Red Ridge Stables

05/03/2026

Jan 19 - Feb 14, 2026
“Tribute to Cowgirls”
More And More Rainy Days.

My apologies for the delayed update! We had to cancel numerous lessons due to the rain, although we still were able to manage them here and there during these dates… Needless to say, holding lessons during the rainy season has been a challenge. We’ve had so much rain that the corral has turned into a muddy mess, and the horses are constantly caked in mud. Apparently, mud is their new favorite spa treatment! Even so, we’ve made do, and we’ll all be extremely happy when things dry up and we can fully work in the corral again. This will be especially important for the upcoming final lessons, when riders will learn—and practice—riding independently, without anyone holding the lead rope. That will be a big milestone and an exciting step for all of us.

Just for fun, I’ve decided to make a tribute to how and why my little Cowgirls have ended up doing these lessons. From a very young age, they’ve shown genuine love for the horses. Their delight is so obvious in some of the photos it’s impossible to miss!. Their joy is refreshing: no worries, no cares, just pure excitement. This little glimpse will let anyone interested follow the learning journey of these rambunctious, fearless little girls. Watching them tackle new challenges with such bravery and delight is truly inspiring!

I’ve shared some photos going all the way back to when Gemma, Holland and Gianna were just two years old. Even then, they loved coming to the stable to spend time with the animals. After a few visits, we decided to invest in children’s riding helmets and saddles—and it turned out to be one of the best investments in Utila children’s future we’ve ever made! Along with the steps we added for them, those purchases have made this entire riding adventure possible, opening the door for years of learning, fun, and unforgettable experiences.

Watch our page for upcoming activities/events in the next little while, to include the following:
*Graduation Ceremony/Horse Show This will be an exciting milestone for our pilot project cowgirls—and for their parents, too! Our Cowgirls will be celebrating their “graduation” from Beginner Lessons. On March 14, 2025, they will put on an actual demonstration for friends and family, showcasing what they’ve learned and the confidence they’ve gained along the way. We want each rider to feel proud of their accomplishments and be celebrated for the hard work that brought them here.

* Kids’ one time experience This is not just a horse ride—it’s a true hands-on experience. From grooming to riding, children get to learn what it really means to care for and work with a horse. Every child who has participated has been completely enthralled and eager to come back for more. While riding is always a highlight, many of them truly thrive during the care of the horses part of the experience as well.

I’ve lived here on Utila for years—some say I’m practically a Utilian by now… lol (which I take as a compliment!). The reality is that opportunities for kids to connect with nature on the island are limited. At Red Ridge Stable, we hope to offer a special glimpse into horsemanship for any child who wants to be brave enough to step up to these amazing, huge animals.

*Sponsor a child. Not every family has the means to provide their child with this experience or the lessons it introduces along the way. With the support of caring sponsors, a child can take part in an adventure that introduces respect, responsibility, and the meaningful bond created between horse and rider.

Contact Red Ridge Stable on WhatsApp 3390-4812

We hope that everyone following the girls’ quest have enjoyed tagging along. It’s been quite the ride!

Until next time….

14/01/2026

New Year-New Riding Adventures --
Trotting, Trotting Goes Their Feet!!!
Lesson #5 Jan. 6, 2026

This week, while continuing to practice everything they’ve already learned, the cowgirls took one giant step deeper into their cowgirl adventures—they experienced trotting! Be sure to check out the videos, because the photographer truly captured the pure essence of joy and excitement. The girls simply cannot help but giggle as they trot along, bouncing with smiles from ear to ear. I mean really… I wonder if they’re actually having fun? 😂 LOL!

Along with trotting, they’re also getting some valuable practice at being the boss. They’re learning that horses don’t always want to do what “the boss” wants them to do—sometimes the horses have their own plans, like heading straight for the feed pan instead of practicing those silly maneuvers we ask of them. These moments are such important learning opportunities. A good cowgirl needs to understand that things won’t always go perfectly and must learn how to handle those situations with patience and confidence—just like Gemma so wonderfully demonstrates while leading.

