~ Principled ~

We cater to those who demand a cruelty-free riding experience. Our horses are loved family members or diligently attended rehabilitation projects, working toward new careers in loving hunter, dressage, or eventing show homes, each with a custom training plan. They would never be required to spend the summer tied up outdoors in their tack as a casual entertainment to indiscriminately choose over bumper-cars or trampoline jumping.

We handle horses with the kind, compassionate, and sympathetic relationship all living things deserve. Each of our powerful yet gentle warmbloods and draft-crosses were hand-raised from orphans and started under-saddle on the farm. Unlike typical lesson horses, they are interested to meet, learn more about, and bond with you, we are very protective of their physical and emotional well-being. Time spent with these sheltered, noble creatures is sure to help you find your inner power and tranquility.

Although our historic barn is still in the process of being restored and modernized, horses are still at the heart of our daily operations and long-term goals. We’ve grown accustomed to working toward our goals with the challenge of slow-moving, large-scale infrastructure improvements in the background.

~ Intimate ~

Horses embody all that is graceful, strong, gentle, noble, beautiful, intelligent, and inquisitive. Those who have spent time with horses appreciate the contact with such powerful yet perceptive and compassionate animals.

Horses teach us the danger of miscommunication, yet when we are with them they loan us some of their courage, strength, and free spirit. Enveloping yourself in their power and generosity, while learning the art of empathetic, direct communication as you ride in the fresh mountain air is an undenyable release from the emotional and physical traffic of urban life.

Lani works closely with all riders to foster a comfortable, balanced ride, with quiet, understanding, and effective hands for efficient, subtle communication between horse and rider. Students become more aware of the horse’s personality and emotions and are guided through any fears and weaknesses.

Guest riders are welcome (but not obliged) to participate in the entire equestrian experience, as their vacation schedule allows, from catching and grooming their own horse (rider may need to bring boots for muddy conditions as well as proper riding boots) to the post-ride treats, grooming, and equipment care. Relaxing on our porch after an exhilarating afternoon connecting with a beautiful horse is excellent therapy and a retreat beyond words for kind, sensitive, educated individuals.

~ Exclusive ~

Our horses are carefully selected and professionally trained, managed, and groomed for show, guest, and family riding, yet they enjoy life as a horse should, with plenty of freedom, exercise, socialization, and grazing. They are used beyond their regular training schedules for only the most conscientiuos clientele.

The comfort, health, and safety of horse and rider are a top priority. In fact, our guests enjoy high-quality, professionally-fitted tack, we have a wide variety of expertly crafted, show-caliber equipment (guests encouraged to specify western, close contact, or dressage gear to be custom fit for their ride(s)) and solid, sound horses selected and prepared for their riding session.

 

~ Professional Instruction ~

Lani Ohly has decades of experience, totalling more than 7,000 hours in the saddle, on some 100 or more horses, and countless more as a riding instructor, following years and years of rescuing, rehabilitating, and training horses for hunter, jumper, dressage, and eventing competitive riding. Lani’s instruction emphasizes that when we work with horses, everyone in the equation is both a teacher and a student.

Lani's hopes to share the unique, memorable experience of compassionate connection with horses in the fresh air along Lake Champlain. She hopes that any unease is replaced with the inner peace, liberation, rejuvenation, and contentment that comes with increased personal strength, balance, and practical knowledge.

 

 

~ Packages ~

~ Inn Guest Rate - $150.°°/rider - guests choose 3 rides for $50.°°/ride, 2 for $75.°°/ride, or one longer ride.

~ Beginners' Shared Session - $175.°°/one hour session (2-3 beginners share one horse, each rider has 20-30 minutes in the saddle).

~ General Public Rate - $175.°°/rider - includes up to three rides for one rider (rides to be used within 10 days).

~ Summer/Seasonal Rider - $240.°°/rider - for four rides to be used within one month.

