Imagine this: a sunny afternoon in which the hills of Redlands embrace you warmly. That is where you will find the Redlands Riding Club, an organization that is just as much a part of this community as the show. The club is a sanctuary for both inexperienced and advanced riders. Its members are effusive in their welcoming, and much of what makes the place pleasant stems from indications that its horses know they're loved.
Led by a true horsewoman, the Redlands Riding Club instructs in an atmosphere of sincere camaraderie. It holds classes for not merely riding but also for the formation of fond, lifelong bonds with the animals. There is some storybook magic at work in this place that has the silly alley south of the library on the property of Flint's former orange ranch.
Picture stepping into a calm space that buzzes with laughter and the delightful whickers of horses. It seems like a return to the uncomplicated world of your childhood, where everyone lit up at the sight of you and knew both your name and your favorite steed.
We don't concentrate on etiquette because of rules alone. We focus on it because it's an avenue for teaching truly respectful interactions—between you and your horse, and the other riders who travel this path with you, in this life.
Each session forms a narrative of its own, whether it's acquiring the skill of reading a horse's body language or grasping how a simple shift in posture can change everything.
Countless horseback riders depart our gates, leaving behind stories that resonate long after they've trotted away.
Our philosophy is based on a simple truth: safety should be second nature. At Redlands Riding Club, helmets aren't just gear; they're peace of mind wrapped in hard shells. We prioritize on-field training—making environments where trust and safety are intertwined, and where the path to both is clear. In such an environment, if a rider commits to a drill, the rider can also commit to the idea that under such conditions and with adequate training, falling off a horse and getting hurt are not likely outcomes. Every strategy we employ always circles back to one core belief. Riding should be a risk-tolerable pursuit, not an inherently risky one, and it should be practiced in a sufficiently safe manner that riders don't have to give a second thought to their well-being while enjoying it.
At Redlands Riding Club, we believe that safety is not an overwhelming list of rules but a conversation between rider and environment. You can imagine brightening someone's day when you tell them they look well-suited for standing in the morning sun, reins in fingers, poised to tackle the unpredictable equestrian world. It's a world you understand, where the dance between horse and rider unfolds only under the watchful eyes of those who know what it takes and, more importantly, what safety feels like.
If you've ever queried Google for Riding Safety and Etiquette near me, our club aims to be your lighthouse, mixing together a goodish amount of practical (comfortable) riding knowledge with a smidge of heartfelt encouragement (and a good school of thought). This shared wisdom comes from seasoned riders who pass the knowledge along to hungry beginners. And all of this is right before your very eyes.
People might miss it, but to us, it isn't just important—it's essential. That is the importance of courtesy on horseback. We could go on about it in the next few paragraphs, but instead, we're going to let a series of images tell the story. In each one, a rider is making a choice—a choice that is about more than just the moment at hand. It's about the kind of society we want to share the space of this adventure with.
We believe, of course, that learning need never feel like a task. There is a joy in learning to control the bike, and the only way to get through those makeshift safety skills en route to mastery is with a grin and a certain acceptance of the ridiculousness of a few earlier dismounts. Safety is the major component of our curriculum—both because it’s obvious and because it’s not wired instinctively in most people. Learning with us leads to stories and memories; finding your own rhythm on a bike is the real point. It helps a lot, too, if riding becomes an equation involving technique, moments of joy, and genuine connection.
At Redlands Riding Club, we are all about making your riding experience great, with approaches so unique that they almost fit every rider like a glove. Picture yourself in a world where safety is a dance, and etiquette is the music. Our team is more than just a group of professionals; we are a bunch of enthusiastic equestrians who are passionate about sharing the joy of riding with you. From riders who have been at it for years to those who have just caught the equestrian bug, we believe everyone deserves to feel both safe and at ease. Imagine riding a beautiful trail, a confidence ride, knowing that you are prepared for whatever comes your way. That's not just a safe ride; it's also an empowered ride. You're the one in charge, with approaches so good they almost seem like magic.
Many people think that riding is simply a matter of getting on a horse and using the reins. But every rider knows it is so much more. It is knowing when to lean forward, and when to sit back and be tall. And we all have our own unique styles and speeds. Too often, these are seen as faults. They are not. And when you factor in all the different ways to use the reins and various saddle types and disciplines we have, this makes for a vast number of riding styles. We don't believe in a kind of 'one size fits all' sort of styling. Your way of riding and my way of riding are different. They should be. And we are here to honor that. To help each person find what works for their body and makes them feel like they are really riding.
Have a pal who's always asking from where to commence? Or are you the one who is prepared to ride but seems confounded by the 'unwritten rules' of equestrianism? You needn't worry. We pour our very essence into forming sessions that demystify the etiquette and safety of horseback riding. Picture being part of a community where questions are the fuel for vibrant discussions, errors are the fodder for master classes, and where new acquaintances are the meat of forming family bonds. We're not here to preach; we're here to spin yarns, to listen, and to learn with you.
Your safety is at the heart of our riding lessons, as a trusted friend's would be. Our experienced instructors guide you gently, ensuring that you are comfortable every step of the way. They help you in such a way that you feel as though they are always right there with you, riding alongside and watching your every move. You know that the next step will be a fun one because, with these instructors, a 59 means as much to them as a 100 would to a more traditional teacher.
Being with us feels like being with a family of horse lovers who root for one another. In our group sessions, you are not just learning to ride; you are also threading your way through the ropes of an equestrian social circle. Someday soon, it will feel normal to you to sit around a fire pit in the company of your horse friends and talk about whatever it is that horse lovers talk about. Riding is only half of this story. The other half is loving life with horses and making horses a hearty part of your world.
