot this fall and would like to snag that one, please message me asap so we can get your kiddo on the schedule.

Have a great long weekend, y’all!

08/28/2024

🐴 Week #2 is all about our “go button” and “whoa button”, plus how to use our “E-Break” (one-rein-stop.) We’ve dialed into the steps of each cue, talking about how to give our horse a fair shot at getting it done without unnecessary extra cuing. We’ve ended our rides with a round of whoa/go freeze-dance. It’s been a great week so far!

A reminder that we are CLOSED for lessons & homeschool group next week, 09/01-09/08 due to Labor Day, as well as an offsite horse show. We’ll see y’all the following week!

08/23/2024

Week 1 is off to a great (HOT) start!! We’ve made a few modifications to account for the blistering temps, like hose downs before and after rides, and working under the trees in the barnyard. The themes for week #1 are: safe mounting & dismounting, and learning to listen to our horse’s body language under saddle.

These riders and horses have been awesome! I’d love to welcome our new students to Cole Acres: Parker, Madeline, Cheyenne, Jolie, Rowan, Kim, and Alison!

08/20/2024

🐴 If you are enrolled in the Homeschool Learning Series: Introductory Course you’ll want to save this flyer for future reference! The course starts this week, and the class time is 9:30-10:30 a.m. Meeting dates for this course are as follows:

WEDNESDAY ENROLLMENT:
08/21, 08/28, 09/11, 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, 10/09, 10/16

THURSDAY ENROLLMENT:
08/22, 08/29, 09/12, 09/19, 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, 10/24

08/16/2024

I hope everyone had a great first week back to school! 📚 ✏️ 📝

Some reminders for our enrolled Fall students who will be returning (and some starting new!) to the barn next week…

LESSON FAMILIES
•Please make sure you’ve printed those calendars and keep them handy for the semester! There’s a handful of closure dates to be aware of.
•When you arrive, please park just outside of the gate and walk your child to the barn. You are welcome to stay for the lesson, or drop and return.
•The first few weeks are always a bit challenging this time of year with the heat. We will be riding, but will be extra mindful of horse and rider heat safety. Please ensure your rider comes with ample water and sunscreen. Riding activities may be altered to ensure horses and riders do not overheat.

HOMESCHOOL LEARNING SERIES FAMILIES
•Both the Wednesday & Thursday sessions meet from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Please arrive on time on your selected meeting day. An hour goes quickly so we like to jump right in!
•While it won’t be AS hot as the afternoon lesson families, I’d still recommend ample water and sunscreen these first few weeks.
•I have one spot for Wednesday and 2 spots for Thursday open. Please refer to any friends you think may enjoy this course for their kiddo!

I look forward to jumping back in next week with your wonderful children!

08/14/2024

Wishing ALL of our lesson families a fantastic first day of school tomorrow!! 📚 ✏️ 📝

I can’t wait to see your smiling faces back next week and to hear all about week #1!

08/09/2024

It’s been all about the TLC this week for the lesson ponies! Chiropractor and acupuncture work from our beloved Dr. Reed, dentals with Dr. L of Moore Equine, and a big farrier visit yesterday with one of our wonderful farriers, Jon. We’re blessed with an amazing team!

These older horses provide a level of experience, wisdom, and safety which enables our new riders a safe space to learn the fundamentals. It’s the very least we can do to keep our partners moving and feeling their best. They work so hard for us ♥️

Some “Did-you-know?” facts about horse care for our lesson families:

- Horses need their feet trimmed by a farrier every 6-8 weeks. Horses who wear shoes are typically seen every 4-6 weeks.
-Horse need their teeth “floated”… you can think of this kind of like a cleaning- except teeth are filed down to reduce sharp points and enable horses ability to comfortable chew hay- every 6-12 months.
-Horses need to see the equine vet at minimum twice yearly for vaccines.
-Horses need to have their manure tested for parasites twice yearly, and treated accordingly with
appropriate dewormers.
-Chiropractic, acupuncture, and body work can be added to a horse’s care plan for many reasons. Some common ones are: general aches and pains associated with aging, mechanical changes associated with aging or injury, discomfort from previously ill-fitted tack, or just because you want to provide a bit of extra TLC.

08/07/2024

That is a wrap on SIX weeks of summer camp!!! Thank you families for sharing your wonderful kiddos with us! Much was learned and endless memories made 🐴☀️

We are on break from lessons until 08/19, when our Fall semester begins. I wish everyone a wonderful back to school week next week!!!