And let’s talk about the saddle… it is HEAVY! But that didn’t stop Gianna, who was absolutely determined to carry it out all by herself. I truly believe that throughout these lessons, the cowgirls should be encouraged to be as independent as possible. I always encourage them to try things on their own first, and if they need help, then they can ask for assistance. Watching their confidence grow has been such a joy!

All three girls have completely fallen in love with Snickers - she’s definitely the favorite. But don’t worry… next week I just might surprise them with Banana Bob!! 😂 LOL

Holland has come back from missing a couple of lessons with a bang! She has in no time caught back up with the others and has moved onto a bit more excitement than just walking… she’s also trotting. Check out her video

Notable Happening of the Week!
One thing I’d like to mention is that there truly is such a thing as Equine Therapy. There’s just something incredibly special about being around a horse—the gentle rhythm, the quiet companionship, and the calming presence that seems to melt all the cares of the world away.
Gemma was the perfect example of this therapy in action this week. During her practice riding maneuvers, she looked so relaxed atop Snickers that she appeared to be nearly falling asleep! I guess the steady back-and-forth motion of the ride was just that soothing. It was one of those heartwarming moments where you could clearly see the calming and comforting effect horses have.
That’s when I decided it was definitely time for Gemma to wake up and TROT! 😄 And let me tell you—nothing snaps you to attention faster than a good trot! Needless to say, she was wide awake in no time, smiling and ready to finish the lesson alert, engaged, and laughing. LOL 🐎💕

Attention!
Since no one is allowed to be present during lessons, we’re planning a special Cowgirl Rodeo once the lessons are completed (approximately 3–4 weeks, weather permitting). Family and friends will be invited to join in the cowgirl fun and see just how much these girls have accomplished. Each cowgirl will have the chance to demonstrate some of the skills she’s learned during her Cowgirl Lessons.
Get ready—because you are going to be WOWED by these three adventurous gals!
More information about the rodeo will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned!

30/12/2025

Amazing Christmas Cowgirls – Lesson #4 Dec. 23, 2025

Welcome back for Episode 4 of our Amazing Cowgirls! We hope everyone who’s been following along is enjoying these cowgirls’ adventures as much as we are. Each week, watching their confidence grow, their smiles get bigger, and their bonds with the horses deepen reminds us exactly why this program is so special.

Once again, Mother Nature has decided to test us with rain, rain, and even more rain. Because of the muddy conditions, we haven’t been able to use the corral safely. If anyone has experience with land excavation/landscaping, drainage solutions, or arena footing and would like to help us develop a plan to fix the corral for the kids, please reach out to me. [email protected] Right now, it’s simply not safe for riding, and once the kids begin solo riding, they MUST be in a secure, enclosed arena. Creating a safe riding environment is a top priority for us.

I almost forgot to mention—our Cowgirls also have homework! 📝 Don’t worry, it’s nothing too scary, but it’s a fun way for them to practice what they’ve learned in their lessons. Whether it’s brushing up on horse care, practicing leading techniques, or even a little creative drawing about their adventures with the horses, it helps reinforce their skills and keeps the excitement going between lessons. And honestly, seeing them so eager to do it is just as rewarding as watching them ride! See examples in photos.

In my humble opinion, the coolest video of the week captures a truly heartwarming moment—Snickers giving Gianna a little “present” to remember her by. Moments like these are priceless. Once again, these girls show the pure love, joy, and authenticity of what they’re doing. You can clearly see the trust and bond forming between the cowgirls and their horses, and it’s something truly special to witness. ❤️

And for some extra humor for the week—hands down, the most hilarious video/photo of the week, titled “Did You Forget Someone?”, features Gianna patiently waiting, draped over her horse after her riding lesson ended at 5:00 p.m. 😂 She looked completely at home, like she’d decided this was her new island address, no rush to go home. Snacks packed, boots on, totally unbothered. It had us all laughing and perfectly captured the goofy, joyful spirit of our cowgirls. Definitely don’t miss this one!
And out of respect, (hahahahah) we won’t mention the name of the someone who needed the friendly reminder… but let’s just say he sells water and ice! 😆 All in good fun—and honestly, we weren’t in any hurry to send her home anyway. Ranch time is just that good! But, he deserves to get ‘credit where credit is due’, —let’s all give him a shout out to let him know we noticed! LOL