No matter if you are a novice needing to find your footing or an experienced rider wanting to polish your skills, we serve your personal pace and style. Consider it having a coach who listens to your needs and helps you progress, step by step. This sort of elasto-learning makes sure you are not only able but also confident in your riding. Elasto-learning is flexible, for the personal pace and style of the rider.
The balance that we teach between the rider and the horse is of utmost importance. When, with our guidance, a rider understands the necessity of that balance, she is far more likely to be respectful and understanding toward her horse. We focus on proper etiquette to get the rider thinking about how to get her horse to do anything in a "yes, ma'am" kind of way. If Magnus does not say "yes, ma'am," it is not because he doesn't want to (he does, when he is perfectly positioned and balanced) but because he has a good reason not to when the rider is not properly positioned and balanced herself.
In Redlands, observe these three safety rules while biking:. 1. Always wear a properly fitting helmet. In the event of an accident, it can protect your head like nothing else. 2. Obey all traffic signals and signs. Ride in the same direction as traffic. Bicycles are legal vehicles, and you should be as visible and predictable as any other. 3. Use your hands to signal turns and stops. If your bike isn't equipped with lights and reflectors, get some. Bicycles should be as visible as motorcycles.
Biking in Redlands means following many of the same important rules of the road as motorists do. These are some of the most vital: 1. Acknowledge the helmet. It's a must for protecting your head in case of an accident. 2. Traffic signals and signs are as much for cyclists as they are for drivers. You need to stop at red lights and fully at stop signs. 3. There's no way around it: when riding, you must go in the same direction as vehicular traffic. Use whatever lane is appropriate for your speed and direction.
Collisions with motor vehicles are the leading cause of death for cyclists.
The ABC bike check is a safety inspection routine that cyclists can use to ensure their bicycles are in good working condition before heading out for a ride. "A" stands for Air: Ensure that your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. Ensure that your brake system is working and that your pads are not worn down. Check the other components of the brake system and make sure that they are in good condition. That includes checking brake lines, brake fluid, and other parts. "C" means Chain: Look over the chain closely. It ought to be free of rust and wear. It should also be properly lubricated. This basic check ensures that your ride is safe and that any nagging mechanical issues aren't going to become major problems during the course of the ride in Redlands or anywhere else. It's just good sense.
The best choice to be safe while riding your bicycle in Redlands is to wear a properly fitted helmet, one that meets safety standards. Obey all local traffic laws, signals, and signage, and ride like you're in a parade, in the same direction as traffic. Use hand signals and other forms of nonverbal communication to let those around you know what your next move will be. It's your right to not be a surprise to another human being, whether on foot, in a car, or on a bicycle. Make sure also that your bike is equipped with lights and reflectors, especially if you find yourself on the road after dark. You ought to have a white light on your front end, a red light or reflector on your back and, in all circumstances, you must be seen.
Redlands has a tendency for bike accidents to occur at intersections, where the paths of vehicles and cyclists cross and where sightlines might be compromised. Heavy traffic also contributes to the problem—main roads, the downtown, and similar areas that have a lot of cars (and a lot of potential for a collision) see lots of bike accidents. And then there are the roads themselves: the kind of poor infrastructure that cyclists find on certain roads in Redlands, or a simple lack of bike lane, can make a road pretty hazardous for someone on two wheels.
According to the most recent information, Redlands does not lead the United States in the highest number of bike fatalities. This unfortunate distinction often shifts from one city to another, but it's usually claimed by large, high-traffic urban areas like New York or Los Angeles. Nonetheless, ensuring the safety of riders, and obeying the rules of the road, is a good way to keep any town or city from being the one with the most bike deaths in any given year.
In Redlands, you should sidestep eating up the pavement on your bike during bad weather like heavy rain, strong winds, fog, or storms. Adverse conditions can and do negatively affect visibility and road safety. Nighttime is also probably not the best time to catch some miles on your bike unless, like the good bike citizen you are, you've equipped your trusty steed with lights and reflectors. When it comes to the daytime, rush hour is not your friend either, and avoid heavy traffic roadways if you're not super comfortable being in such close proximity to motoring public. Likewise, avoid the bad condition of trails and poorly marked paths, as well as known trouble spots.
In Redlands, the two-wheeled parade of sorts continues apace. Whether you're traversing the lengthy flat stretches alongside the rim of the canyon, climbing a 10 mph slog up crowded, narrow streets toward the university, or blasting down a 48 mph, 5.4-mile descent through the canyon on the only nonstop stretch of a road between Pasadena and San Berdoo, you're virtually assured of moderate-to-high quality vistas at some point during your ride. An embracing nearly-360-degree panorama of the Inland Empire guarantees it. High above the floors of San Berdoo, Redlands, and Riverside, you're afforded views that reach far and wide across a sweltering basin that, in terms of square mileage, is among the largest in the entire state of California.
When on a bike in Redlands, resist the temptation to don headphones or earbuds. They may seem innocuous to you, but they are not allowed when cycling in Redlands. Why? Because they can and do distract riders from their surroundings, which is kind of the main thing you want to pay attention to when you're on a bike. Also, for what it's worth, not using them is definitely safer, and that's the main reason to do it.
Nestled in the scenic San Timoteo Canyon, Redlands Riding Club offers a comprehensive suite of equestrian services. Our sprawling property provides a rare combination of tranquility, flexibility, and high-end amenities for both local and international clientele. Whether you're training for competition or planning an elegant outdoor wedding, we deliver excellence with every stride.
Address:
Redlands Riding Club, 12854 San Timoteo Canyon Road, Redlands, CA, 92373