Our East Texas communities in and around Wood, Rains and Hopkins County are “all or nothing,” meaning many families simply do not have the ability to afford activities for their children, such as horseback riding, despite being rural, farm communities.
Our goal is to provide free and reduced rate riding lessons that will teach children about not only riding horses and horsemanship, but how their emotions and actions effect others. Horses are excellent mirrors to our emotions and use body language to show us theirs. One must learn how to "listen" quickly around horses. Horseback riding and horsemanship also teaches children patience, responsibility, respect and confidence. Studies show that there are multiple physical, mental and emotional benefits to working with horses.
Our program utilizes retired Thoroughbred racehorses providing them with second careers (or even third careers) and aftercare. We love the Thoroughbred breed for their strong work ethic as well as their gentle nature around children. The name Rider's Up! is a reference to the racetrack when the jockeys are called to mount their horses in the paddock. For the horses and jockeys, it means it's time to go to work and for our kids, it will mean a positive change in their lives.
Free Riding Lessons for Underprivileged or At-Risk Youth
In order to receive free riding lessons, the student’s parents or guardian, must provide proof of residency in Wood, Rains or Hopkins County via a Texas State Driver’s License or ID Card and copy of a utility bill with matching address. Proof of low income status via participation in another qualified financial assistance program such as TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, CHIP or by household income (recent pay stub from employer or tax return.)
Students that join based on special needs status must provide a doctor’s letter or diagnosis of special needs. We are capable of working with special needs students that are high functioning. Otherwise, we will refer them to Shadow Ranch in Sulphur Springs, as they have the resources available to work with more aggressive special needs conditions.
The students taking part in this program will participate just like our regular, paying riding students. They will follow the same riding program and semester schedules and will receive regular weekly instruction. All students will learn:
- Stall cleaning and barn chores
- Tack cleaning and care
- Hoof care
- Feeds and feeding
- Horsemanship
- Groundwork
Reduced Rate Riding Lessons for Military/Veterans/First Responders/Police
Lake Fork Stables has already partnered with Horses 4 Heroes and this program will help to fund the free riding lessons offered, while also offering discounts to Horses 4 Heroes members. These lessons are $25 per hour.
Horseback Riding Excursions
Lake Fork Stables also currently offers horseback riding excursions, which will also help to continue to fund the Rider's Up! program. These are booked by tourists to the area and are $80 per person for 2 hours.
Who We Are
Valerie and her husband, Troy, established Lake Fork Stables in 2017. Valerie attended West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Equine Business & Industry with a Minor in Animal Science. While attending college, she worked for a Hunter/Jumper farm in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where she furthered her experience in barn management. She also interned at the American Quarter Horse Association in Amarillo, Texas. Over the years she has worked for several equestrian publications and websites as a writer.
Valerie also has experience working with young horses and racehorses. She has a passion for retired racehorses and has also been involved in racing and breeding for racing. She is a firm believer in the healing and teaching power of horses and credits them with her strong work ethic. Teaching children and seeing the true look of joy and confidence is what has driven her to start this nonprofit.