08/07/2024

🐴 Tuition is now DUE for the Fall semester! 🐴

In your payment please include your child’s name, as well as a notation as to whether you are doing full or partial payment. Full tuition is $500, partial is $275 now, $275 by 09/12.

Please get those payments in via Venmo no later than 08/12. Any payments not received by the 12th are liable to be bumped to the next student on the waitlist.

As a reminder, the semester spans 12 weeks, with 2 planned days off (calendars attached), for 10 paid lessons. I have attached the calendars, as well as rider pairings and weekly themes. I’d recommend keeping these handy! I don’t know about you, but I am itching to get back to the rhythms and routines of the school year!

For new students: when you arrive you will park just outside of the gate on the shoulder. Please walk your child back to the barn where I will meet you. Parents are always invited to stay for their child’s lesson, but it is also common to drop and come back. Long pants and riding boots are required. You will need to sign an updated Liability Waiver on their first day.

Looking forward to a fun and educational semester!!

08/06/2024

Last week of camp for the summer in full swing!! 🐴 ☀️

07/31/2024

This! Again and again! 🙌🏻

Riding schools for children -

I used to teach children riding lessons a lot. It was really fun and rewarding to instill in young people care and respect for the horse, and good riding skills. I found chikdren far more receptive and empathetic than many adults, because they hadn’t been taught to ignore horses expressions to get something done.

The pressure from parents to accelerate the kids skills to more fun stuff, or to prevent the child’s boredom, was a steady presence in teaching- along with maintaining the school horses soundness and mental well-being from being ridden by beginners. Keeping lessons good for both horse and rider was a job of creativity and constant adjustment. I believe it can be done, but the culture at large doesn’t typically make it profitable, as many parents struggle to want to pay for lessons on sound husbandry and good riding basics. The kids want to canter, by God!

I have some firm beliefs about good riding stables, and I realize the expense and strain and adjustment is an ever pressing reality, I stand by these beliefs:

-children should learn good riding fundamentals first, and not progress to trotting, cantering, jumping until they have a good understanding of a balanced seat and can demonstrate it

-children should learn care of and respect for the horse comes before their entertainment. Grooming, tacking, warming up and cooling down, quitting an activity or adjusting if the horse is stressed, learning groundwork, etc, should be a non negotiable

-children should learn to feel a balanced horse to the extent possible. A beginner horse should not simply be a lame horse that tolerates them, but one to teach th em how to ride- children should not be set up for a future of kicking and pulling to get a horse to do something, but learn to feel how to direct a horse with their body, and to feel movement that is balanced, setting them up for a lifetime of being able to balance future horses.

- children should learn to read accurately equine expression and well-being. Children should not be taught to describe horses as lazy, stubborn, etc- these are taught by adults and children learn to adapt these views. The adults are responsible for setting the culture and views of horses and their handling.

Many riders struggle with normalizing tight, crooked, and unhappy horses because this is what they learn to ride on. The instructor is responsible for setting the culture of what their program entails, and I believe this means setting firm boundaries on what the purchasing client can expect, instead of catering to unreasonable demands to keep business. That is a whole can of worms in itself, but one worth opening.

07/25/2024

🐴 🍂 Important info for the Fall semester! 🍂 🐴

Please find the finalized lesson schedule, the list of meeting & closure dates, and our weekly themes for the Fall semester.

For our new students: you will need to send your child in long pants and closed-toed shoes (western riding boots preferred). When you arrive you will park just outside of the entrance gate on the shoulder and walk your child back to the barn. You will need to complete an updated liability waiver on your child’s first lesson day.

Tuition is due via Venmo to no later than 08/12. Can be paid in full ($500), or split into (2) equal payments of $275, due by 08/12 & 09/12.

I cannot wait to see y’all in a few short weeks!

07/24/2024

That’s a wrap!!!

Oh my goodness how I loved this group 😍 Our next and final camp week (which is a makeup week) is 08/05-08/07.

We have a few more lessons this week and then the Cole fam is headed out for a week-long trip to visit with family.

The fall semester for lessons begins the week
of 08/19. Please check back on the page as I’ll post the finalized fall schedule in a few days.

Have a FABULOUS rest of your summer barn fam!

07/23/2024

It rained pretty much the whole day, but never quite enough to stop us…just a persistent drizzle for 5 hours 😆🌧️

We learned about tack, rode an obstacle course with water balloon “land mines” (this was such a fun game for steering practice), made horseshoe dream catchers, played “Fractured Pony Tales”, and ended with anatomy painting. Whew! Looking forward to tomorrow which will be our last day.

