Name of Business: Perrien Farms

Type of Business: Horseback riding lessons

Hours: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the winter; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer

Location: 5500 Christofferson Road

Contact Information: 678-6898

Business Specialty: Training young riders

History of Business:

Trudy Perrien has been riding horses since she was eight years old and now as the owner of Perrien Farms she is exposing a new generation of young riders to the same experiences she loved as a child.

“I do it to share my passion and love of horses with the kids,” said Perrien.

Perrien opened her barn in 2008 with a handful of steady riders and has since seen significant growth in the past seven years. While students receive proper training in techniques during their lessons, Perrien also emphasizes personal responsibility as students are charged with grooming the horses and are expected to practice proper horsemanship.

“This is a living, breathing animal and it needs to be cared for. It’s just not the same as kicking a soccer ball around,” explained Perrien.

There is a sense of camaraderie amongst the competitive and recreational riders that take lessons at Perrien Farms, which contributes to the family-like environment at the barn. No matter each student’s ability, accessibility to enjoy the sport is also important to Perrien who will work with students’ budgets to ensure that they can experience the joys of riding.

“Affordability is my biggest thing,” said Perrien. “No matter your budget I will work it out with you. I don’t want anyone to miss out.”

Younger students interested in riding but who may not have the time to come out during the week can glean the full Perrien Farms experience this summer through the barn’s summer camp schedule. The six week-long sessions run from June through August and provides the students from ages 6 to 15 years old six hours of training each day.