Do I need prior experience with horses?

No prior riding or horse handling experience is necessary; the focus is on emotional connection and self-awareness.

Wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for outdoor activities and weather conditions.

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?

Absolutely, the workshop is designed for women at all levels of familiarity with horses and personal growth journeys.

What is the cancellation policy?

Pre-registration is required; please review the specific policy during booking for details on refunds or rescheduling.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes, sharing the experience with a friend is encouraged, but each participant must register separately.

How many participants are in each session?

Groups are kept small to ensure personalized attention, typically 8–12 women per session.

Equestrian Workshops at Jester Park Equestrian Center

Situated in the lush landscapes of Jester Park, the Jester Park Equestrian Center offers an extraordinary experience for women seeking personal growth through horse interactions. This workshop isn’t just about riding—it’s a profound journey into self-discovery, emotional intelligence, and connection with majestic animals known for their sensitivity and grace. Participants will engage in a carefully curated series of activities designed to deepen their relationship with horses, fostering intuitive understanding and emotional healing. The center’s serene natural setting—surrounded by woodlands and open fields—provides an ideal backdrop for this transformative adventure.

What sets this experience apart is its focus on the healing power of horses and the use of their natural instincts to unlock emotional awareness. Each session emphasizes non-verbal communication, body language, and subtle cues, creating a unique bond between human and horse. The center’s dedicated trainers and facilitators guide participants through mindful exercises, building trust and opening pathways to self-reflection. This workshop is not just for equestrians; it’s for anyone interested in emotional growth, mindfulness, and authentic connection.

Conveniently located near Des Moines, Iowa, Jester Park’s tranquil environment makes it a perfect day-trip destination for women looking to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with themselves through these animal-assisted programs. The facilities are designed with comfort and safety in mind, providing a welcoming space for all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to horses, the focus is on personal experience, not riding proficiency. This workshop embodies a rare chance to build emotional resilience, empathy, and self-awareness amid the natural beauty of Iowa’s landscapes.

Join this unique circle and discover the subtle language of horses—an experience that will leave lasting impressions of growth, insight, and genuine connection.

About Jester Park Equestrian Center

Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger, Iowa, operates as a public equestrian facility offering a variety of horse-related experiences for visitors of all ages. The center presents guided trail rides through Jester Park’s timber overlooking Saylorville Lake, seasonal horse-drawn rides and holiday wagon or sleigh outings, and special programs such as Pony Tales story-and-meet sessions and field trips designed for educational groups. Women’s workshops use horse interaction for personal growth on a waitlist basis, and several popular activities maintain waitlists to manage capacity. The facility also offers a John Thomas Poppy Tower plaque program that allows individuals to purchase a stainless steel plaque mounted on decorative poppy tower leaves along the Brandon Lay Challenge Trail as a lasting tribute.

Field trips run from spring through fall and include hands-on opportunities to learn about horse care, picnic areas, and guided interaction. Guided trail rides provide wrangler-led instruction for beginners and families. Holiday horse-drawn rides last approximately 30 minutes and operate on sleighs or wagons when available. The center emphasizes guest safety, pre-registration for select workshops, and organized waitlist management to accommodate demand. As a feature within Jester Park, the equestrian center connects visitors to the park landscape and lake views while offering structured equine experiences, educational outreach for groups, and commemorative plaque placement along a public trail. Programs are scheduled seasonally and require reservations for many offerings; staff manage group logistics, safety briefings, and horse handling instruction to ensure a well-organized visit for schools, families, and private groups and community partners.