About Us
About Valley Ridge Farm, Inc.
World-Class Equine Facilities
In Morgantown, WV and Ocala, FL
Valley Ridge Farm, Inc. was founded in 1980 on the premise of providing a world-class equine facility with a family-focused atmosphere that encourages participation in community service. Valley Ridge Farm, Inc is located on twenty-six acres of beautiful, picturesque farmland in Masontown, West Virginia, just east of Morgantown (approximately ten miles from Interstate 68). Valley Ridge Farm South, LLC is located on seven acres of wooded farmland in Ocala, Florida, just minutes from both WEC and HITS.
Valley Ridge Farm, Inc – Services
Professional Horse-Riding Lessons,
Camps & Equine Education
Welcome to the exciting and challenging world of riding at Valley Ridge Farm, Inc. We are proud to announce our 39th year in business, continuing to offer equine education to the public and West Virginia University. Whether you have ridden in the past and are interested in continuing to learn and have fun, or have never ridden before, Valley Ridge Farm, Inc is the place for you.
Learning to ride is a great way for kids to get involved with horses in a safe, fun, and professional atmosphere. It is also a great way for adults to get away from the pressures of the workplace. We offer regular group lessons for adults and children, package discounts, and various special programs seasonally; including our very popular summer camps and our fall IEA youth team for riders grades 4-12.
Enjoy our website and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: [email protected].
Sincerely,
Michele
Horse Boarding and Training,
Horsemanship, Shows, Clinics & More
Valley Ridge Farm, Inc. offers a range of professional equine care, boarding, and training services, as well as horsemanship programs for participants of all ages from beginners to advanced-level competitors. We provide instruction in the Hunter/Jumper Discipline and offer numerous programs for young riders and adults. We compete locally and nationwide, including the United States Equestrian Foundation’s A-rated showing. We also host clinics, summer camps for children and young adults, birthday parties, and other features of interest to fellow equestrians and horse enthusiasts. For more than 30 years, Valley Ridge Farm, Inc has partnered with West Virginia University to offer clinics for WVU Riders. We invite you to learn more about the Services available at Valley Ridge Farm, Inc. and browse our upcoming events.
RIDING HIGH
Just fifteen minutes from Cheat Lake, out a country road, lies a little bit of “Almost Heaven” for any lover of horses. Valley Ridge Farm, Inc was established in 1980, and is owned and operated by Michele and Kevin Koury. They specialize in English style riding; specifically, hunters and jumpers. Michele, a native of Connecticut, was classically trained by some of the most well-respected names in equestrian sport. In addition to teaching and training, she still competes in both the Hunter and Jumper rings at top rated horse shows.
Amenities
The amenities at Valley Ridge are numerous. Here you will find: 28 large horse stalls, an indoor arena for winter and rainy day riding complete with a heated viewing/lounge area with Wi-Fi, a large outdoor arena, numerous grazing fields and exercise paddocks, a heated tack room, and modern laundry and bathroom facilities. Safety and comfort are top priorities for both horse and rider.
Riding As a Life Sport
Michele often refers to riding as a “life sport.” She proudly acknowledges that her students range in age from preschoolers to senior citizens. A group of well-trained school horses is available, and riders are matched to a mount based on their age, size, and riding experience. Lessons are typically given as private or group, and any rider from beginner to advanced can be accommodated. Michele has also worked with riders who have physical disabilities. Special programs are offered periodically, including summer day camps, holiday mother’s-day-out camps, and Pony Pals (an interactive program for children ages 4-7 and their parents).
IEA Ridge Riders
A unique opportunity exists for junior riders in grades 4-12. The Ridge Riders is a team participating in the IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association). Riders on the team are placed in a suitable division, ranging from walk-trot to open (jumping fences at 2’6”). At competitions, team members compete in their assigned class against riders from other regional teams in the tri-state area. Riders receive points for their performance placement both as individual riders and as members of the team. Horses are provided by the host team, so a rider need not have a horse of their own. It is a great way for young riders to both hone their skills and develop experience showing in a supportive team environment. Many of these riders will go on to ride with teams at the college level.
Professional Equine Services
For equestrians with their own horses, Valley Ridge offers several equine services in addition to lessons. These include full boarding, training, hauling, horse show coaching, and clinics. Michele frequently has horses available for sale or lease. She also can assist a customer in finding an appropriate horse for those who wish to become horse owners.
More Than Riding: Preparation For Life
One young rider who likes to talk about all things involving horses and riding is Louisa Koch, “I was first introduced to Valley Ridge Farm when I was given a riding lesson for my birthday. It wasn’t long before I became a working student and spent the majority of my days at the barn doing everything from riding and mucking stalls to just hanging out. Thanks to VRF I made lasting friendships that are going on 10 years, but also learned life skills that made me who I am today. Eventually, I began to teach lessons and became responsible for not just barn management, but also client management. This helped prepare me to become an assistant coach of the Ridge Riders IEA team during my undergrad, as well as assistant coach of the West Texas A&M equestrian team while pursuing my Master’s. Regardless of what I have done, or will do in the future, I know that all of the skills I have learned at VRF and through Michele have prepared me for whatever life throws at me.”
Senior rider and long-time Cheat Lake resident Gayle Henderson is equally enthusiastic about the sport. “I started riding at Valley Ridge as a beginner in 1992. I had been that horse crazy kid who never had the opportunity to ride. When my then 10-year-old daughter wanted to learn, I took advantage of the chance to take some lessons as well. I just fell in love with it. If you had told me back then that I would someday have a Show Hunter of my own and compete at “A” rated horse shows, I would have said that was impossible. Yet, that is exactly what has happened, and I am living my childhood fantasy. Now that I am in my 60s, I relish every moment that is spent in the saddle. Riding takes lots of patience and dedication, but the process is so very rewarding!”
For over 42 years, Valley Ridge Farm (VRF) has been striving to develop the art of equestrian sport in the Morgantown area. Whether it be a young rider with Olympic dreams or an adult looking for some exercise and camaraderie, the mission of VRF is to help each rider attain their personal best in a safe and fun environment.