Fall Newsletter
Fall 2026
Say it isn't so... Fall is here and winter is just around the corner.
Here's what you need to know!
From the Boss Mare
It's been about three months since our last newsletter, but it feels to me like a lifetime of stuff has happened since then! That means I have a lot of updates to share along with all the plans we've made for fall and winter.
First, our first Sunday Trail Rides were a hit! So much so that we added some evening rides to fit everyone in. Our summer camps all filled to the brim, our drop-in flag nights are hopping, and our Saturday Sessions are picking up steam.
In fact, summer was very busy. And then in early August, the entire region had to pivot and respond to a major crisis.
Above: The view looking north from Rooted Stone Acres on the evening of August 7th as Leann arrived to begin evacuating the 8 horses residing there.
Now well into October, we are almost mid-way through our fall session of lessons and starting to set dates for next year's programs. So here's what you need to know!
Fall session runs from September 15th - November 10th
Our late fall set (Ranch only) begins November 11th
and runs about 4 weeks. A scheduling invite to that session will be going out just after Thanksgiving.
Team Tournament is returning again this year
and is combined with our Dolly Drag Show & Obstacle Challenge. More details follow in this newsletter and on the website.
Freezing February set is tentatively planned for February 3rd thru March 13th.
Invites for this one will go out before mid-January.
Above: Leann and DeeDee at Trevor's May clinic. Below: our shiny new hardware
REMINDER!
ABSENCE REPORTS
Please note that moving forward, billing will not be adjusted unless you've submitted an absence report at this link:
The link is found on all Riding 4 Life email responders and on every invoice that goes out. There is also a button leading directly to the form on our home page at wwwlriding4life.ca
This is truly the only reasonable way we can appropriately track this information and notify our staff in a timely manner.
2026 Clinics and Drop-ins
Our Clinics and Drop-ins are open to our boarders, area horse owners, and intermediate riders who have been in lessons with us for a few seasons. Talk to your instructor to see if these opportunities might be right for you!
Beginner roping is here!
Most Sundays at 10am
Warm up on the ground and mount up as your skills safely allow. Mounted portion to start after 11am - please preregister if this is your plan!
$45 cash at the gate or pre-register for $40
Bring your own rope, or borrow one of ours!
Talk to your instructor if you're interested in this one!
Horsemanship with Leann
Haul in with your own horse - $60 +gst
Ride one of ours - $80 +gst
AVAILABILITY:
At the Ranch:
Thursdays 12pm - 4pm
Fridays 12pm - 4pm
Saturdays 10am - 3pm
In Penticton:
Not available at this time
Upcoming Events!
Team Tournament
This year's tournament will run concurrently with another event we're holding at the ranch.
All of our currently enrolled riders active in our fall session are invited to enter the 'Team Tournament' classes offered in our Dolly Drag Show event. They may be joined by other beginner riders with their own horses from our surrounding community too. But don't worry, you'll have your same lesson horse, your same familiar instructors, and the same great community fun... just with some new friends too.
Obstacle Challenge &
Team Tournament
We're combining our Team Tournament with a new (actually old) event this year. Once upon a time at the ranch, before Riding 4 Life moved in, Ken MacRae used to host an annual fall obstacle challenge. So we thought it very fitting to welcome Ken back to the ranch by resurrecting this event for everyone to enjoy!
This is great way to bring our entire community of friends, clients, horses, and instructors together to the same event.
Friday Flag Night
Fridays at 6pm continuing into the fall with the help of our arena lights!
$25 cash at the gate or pre-register for $20
Sign up for just one date, or mark your calendar and come to them all. No refunds or credits once booked. Drop in day of option - $25 cash at the gate
These are intended for intermediate to experienced horse owners who are looking to practice cattle work.
Solstice Light-Up
This will be our fourth annual Winter Solstice celebration to mark the shortest day of the year and to welcome lighter days - a very important feature for us barn dwelling horse lovers!
And this year, we're adding a twist! Haul-in with your horse to ride through our twinkling trail obstacles after dark.
Join us by the fire to raise a mug of something warm. Bring a treat to share or bring your horse too!
Solstice gathering open to all!
New program for those looking to get their hands dirty!
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 some day a chance to try on a lot things before getting too heavily invested in something they might not enjoy long term.
However, those programs asked a lot of our horses, our time, and our resources without a fair exchange from it's participants. So we're now offering a program that may be more flexible for participants, and that properly represents the true time, sweat, and monetary costs of learning horsemanship and husbandry skills.
Working Student Program
Currently FULL in Oliver
Taking application in Penticton for Spring 2027
Help spread the word!
There are a lot of new things happening at Riding 4 Life right now, and we could use your help getting the word out.
You may have noticed that we’ve started testing a few new programs and seminars that might be better suited to our new Penticton location. This is part of a larger plan to diversify our services and keep Riding 4 Life sustainable — without increasing costs for families like yours.
For more than 20 years, this work has grown mostly through word of mouth. That kind of support has always meant the most to us.
If you’re willing, here are a few simple ways you can help:
Share our posts on social media
Recommend a seminar or retreat to a colleague
Leave a review or testimonial about your experience
Every share, recommendation, and review helps more people find their way here.
Thank you for being part of this community.
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