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"Yet when all the books have been read and reread, it boils down to the horse, his human companion, and what goes on between them." -Walter Farley
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Lifer's and Ranch Hands program is retiring.
After a decade of offering a 'Lifers' program, or what we've been calling 'Ranch Hands' in Oliver, we are retiring these programs. Our original group of Lifers pictured here in 2017. From left to right: Cassie riding Quiggly, Talyn riding Cinderella, Reanna riding Buttercup, Rachel riding Herbie, and Audrey riding Ruby. Lifers and Ranch Hands were the youth who after a few riding lessons had that certain twinkle in their eye. They were the young riders who were past the poi
1 day ago2 min read


Working Student Program (NEW!)
Introducing a new program at Riding 4 Life. For anyone interested in getting their hands dirty in exchange for some lessons or clinics - here's your chance. For many years we've offered programs called 'Lifer's', or 'Ranch Hands'. Both programs offered youth a chance to get involved with chores and horse care as well as have greater access to practice time, group lessons, and even trail rides and other outings. It was a great way to give those interested in owning a horse
6 days ago2 min read


Saturday Sessions!
Introducing a new group series at Riding 4 Life Ranch called Saturday Sessions! SUMMER DATES NOW AVAILABLE! All summer sessions can be done in hand or mounted! Join Leann (and DeeDee her new trusty demo steed!) as she covers some of her favourite horsemanship topics, tools, passions, and the occasional pet peeve on select Saturdays. This program is intended for horse owners in the area who plan to haul in, or boarders and current intermediate lesson clients who are looking to
Jun 51 min read


Sunday Trail Rides
Select Sundays through the summer Open to currently scheduled clients only! Beginning at 9:30 am at our Penticton location, get your hands dirty with some chores, groom and saddle your horse, and warm up with us in the arena. Then, we'll take a quick snack and water break, and if all our safety checks check out, we'll head out for a 45-60 minute trail ride across the acres, returning to finish by noon. We hope to include the vast majority of our currently scheduled riders on
Jun 31 min read


Flag Night drop-in at the Ranch!
Fridays at 6pm Begins June 12th $25 cash at the gate or pre-register for $20 Campfire Social to Follow (BYOB) June 12th June 19th June 26th July 10th July 17th July 24th August 7th August 14th August 21st
Jun 31 min read


The Next Chapter Continues: Help Us Bring It to Life
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been quietly (and not so quietly!) pouring our hearts into preparing our new space here at Riding 4 Life Equine Enterprises—and we’re getting so close. When we first shared that our next chapter begins , we knew this transition would take a community. And once again, you’ve shown us just how strong and supportive that community truly is. Progress on the Ground There’s something incredibly special about watching a space come together piece by pie
Apr 163 min read


SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS & TEENS
Ages 8-16 9:30AM – 2:00PM Daily Therapeutic clients and those funded by Autism Funding not eligible. Please see our inclusive camps listed under our therapeutic services. 2026 DATES: All Day Camps: $370 +gst July 7, 8, 9 in Oliver (WAITLISTED!) July 14, 15, 16 in Oliver (WAITLISTED!) July 21, 22, 23 near Penticton (WAITLISTED!) August 11, 12, 13 near Penticton August 18, 19, 20 in Oliver What is Horsemanship? Horsemanship is a skillset and knowledge base that allows humans
Mar 302 min read


Our Next Chapter Begins!
A New Chapter for Riding 4 Life at Rooted Stone Acres There are some places that just feel right the moment you step onto the land. That’s exactly how we felt during our first full workday at Rooted Stone Acres , the future home of Riding 4 Life’s Pentic ton programming. It was a fantastic day spent walking the property, dreaming about what’s to come, and beginning the work of shaping this beautiful place into a space for growth, horsemanship, and connection. The land itsel
Mar 152 min read


Cultivating Safe Spaces @R4L
Join us for a very special day of learning at the ranch! Learn to create safe, inclusive spaces that foster growth, respect, curiosity, and belonging with a thorough introduction to the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework. For a detailed description of the day Click here! Saturday June 6th OR Saturday October 3rd. 10am - 4pm 5621 Sawmill Rd. Oliver, BC. Seminar cost: $280+gst Includes a rustic lunch and refreshments. Please dress for outdoor conditions with footwear appropriat
Feb 202 min read


