The Equestrian Journal

Your Horse Riding
Resource in Zion, IL

From your first ride to advanced horsemanship — this is where local riders learn faster, connect deeper, and build real relationships with horses.

↓ Start Here · Complete Guides
Complete Guide to Horseback Riding for Beginners
BEGINNERS

Complete Guide to Horseback Riding for Beginners

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Complete Guide to Riding Lessons for Kids
KIDS & FAMILIES

Complete Guide to Riding Lessons for Kids

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What is Hybrid Horsemanship? A Complete Introduction
HORSEMANSHIP

What is Hybrid Horsemanship? A Complete Introduction

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Horseback Riding Safety: The Complete Guide for Parents
SAFETY

Horseback Riding Safety: The Complete Guide for Parents

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Horseback Riding in Zion & Lake County: The Local Guide
LOCAL GUIDES

Horseback Riding in Zion & Lake County: The Local Guide

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Featured Article
Why "You Don't Need a Bigger Bit — You Need a Better Relationship"
HORSEMANSHIP

Why "You Don't Need a Bigger Bit — You Need a Better Relationship"

Tina Sommer's philosophy of Hybrid Horsemanship challenges the conventional wisdom about horse training.

Read article →5 min read
Is My 3-Year-Old Ready for Horse Riding Lessons?KIDS & FAMILIES

Is My 3-Year-Old Ready for Horse Riding Lessons?

Many parents wonder if their toddler is too young to start riding. Here's what you need to know.

Read article →4 min read
What to Expect at Your First Horseback Riding LessonBEGINNERS

What to Expect at Your First Horseback Riding Lesson

Nervous about your first ride? Here's a step-by-step look at what happens during an Intro Lesson at Sommer North EC.

Read article →4 min read
How to Read Your Horse's Body Language: A Beginner's GuideHORSEMANSHIP

How to Read Your Horse's Body Language: A Beginner's Guide

Horses communicate constantly through their ears, eyes, tail, and posture. Learning to read these signals makes you a safer, more effective rider.

Read article →6 min read
How Horseback Riding Builds Confidence in ChildrenKIDS & FAMILIES

How Horseback Riding Builds Confidence in Children

The bond between a child and a horse is unlike any other. Here's the science and the stories behind riding's confidence-building power.

Read article →5 min read
The Importance of the Correct Riding Helmet: A Guide for ParentsSAFETY

The Importance of the Correct Riding Helmet: A Guide for Parents

Not all helmets are created equal. This guide explains exactly what to look for when buying a riding helmet for your child.

Read article →5 min read
The 5 Most Common Beginner Riding Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)RIDING TECHNIQUE

The 5 Most Common Beginner Riding Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

From gripping with your knees to looking down — here are the mistakes every new rider makes and exactly how to correct them.

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Horseback Riding Lessons in Zion, IL: What Every Family Needs to KnowLOCAL GUIDES

Horseback Riding Lessons in Zion, IL: What Every Family Needs to Know

Looking for riding lessons in Lake County? Here's everything you need to know about getting started at Sommer North EC.

Read article →4 min read
Why Unmounted Horsemanship is Just as Important as RidingHORSEMANSHIP

Why Unmounted Horsemanship is Just as Important as Riding

The best equestrians aren't just good riders — they're complete horsepersons. Here's why ground work matters.

Read article →5 min read
It's Never Too Late: A Guide to Starting Horseback Riding as an AdultBEGINNERS

It's Never Too Late: A Guide to Starting Horseback Riding as an Adult

Thinking about riding but worried you're too old to start? You're not. Here's everything you need to know.

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