This week also brought plenty of learning opportunities. One new skill introduced was hoof care—Snickers’ manicure… or would that be a pedicure? 🤔 Maybe the front hooves count as a manicure and the back ones as a pedicure? LOL! Regardless of what we call it, Snickers was incredibly patient while Gianna cleaned her hooves, and she did an excellent job. Learning proper horse care is just as important as riding, and these girls are doing amazing.

Holland absolutely wowed us this week with her first solo leading skills. She showed great focus and confidence as we practiced walking, stopping, and handling the lead rope correctly. She learned to keep her hand close to Snickers’ head and to always walk beside the horse—not in front—whenever possible. These fundamentals are essential for safety and building respect between horse and handler, and Holland nailed it.

A huge thank-you goes out to Amanda for her continued help and support again this week. She’s learning right alongside the kids, gaining hands-on experience so that one day soon she’ll graduate from “Kisty’s Seat-of-the-Pants Riding School” and be ready to teach her own little cowboys and cowgirls! Her dedication and willingness to jump in wherever needed mean more than words can express.
Another wonderful thing about Amanda is that she speaks Spanish, which ensures that no child will be left out. We are happy to interview both English- and Spanish-speaking children for lessons or one-hour trial sessions. Lessons for older kids will also be coming soon, so stay tuned for updates and more details on when those opportunities will be available.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support, encourage, and believe in these Amazing Cowgirls. We can’t wait to see what next week brings!

20/12/2025

🐴The Cowgirls' Adventures -- Lesson #3 Dec 17, 2025🐴

It’s in the bag! (See photo of Gianna in the bag!) They’ve all got this!

It has been a truly delightful week for the cowgirls—and for me, too! We had to navigate some rainy weather on Tuesday, but by Wednesday and Thursday the sun was shining again… and so were my cowgirls. ☀️🤠

We were also lucky to have a special helper this week, Amanda, she’ll be lending a hand whenever her schedule allows, and we’re so happy to have her.

If you watch the videos, you’ll notice the newly gained confidence each of the girls is displaying. One thing that really stands out is their determination—if they don’t succeed the first time, they try, try, and try again until they get it right. (Of course, I help when they truly need it, but only after they’ve given it everything they’ve got!)
They are practicing their newly learned riding skills while also discovering how to communicate clearly with their steed: steering with the reins, soft kicks to ask the horse to go, and a confident, commanding “whoa” to stop.

Balance is another big focus. The girls are learning how to balance themselves in the saddle—bending down, leaning over, standing up, wiggling, touching their heads, and even reaching for the sky—all without hanging on. These exercises build strength, confidence, and trust with their horse.

I’ve also discovered what may be the best teaching tool ever for them: encouraging each cowgirl to be the boss of the horse! I remind them, “You are the boss—you need to tell her where you want to go!” This week’s task was learning how to guide the horse in the direction they intended. I truly believe they are feeling the power—and loving it! They are absolutely amazed that they can “boss” such a huge horse around! Some of my little cowgirls are already asking when they get to trot. That’s a wonderful sign of growing bravery and readiness for even more exciting lessons ahead!

In the videos, you’ll also see the girls practicing mounting up, dismounting, and a variety of other skills. There are so many special moments that it’s impossible to capture and share them all, but clicking through the videos will hopefully allow you to enjoy their journey just as much as we do.

Stay tuned for Lesson #4 to see what we have in store for them next!

