Although the city is just a few miles away, riders at Urban Acres feel as though they are deep in the woods, embracing the beauty and serenity of nature. This is what owner, Hope Finan believes sets her business apart from others like it.
“[Riding in the woods] allows you to enjoy the outdoors and not be confined to an arena,” Finan said.
Urban Acres first started offering these Zen riding experiences when they opened in 2010. Since then, they have provided a safe place for people of all ages to not only learn how to ride horses, but also how to care for these majestic animals.
“Each lesson is customized to what the person already knows and what the person is interested in learning,” she said. “We cover everything from catching the horse in a pasture setting all the way to grooming and saddling. It’s a very comprehensive program.”
Every rider starts out with individual lessons and if they’re interested in a group class, Finan and her staff assess their skills and determines what might be a good fit for them.
And these lessons aren’t just for kids. Finan said she has students of all ages.
“[Riding] teaches our younger riders how to focus and how to be mindful with their actions,” she said. “For most people it’s just an amazing escape from their everyday hustle and bustle.”
Urban Acres offers flexible scheduling and budget-friendly prices for families who are already juggling several extra-curricular activities. The full-service equestrian facility also offers birthday parties, family fun days, and farrier services.
For more information about Urban Acres, visit www.facebook.com/urbanacresriding or call 254-339-0012.
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Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