Please send your kiddos with swimsuits and towels and it looks to be hot enough for water play! ☀️

07/22/2024

The first session of makeup camp started today 🐴 The weather held off for us until the very last moment- we were so grateful!!

Charm bracelets, riding sessions, picture frames, a color/breed scavenger hunt and a round of Pictionary.

Looking forward to seeing this crew tomorrow! I think rain boots will be a must 🌧️

07/21/2024

It does not feel right complaining about rain in late July in central TX, but this timing is not the best! We are planning to host makeup camp rain or shine and will work around what the weather gives us. I would recommend sending your kiddo either in or with a pair of rain boots. We will move crafts and games inside if the rain persists and will work in our rides around the dry moments. See you makeup campers tomorrow!

07/19/2024

That was SUCH a brutal 12 days. It took almost 2 full weeks to get back to teaching/leaving the house/etc…I *SO* appreciate each and every one of you for your kind messages and flexibility while our family was down and out with a brutal case of the yuck 🤒 It feels so good to be back in our routine and back to lessons. A few reminders…

⭐️ Our first makeup camp session starts this Monday, 07/22. The hours are 8:30-1:30. Please send your child with water, a morning snack, lunch, sunscreen, and closed-toed shoes.

⭐️ The second option for a makeup camp is Monday, 08/05-Wednesday 08/07. Same hours and guidelines as above.

⭐️ I have worked hard this week to go through all missed messages and catch up, but if I missed you and you are waiting for a reply, please follow up and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

⭐️ If you are enrolled for the Fall Semester, tuition is due no later than Monday, 08/12.

Alright folks, I think that’s all I’ve got! Have a great week!!!

07/09/2024

Dear Parents,

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I must inform you that the remainder of camp this week is cancelled due to testing COVID positive early this morning. This decision was not made lightly (this is the first time we’ve ever had to reschedule a summer camp), but these symptoms are so severe that this feels like a necessary decision for the safety of our families, as well as my own physical wellbeing. As a mom myself, I understand how disappointing this will be for your children and what an inconvenience it will cause for families.

Please know that the safety and health of our riders and their families are my top priorities. To make up for this disruption, I will be adding multiple Monday-Wednesday makeup camp opportunities (see dates below.) If none of those work, you will be given a lesson package of (6) private riding lessons.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. I am so very sorry to need to do this-- this is a very special group of kids and I was so looking forward to sending camp season out with these awesome campers this week.

Please message me privately with your preference for makeup opportunities. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Molly

Makeup Camp Dates:
Monday July 22nd- Wednesday July 24th
Monday August 5th- Wednesday August 7th

07/08/2024

Today kicks off our last camp week of the season! This week is all about the beginners and we had a blast!!! Such a sweet, sweet group of kids!

We decorated grooming tools, learned about equine body language, had our first riding session, made horseshoe wind chimes, played four corners, and went on a tack room scavenger hunt.

Looking forward to tomorrow with this crew! ☀️ 🐴

07/01/2024

Howdy, families! I hope you all are enjoying your summer and finding plenty of moments of rest and relaxation. It feels impossible to believe, but next month we are back to school- which means we are back to school-year lessons!

As our riding program here at Cole Acres continues to grow, we’re excited to introduce a new tuition structure to better serve our community. Starting this Fall Session (beginning 08/19/24) we will transition from monthly tuition to a semester-based fee system. This change aligns with the way most other extracurricular activities manage their fees. We will offer a Fall, Winter, and Spring Semester. Summer will continue to be offered in a-la-carte packages.

(*Please see the bottom of this post for the current riders and openings we have for the upcoming Fall Semester)

Why the Change?
1. Improved Scheduling: A semester-based approach allows us to better plan our horse’s schedules and ensure riders and horses are consistently paired based on skill/ability.
2. Holidays: We can more effectively account for holidays and breaks, giving students, families, and our instructor a more predictable calendar.
3. More Manageable Approach to Make-Up Lessons: Make-ups have persisted as one of the most challenging aspects of running a one-instructor lesson program. While I wish I could offer numerous makeup opportunities throughout the week, the reality is that this does not offer the horses (or instructor!) the necessary days off that they require to stay physically and mentally happy and healthy. In this new structure, pre-set make-up days will be offered in the “off” week in-between semesters (dates listed below.) Any lesson cancellation due to extreme weather, student illness, or instructor illness will be eligible to sign up for a make-up day.
4. Income Stability: This change helps maintain the financial health of our program, allowing us to continue offering the best experience for riders (& horses!)