19/12/2025

🐴More Big News from Red Ridge Stable! 🐴
"Highlights of Lesson #2" Dec. 9, 2025
This week started out a little rough when Holland had to cancel due to illness. We certainly missed her smiling face, but I have no doubt she’ll be thrilled to make up her lesson next week and jump right back in with her friends.
For our two cowgirls who were able to attend, the lesson was full of learning, practice, and a few exciting firsts. We reviewed some of the skills introduced in Lesson #1 and added a few new ones along the way, building both confidence and responsibility.
This week we also met Snickers, who quickly proved to be a wonderful partner for the girls. She is incredibly patient and gentle, and you can really see it in the videos. It’s almost as if she has a built-in “mom sense” when it comes to kids—calm, caring, and completely tuned in to them.
It’s such a great experience for the girls to have the opportunity to work with different horses. They’re learning that each horse has its own personality, preferences, and quirks—just like people do. I have a feeling they may already be starting to choose their favorites, and it’s so fun to watch those special bonds begin to form.
The cowgirls are learning that riding isn’t just about being in the saddle—it also comes with responsibility, and at times, some hard work. Gianna is already getting a good grasp of that! She learned how to dig the “treat food” out of the bag for her horse, which is no easy task. Those feed pans are heavy! I’m pretty sure the tongue sticking out was from concentrating and handling the weight… certainly not because she wasn’t having fun.
At the end of each lesson, the girls share snack time with their mighty steed. This special quiet time allows them to bond with their horse by petting them and, most importantly, talking to them. They’re encouraged to observe and learn each horse’s personality—what they like, what they don’t, and how they respond to gentle care. This connection is such an important part of becoming a thoughtful and respectful rider.
This week also introduced the girls to tacking up. Gemma did a great job demonstrating how to properly place the saddle pad on the horse. Even that alone can be a challenge, as the pad is a bit heavy for our little cowgirls. They’re learning that everything must be placed correctly and with care, so the horse stays comfortable and safe during the ride. Every step matters.
And just like that, another lesson was wrapped up. The girls are making wonderful progress, and we are all already looking forward to next week!
Note: It truly is amazing how rewarding it is to experience this journey with them. I find myself counting down the days until their next lesson—it’s such a joy to watch them grow, learn, and build these special connections.

11/12/2025

🎄🐎 Holiday Horseback Riding Gift! 🐎🎄
A Perfect Christmas Surprise for Kids Ages 4–8!

🎄✨ It’s Christmas!!! ✨🎄
Are you searching for that perfect gift that brings joy, wonder, and a story your child will tell for years?
Give them a fantastic holiday memory instead of another toy under the tree!
At Red Ridge, we’re delighted to offer a magical
1-Hour “Intro to Riding” Experience
designed especially for our precious next generation.
🐴 Meet our gentle, kid-loving horses
🎁 Hands-on fun: grooming, riding basics, and a real saddle-up experience
👩‍🏫 Patient, professional instructors who make every moment safe, encouraging, and exciting
🌟 Builds confidence, imagination, and pure holiday joy
wrapped in Christmas spirit and topped with adventure, this is the gift that truly sparkles.
Give the gift of wonder this season—reserve your child’s holiday riding experience at Red Ridge today! 🎅🎄🐎
📍 Location: Red Ridge Stable
💲 Price: $50
📞 To Purchase: 3390-4812

Make their Christmas magical—give the gift of horses! 🐴❤️🎅🏼

09/12/2025

09/12/2025

Highlights of Children’s Riding Lesson #1 (Dec 2, 2025)

The girls took to their very first lesson with excitement and confidence! They jumped right in with lots of enthusiasm, curiosity, and courage. They’ve already picked up so many new skills, and this is just the beginning of their riding journey. Below is a fun look at what they practiced this week, along with some magical moments from the arena. Photos and short videos are posted too—because these moments are too adorable not to share!

*Learning the parts of the horse—from nose to tail and everything in between.
*Discovering where all the horse gear is kept: brushes, bridle, saddle, and of course… the treat feed!
*Brushing their horse, which is basically giving Patches a relaxing spa-style massage.
*Helping with tacking up, each girl assisting as much as she’s able and gaining confidence with every buckle.
*Leading the horse, and understanding why you always walk beside—not in front of—your four-legged friend.
*Mounting and dismounting properly, including remembering which side to mount from.
*Learning how to cue their horse to stop and go—a gentle kick to move forward and a proud, confident “WHOA!” to stop.
*Using the reins as the horse’s “turn signals,” guiding them left, right, and everywhere in between.
*Untacking their horse, giving them another nice brush, and putting all the gear back in its proper place.
*Finishing with a well-earned treat and leading Patches back to the corral with lots of love and gratitude. Giving the horses rewards also teaches the girls a sweet lesson: good behavior earns treats!