~ Groundwork Sessions include meeting and petting our horses, selecting one to work with, having a lesson in grooming, care, and handling, and feeding treats. There is no riding in a groundwork session. Priced according to the rates above.

Lani will take plenty of photos for your enjoyment and sharing at no additional charge!

~ Policies ~

We operate under the following policies to protect and preserve our outstanding equine friends for avid equestrians and those interested in a meaningful riding experience:

~ We offer a semi-private arena lesson format with open-meadow riding for more advanced riders. Even if you do not have two persons in your party we can pair you up in a lesson with one of our kids, or if very experienced, Lani will ride with you. The horses are much happier to work in groups of 2-3 per session.

~ A lesson is 1.5-2 hrs. total time with the horses from start to finish.

~ Those seeking more time in the saddle may ride up to two sessions/horses per day.

~ Group rides offer more time in the saddle (just over one hour) than a private lesson (40-45 minutes).

~ Riding participants (and their guardians) acknowledge that horses are inherently dangerous and agree to sign a Release of Liability.

~ Parents of participants under 12 years of age, please plan to tag along to learn and help. Your hands will help to hold ponies, tack, and keep small children safe.

~ We adhere to strict weight limits and athletic body types, riding participants shall not exceed 15-18% of horse or pony weight:

<210 lbs., including tack, for draft-crosses, (email to make sure horses will be available if >170 lb.).

<170 lb., including tack, for large ponies, small horses, and thoroughbreds.

<80 lbs., including tack, for shetland ponies.

~ Every rider (except small children) must be capable of getting into the saddle from a mounting block without assistance beyond horse/stirrup steadying. If you cannot get yourself into the saddle, don't be discouraged - it's still a great opportunity to get out for some exercise alongside your new equine BFF, to learn about or reacquaint yourself with horses through ground training sessions.

~ Properly-fitted helmet (personal or provided), pants, and riding boots are required. Breeches or stretch pants, long-sleeves, and supportive undergarments are strongly recommended. Padded vest is optional. Please consider professional, fitted attire w/ good coverage for comfort, safety, and protection from sun and insects.

~ Refunds are offered for scheduling or weather-related issues. Refunds cannot be issued for policy short-comings (including riders over-weight or not fit enough to climb into the saddle).

~ How to Book ~

~ Is riding available? YES! If riding shows on the app, it is available. Booking via the 'Book Now' button (or inn reservation w/ follow-up email and Lani will add riding to your invoice from our end).

~ Please do not book riding unless you have read and will be able to sign the Release of Liability

~ Use the 'Inn Guest' price point (on the add extras page mid-way through the booking process) to add riding at the discounted rate for those booking a stay at our inn. Use the 'Destination' price point if you are not also booking a room.

~ Follow up with an email (to email@innonlakechamplain.com) with:

- Name(s), height(s), weight(s), and experience level(s) of each rider in your group. Rider experience is best described as follows: Very Beginner (riders with little or no past instruction), Walk-Trot Beginner (riders in regular lessons, just learning to canter and jump), Advanced Beginner (riders in regular W/T/C lessons but who have never competed over-fences, or riders with more experience but who are riding very few times per year), Novice (riders in regular jumping lessons who have done some low level showing), Intermediate (riders in regular training with more extensive/show experience), Advanced (riders in regular training over 3'3"-3'6"+ fences). Please feel free to email photos or videos to illustrate your riding experience.

- Saddle preference - Close contact (jumping), Dressage, or Western Pleasure.

- Dates and times you would like to ride (please note: we do not ride from 10am-5pm on hot (above 90F) days.)

~ Riders who do not send photos or videos will be assigned beginner-safe horses until riding ability is demonstrated in person.

~ Riders with overweight BMI will be assigned beginner-safe horses regardles of riding ability/past experience.

~ Ride time(s) will be arranged closer to your arrival to better accommodate your other plans, weather, work-load on our farm, etc.