How It Works:
• Semester Duration: Each semester will span 12 weeks, covering 10 lessons (each semester has 2 planned weeks off based around holidays/barn closures.) Please see below for meeting dates based on your selected day.
• Payment: Tuition will be due 1 week prior to the start of each semester. Tuition can be paid in full for the semester ($500) or broken into (2) equal payments of $275 (first payment due one week prior to the start of the semester, second payment due at the start of week #5.)
• Benefits: Enrolled students will have a reserved spot for the entire semester, providing stability and continuity in their training.

My sincere belief is that this new system will enhance your experience and support the overall quality of the program. Thank you for being a valued part of our barn family here. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
Molly Cole

FALL SEMESTER LESSON DAYS

Mondays
9:30 A.M.: Juna
10:30 A.M.: Harper

4:00 P.M. : Cheyenne
5:00 P.M.: Jules
Audri

Wednesdays
9:30 A.M. Homeschool Horsemanship Group
10:30 A.M. Emmie


4:00 P.M.: Rosey
Lily M.
5:00 P.M.: Jane
Scarborough

Thursdays
9:30 A.M. Homeschool Horsemanship Group
10:30 A.M. Mika

4:00 P.M.: Jolie
Rowan
5:00 P.M: Gaia
Wren
Cooper

Saturdays
8:30 A.M.: Aimee
9:30 A.M.: Gaia
10:30 A.M.: Olivia
Emma W.

Fall Semester Start Date: 08/19

MONDAYS
08/19, 08/26, 09/09, 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04

WEDNESDAYS
08/21, 08/28, 09/04, 09/11, 09/18, 10/02, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23, 11/06

THURSDAYS
08/22, 08/29, 09/12, 09/26, 10/03, 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, 10/24, 11/07

SATURDAYS
08/24, 08/31, 09/14, 09/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02, 11/09

* Fall Semester make-up dates: 11/14 @ 4 & 5:00 p.m. , 11/16 @ 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

- Winter Semester Start Date: 11/18
* Winter Semester Makeup Dates: TBD

Spring Semester Start Date: 02/24
* Spring Semester Makeup Dates: TBD

06/25/2024

Out of office! (Barn) ☀️ 🌊 🚢

A few reminders heading into July…

-The summer a-la-carte schedule continues. Please check the sign-up document if you are unsure of which days/times you’d signed up for. Invoices have gone out for July which also include your dates. Please get those settled by 06/30 & reach out with any questions!

-The school year schedule will be posted on 07/01. Sign up will be on a first-come first-serve basis so please be sure to check in on the page that day if you’re interested in a school year spot.

06/22/2024

Who’s having more fun at Saturday lessons- the barn moms or the barn girls? 😆

06/20/2024

That is a wrap on week #3!! 🐴 ☀️

This week was all about disciplines! Most of these riders have been in lessons for at least six months, and were able to dive in a bit to the ins and outs of each. We covered Ranch Riding, Dressage, Western Speed Events, and Hunter/Jumper.

Today we made clothespin horses, had a feedbag fashion show, and played pony mad-libs. It was rained out for riding, so we got to walk a kid-made “jump”
course and learn to count strides.

Our final session is back to beginners and begins July 8th.

The Cole fam is headed on vacation next week. We’ll
see you campers soon!

06/17/2024

Week #3 is back to current students (& a few camp returners!) ☀️ 🐴

This week’s theme is riding disciplines. Today we learned about Ranch Riding and did a ranch course both on our horses and on-foot. We also made collages and went on a body-language-scavenger-hunt.

Thanks for a great camp day kiddos! This is a super fun group!

06/13/2024

That’s a wrap on our first beginner camp session! I have to shout out our amazing group of helpers, some who are current students (Lilian, Haylee, Finley, Gaia, Mr. Tyler for a day, and Wren!) They helped with ground walking and just generally keeping things moving along. Thank you wonderful helpers!!

Today we learned about tack, rode a trail course around the property, painted horses, and played Pictionary.

Thank you for a wonderful week, campers!! I will see some of you in our next beginner session 07/08. Our next session is for current students which happens next week, 06/17-06/20. ☀️ 🐴

Parents- It would mean the world if you could share a review as social media is our only source of marketing. Thank you!!

06/12/2024

Camp day 3! 🐴 ☀️ Another round of rain this morning pushed us inside for crafts (clothespin horses). We then had riding sessions followed by a vet demonstration and horsey charades. Ended the day with the aftercare crew enjoying a pool session once the sun came out.

See you campers tomorrow for our last day
celebration! 🎉