• Golden Stride Riders - local 4H group.

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - If you've ever found yourself wanting to ride, there are plenty of options in Ingham County. Many local barns offer lessons in disciplines such as barrel racing, western, hunter/jumper, and three-day eventing, which includes dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping. If you are just starting out with horses, the best option would be a lesson or a camp.

For those looking to show, there are options like 4H, high school and middle school equestrian teams, as well as barns specializing in shows in Michigan and the United States. If you don't own your own horse, many stables offer horses for lease, or rent, and it is often a much more affordable option for competing. Leasing a horse often includes multiple rides per week, however this varies from barn to barn. If competing isn't for you, lessons are always an option as a way to learn how to ride and care for horses. Most barns require you to arrive about 30 minutes early to prepare your horse for your lesson. Many will also have helmets or boots available for you to use until you are able to purchase your own. In addition to lessons, there are camps available at many barns, should you wish to immerse yourself in a week of horses.