Non-Dominant Horsemanship
Have you ever heard it said that the key to success with a horse is to “show ‘em who’s boss?” Have you ever wondered where that comes from? Or if it works? Well, the answer to that depends largely on what kind of boss we become.
Feb 202 min read


Women's Rustic Retreat - May 8-10
The horses of my teen years are largely responsible for who I am becoming today. It’s fair to say that horses rescued me from soul crushing trauma. While I may have still lived without their grounding influence, I highly doubt I’d be growing and thriving the way I am today without them. And while I am very much fulfilled when I can serve my human clients, I don’t do it primarily for them. I do it to honour the horses of my childhood, and of the future, and all the ways th
Feb 203 min read


Upcoming events @ Riding 4 Life!
Tack Swap March 28
Eggscellent Easter Egg Hunt April 4th
Cultivating Safe Spaces April 11th
Non-Dominant Horsemanship April 12th
Women's Retreat May 8, 9, 10
Feb 12 min read


Tack & Farm Swap
Join us as we kick off our spring programs at the ranch. Enjoy a pony ride, browse some vendor tables, bid on a item and more!
Jan 301 min read


Spring Break Camp at the Ranch!
Our Spring Break Camp is now FULL! Click here for details about our summer camps MARCH 24, 25, 26 9:30am - 2:00pm daily, Ages 8-16 $370 + gst Therapeutic clients and those funded by Autism Funding not eligible. Please see our inclusive camps listed under our therapeutic services . What is Horsemanship? Horsemanship is a skillset and knowledge base that allows humans to safely and beneficially partner with horses in a way that enhances the lives of both species. It’s rewards
Jan 281 min read


Trevor Mertes Horsemanship Clinic - May 29, 30, 31st
Once again... you don't want to miss this one! Our staff, interns, and boarders get first crack at registering and any additional spaces will be offered out publicly. We love bringing Trevor to the ranch and we always have a great time with this low key group oriented clinic format. We're continuing with our three day progressive horsemanship format, and we are colt start friendly! Participants are invited to jump in on the flow where appropriate for them and their horse.
Jan 222 min read


Eggscellent Easter Egg Hunt!
We'll have pony rides, games, prizes, crafts, a photo booth, and of course an Easter egg hunt!
Jan 211 min read


Winter Solstice Bonfire
Sunday December 21st, 12pm - 3pm at the RANCH! Calling all boarders, clients, families, friends, and fans of Riding 4 Life. Join us horse crazy barn dwellers to raise a warm drink to the shortest day of the year. It only gets brighter from here! Bring your mittens and a winter treat to share with your fellow barn folk. And remember - we'll be rain, snow, or shine on this one - we can always take a propane fire pit under cover.
Nov 22, 20251 min read


Lessons are for everyone, including the Boss Mare!
Did you know that everyone at Riding 4 Life takes lessons and continues their education? Even your instructors? In fact, over the...
Sep 19, 20251 min read


Winter sessions at the Ranch
The view from Quiggly on an early November evening at the Ranch. There's no doubt about it... our little ranch in Oliver can be absolutely beautiful in the winter. And for the first time in a long time, thanks to our covered arena there, Riding 4 Life is offering a winter short set of lessons. Our old blue barn lit up for the winter solstice We will run 4 weeks of lessons beginning November 12th in Oliver. We may also run another 6 week set beginning February 4th if the we
Sep 19, 20251 min read


Team Tournament is back!
Last year's Team Tournament event was a massive hit! So, backed by popular demand we plan to do it again this year. Mark your calendars for Sunday November 2nd from 10am - 2pm. We'll have some spooky obstacles, some games, a ranch riding pattern, and more. Don't forget the smokies, chili, and pumpkin bowling too! Most of our riders/handlers really enjoy working toward some sort of goal where they can celebrate their new skills and show them off to family and friends. We als
Sep 16, 20252 min read
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