Winter doesn’t rein in riding lessons

Think winter activities in Wisconsin — skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing and … horseback riding? Darn tootin’!

The Hoofer Equestrian Center located just south of Madison near Belleville, is open for business even when the snow flies.

The Hoofer Riding Club is one of seven Hoofers clubs. Starting with a ski club in 1939, Hoofers is the oldest and largest on-campus outdoor recreation organization in the country. Affiliated with the Wisconsin Union, the clubs offer activities such as horseback riding, sailing and canoeing to the campus and Madison community.

“Many people are surprised that our lessons continue year-round thanks to our large, well-lit indoor arena,” says Kim Wahlgren, Hoofer Riding Club member. “Plus, we have well-groomed trails and paddocks. A few hardy members count moonlit winter trail rides through fresh snow among their favorite activities.”

Anyone — faculty, staff, student or community member — can join the Hoofer Riding Club, Wahlgren says. “Our club members range from lifelong horse experts to riding neophytes,” she says. “Members can take lessons, ride our horses or board their own if there is stable space.”

Besides stalls, trails and an indoor arena, the HEC features knowledgeable staff who live on-site.

“Our new stable manager, Jennifer Scott, has brought tons of positive energy to the HEC,” says Wahlgren, who adds that recent improvements at the center will continue in the spring. “Last fall we built a turnout paddock for convalescing horses, and we plan to create another one, as well as to revamp our pasture fence lines and develop our clinic and show schedule for 2003, including several small dressage and jumping shows.”

To learn more about the Hoofer Riding Club or the Equestrian Center call 262-1630, drop by a club meeting in the Memorial Union on the first and third Wednesdays of the month or visit http://www.hoofers.org.