Can children participate in ground lessons?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome, and sessions can be tailored to suit younger participants.

Do I need horse riding experience?

No prior experience is needed; these lessons focus on ground skills and building confidence.

Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and bring sun protection if necessary.

Are lessons available year-round?

Yes, the ranch offers lessons throughout the year, weather permitting.

Is there age restrictions?

Children aged 8 and above can participate, with larger groups for families and children.

Do I get to ride horses afterward?

These sessions focus on ground handling, but riding options are available separately.

Horse Riding & Ground Lessons at Cornerstone Ranch

Cornerstone Ranch, situated in the heart of rural scenery, offers a refreshing approach to horse interaction that welcomes beginners and seasoned riders alike. Located just outside the city, this ranch provides an authentic farm experience that combines education and connection with these majestic animals. Their ground lessons are designed to teach fundamental skills such as grooming, saddling, and hoof handling, all relevant to fostering a respectful, safe relationship between rider and horse. These 30-minute sessions go beyond the typical riding lesson, emphasizing understanding horse behavior and developing trust from the ground—an essential foundation for any equestrian journey. What makes Cornerstone Ranch truly special is its focus on personalized attention within a relaxed environment. Small groups or individual sessions ensure every participant receives tailored instruction, making it ideal for families, beginners, or those looking to deepen their bond with horses at a manageable pace. The ranch's serene setting is dotted with pastures, mature trees, and scenic trails, ideal for soaking in the countryside atmosphere afterward. The staff’s passion for horsemanship and education makes every visit memorable. Whether you're new to horses or seeking to hone your ground skills, Cornerstone Ranch stands out as a memorable, hands-on experience that connects people with animals and nature. It's a perfect stop for outdoor enthusiasts and families eager to incorporate a bit of riding and animal care into their adventure itinerary. With an emphasis on safety, respect, and knowledge, this ranch brings a welcoming spirit to the local equestrian scene, creating lasting memories and new skills from the ground up.

About Cornerstone Ranch

Cornerstone Ranch in Princeton, Massachusetts operates a working equestrian ranch offering riding, horsemanship, and seasonal ranch experiences.

The ranch offers multi-week horsemanship courses, single-day riding workshops, private and semi-private lessons, ground lessons, and guided trail rides ranging from 45 minutes to two hours. A Young Adults three-week horsemanship and riding course is designed for ages 20 to 30 and combines ground lessons, riding techniques, and an extended trail ride. Kids Fun all-day riding workshops welcome ages 8 to 16 for riding, grooming, horse care, trail rides, and social activities. Intermediate and advanced riders aged 12 and up can join all-day workshops that feature two mounted sessions, classroom discussions, and Balanced Seat technique work.

Private and group lessons, including semi-private options, accommodate varied skill levels and focus on balance, rhythm, and safety. Guided trail rides are led by professional wranglers who guide guests through scenic forest trails for personal or group bookings. Ground lessons deliver 30-minute hands-on instruction in grooming, saddling, and handling hooves to build horsemanship from the ground. Additional offerings include ranch photo shoots, horse-drawn ranch tours with ice cream (May through November 15), winter private and group sleigh or wagon rides, and horse driving lessons. The ranch hosts birthday parties, reunions, school field trips, picnic outings, and group events with tailored horse experiences. After-school horsemanship programs and multi-week riding options extend learning opportunities for regularly enrolled students.

Many programs emphasize connection with horses, hands-on skill building, and opportunities for riders to progress across levels. Programs serve all levels.