FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- No matter what their skill level, the Fort Rucker Equestrian Center provides a place for horse enthusiasts, young and old, to saddle up and hit the trails.
The facility sits on over 10,000 acres of wooded trails and is home to 84 horses.
There are two regulation dressage rings, two breaking pens, multiple lit western and show arenas, open pastures, a clubhouse with a full kitchen, a gazebo, RV hookups and more.
The facility hosts a variety of events year round, from qualifying state competitions for more advanced riders, including Wiregrass Open Horseman’s Association shows and Craig Cameron-affiliated Extreme Cowboy Association shows, to more leisurely events for people with no horse riding experience, including private riding lessons, trail rides, barbeques, birthday parties, buggy rides and barn dances.
Leda Green, program manager of the equestrian center, said events are always open to the public, including non-military Families from the surrounding areas outside of Fort Rucker.
“Our events attract military employees and their Families, and also non-military people from all over Alabama, Florida, and Georgia,” she said. “People don’t realize that there is a stable out here. There is an opportunity out here, and they should definitely be using it. Even in the local area, people don’t realize that people can come out here too, without being military. We are open to the public " bring your horses and come ride the trails.”
Beginning next month, the facility will offer guided trail rides on Saturdays and Sundays through the 10,000-acre property with several different marked trails to choose from. The rides range from one-hour rides to six-hour rides.
“Anyone can come and rent a horse and ride the trails. We start every ride with a 15-minute safety course, and we have a trail guide in the front of the group and a safety rider in the back of them. These horses are dead broke. It’s for anyone that has never been on a horse. All they have to do is call us and we’ll schedule a trail-ride time for them,” Green said.
Beginner and advanced summer camps will be offered for children ages 10 and up this summer June 13-17, June 27-24 and July 11-15. The camps are from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and are open to five beginner riders and 20 advanced riders.
Participants will learn different riding styles, how to rope and proper grooming techniques. The camp will conclude with an open horse show and pizza party where ribbons and trophies will be awarded to the campers.
Green encourages those who are interested in the camp to contact the equestrian center quickly, because spots fill up fast.
The equestrian center offers large tack rooms, stalls, hay barns, and wash stalls for boarding patrons. There is currently a wait list to board horses at the facility.
Green attributes the high demand for the facility to the unique opportunities and options available to their patrons.
Justin Mitchell, deputy garrison commander, and his wife, Michelle have boarded their two horses, Carson and Ozzie, at the equestrian center for nearly two years. Michelle said she loves coming out to the facility and participating in the events.
“There’s so many different things offered here; different riding styles, western, English, jumping, lots of different trail rides, or you can just have your horse to yourself and ride around. We love it. It has become a Family thing for us.”
Green said there are always volunteer opportunities for those interested. She said some Families come to get to know the patrons who will then have them help groom and care for some of their horses.
“We always need people to volunteer for horse shows and all the events. (People interested) can go on to the Army One Source Web site and register there to volunteer. Once I get their information, I will call them to set up an interview, and once approved all (they) have to do is sign up for hours that (they) want to work and they can get started,” Green said.
“We also keep an updated Facebook page, called Fort Rucker Riding Stables, where we post information about everything that’s going on out here and we load pictures up there from all the events,” she said. “People can get on there to see everything that’s going on and get involved.”
The Fort Rucker Equestrian Center is located on Hatch Road just south of the Silver Wings Golf Course. For more information on upcoming events, camps and volunteer opportunities, call 598-3384.
Social Sharing