Magical Moments of the Week:
Gemma, the beginning of it all—even at only 2½ years old, when she was just starting to explore the world around her, Gemma already knew what she liked—when asked if she wanted to get down, her answer was a firm “no!” Fast forward to now, at 4½ and just beginning her riding lessons, she’s practicing the “airplane,” arms stretched wide like wings as she balances in the saddle, wobbling, giggling, and learning to steady herself like a tiny pilot in training. Her curiosity and bravery are shining brighter than ever, and it’s clear she’s ready to soak up every magical moment of her first lessons.

Gianna is carefully tacking up Patches at the start of her lesson, then diving into the fun of untangling cockle-burrs from his mane. Each buckle she undoes as she untacks him afterward is done with determination and a bright smile, her little hands busy like a cowgirl on a magical treasure hunt. Every careful movement shows her growing confidence and skill, proving she’s already mastering the ways of a true horse whisperer. Her cowgirl journey is just beginning—and with each gentle brush, careful buckle, and joyful giggle, it’s clear her adventures are destined to be legendary!

Holland practices mounting up for the very first time, arms steady and grin wide, as she carefully puts her left foot into the stirrup and swings her right leg over the saddle like a tiny adventurer climbing aboard her noble steed. Afterward, she snuggles with Patches, sharing quiet, happy moments with her loyal four-legged companion. Her courage, focus, and tenderness shine through in every movement, and it’s clear that Holland’s journey as a rider is just beginning—full of laughter, learning, and countless magical adventures yet to come.

We are so incredibly proud of Gemma, Gianna, and Holland. Each of them is discovering her own unique way of learning—some bold, some gentle, some extra curious—and it’s been amazing to watch their confidence soar alongside their growing bond with Patches and the horses.

We can’t wait to see what adventures Week 2 will bring!
If you’re enjoying their journey as much as we are, be sure to follow along for weekly updates, magical moments, and plenty more horsey fun.

“Be part of the journey! Tell us if you’d like to be tagged so you don’t miss a single tiny triumph or joyful moment in the arena!”🐴

04/12/2025

🐴 Big News from Red Ridge Stable! 🐴

We are thrilled to announce something completely new to the island—something that has never been offered on Utila before! Introducing our brand-new Red Ridge Stable Children’s Riding Lessons, a special trial program created just for our littlest horse lovers.

And guess what? We already have our very first trio of tiny trailblazers! Please help us welcome Gemma, Gianna, and Holland—three energetic, fearless girls between the ages of 4 and 5, each one already showing incredible natural talent (and just the right amount of cowgirl attitude!).

These girls have jumped into their lessons with huge smiles, brave hearts, and more enthusiasm than our horses know what to do with. Whether they’re learning to balance in the saddle, brushing down their favorite ponies, or shouting “Yeehaw!” with pure joy, they’re already proving they’ve got what it takes to be real cowgirls.

We invite you to ride along as they start this wonderful adventure—full of new skills, new friendships, and lots of magical horse moments. 🐎

📸 We’ll be posting weekly photos so you can watch their progress, celebrate their milestones, and witness just how quickly these girls fall in love with life in the saddle.

🌈 A Little Note About the Program
Because this is a trial program, we’ll be evaluating its success after the New Year. At that time, we’ll decide whether the children’s lessons will return for another round.
To ensure each child gets the safest and most enriching experience, all lessons are one-on-one—which means space will always be very limited. If the program continues, only a small number of students will be able to sign up.
Follow our Red Ridge page to stay updated on everything related to this program, including sign-up openings, what’s included, age requirements, and all other important details!

Saddle up, everyone—the journey starts now! 🤠💕