Discover Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center: A Premier Riding Experience in Ann Arbor

Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center offers a unique and inviting setting for gathering with friends or family, combining the natural beauty of sprawling pastures with a well-equipped, cozy equestrian facility. Whether you're seasoned riders or just curious about horses, the center’s welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to enjoy quality time outdoors. The center’s 33 acres of pasture provide a peaceful environment away from the city’s bustle, where groups can relax and bond surrounded by nature and horses. The heated, two-level observation room offers a comfortable spot for spectators to socialize and watch activities, making it enjoyable even for those who may not ride themselves. Open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, the flexible hours mean you can plan a daytime adventure or a sunset meet-up. Additionally, the family-owned and operated vibe adds a warm, intimate feel, enhancing the sense of community and connection for any group. Rallying here with friends promises not just fun but also new experiences, learning opportunities, and lasting memories in a beautiful equestrian setting.

Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center offers a rich variety of activities geared toward all ages and experience levels, making it perfect for a group meetup. Central to the experience are the riding lessons that welcome beginners through advanced riders. These lessons cover not just riding but also essential horsemanship skills such as leading, grooming, tacking, cooling out horses, and tack cleaning, ensuring a full appreciation of horse care in a safe, structured environment. The lesson types vary from jumping—where you can learn different jumps like cross poles and oxers—to dressage training focusing on horse balance and rider aids, and even eventing that blends dressage with cross-country jumping. For younger participants or those looking for a more relaxed introduction, the center also offers Saturday Fun Lessons and Summer Fun programs designed to make horsemanship enjoyable and accessible with activities like horse painting and games. Every lesson emphasizes safety, with ASTM approved helmets mandatory for all riders, reinforcing a secure environment while learning and having fun. This range of activities means a group can customize their visit—from trying riding for the first time, honing skills, or simply enjoying horse-related crafts and games, ensuring everyone has a meaningful and engaging experience.

Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center’s infrastructure and natural setting provide a fantastic venue for groups looking to meet, bond, and share unique experiences. The large indoor arena, measuring 62 by 180 feet, and two outdoor riding rings allow multiple activities to happen simultaneously, accommodating larger groups without crowding. The presence of a spacious heated observation room with restroom facilities gives non-riding friends or family comfortable lounge space to socialize while observing horseback activities. This creates a balanced opportunity for both active participation and relaxed companionship. The center’s 33 acres of green pasture offer ample space for picnic setups, outdoor games, or peaceful strolls around the grounds, making it perfect for mixed-activity gatherings. Besides the environment, the professional and knowledgeable staff, with decades of combined equine experience, can tailor group lessons or demonstrations, ensuring everyone’s interests and experience levels are met. The center’s family-owned charm fosters a welcoming atmosphere perfect for group events such as birthday meetups, family outings, or casual friend gatherings where everyone can connect over a shared love or curiosity about horses and nature.

Safety is a top priority at Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center, making it a reassuring destination for groups with diverse experience levels and age ranges. The facility mandates ASTM-approved helmets for all riders, regardless of age, to prevent head injuries, and while helmets are available to borrow, riders are encouraged to bring their own to ensure a proper fit. Instruction in all activities begins with comprehensive safety lessons, including how to handle horses properly on the ground and in the saddle, reducing any potential risks. Lessons emphasize not just riding techniques but also safe grooming, tacking, and horse care practices. The professional staff’s decades of combined experience allow them to anticipate and mitigate potential safety issues, particularly in group settings where individual attention is essential. This focus on safety helps assure parents, friends, or colleagues that everyone in the group—no matter their familiarity with horses—can participate confidently and enjoy their time without undue concern.

Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center shines with its special programs designed to engage children and adults alike in fun, educational activities that foster friendship and learning. The Summer Fun Lessons program is particularly notable, offering multi-day sessions for children ages 5 to 14 that blend riding lessons, horse care education, and creative activities like horse painting and interactive games. These camps split participants into groups by experience to ensure personalized attention, and riders practice twice daily, promoting both skill and camaraderie among peers. Besides the camps, Saturday Fun Lessons create an inviting weekly opportunity for young riders and their friends to gather, enjoy their passion for horses, and build social connections over shared activities in a relaxed setting. These well-structured programs focus on horsemanship, safety, and fun, making them appealing to groups looking for something more meaningful than the standard meetup. By participating together in these programs, friends and families create shared memories while learning and growing in the unique atmosphere Cedar Ridge provides.

Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center is notably open and welcoming, making it an accessible choice for groups and newcomers. The center operates seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm, offering flexibility for scheduling visits that fit everyone’s availability. Newcomers are encouraged to visit and explore the facility without prior reservations, allowing spontaneous or planned group meetups to fit individual needs. Their professional staff provide lessons tailored for all skill levels, ensuring that no one feels left out regardless of prior riding experience. For first-timers, the center provides helmets and introductory guidance, easing apprehensions so everyone can feel comfortable and included. The clear emphasis on education, safety, and community creates an atmosphere that invites curiosity and warmth, making the center not just a place to ride but a place to belong. Whether your group consists of seasoned equestrians or casual visitors, Cedar Ridge’s approachable environment helps everyone feel at ease, making it a smooth and enjoyable outing.

Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center is well outfitted with amenities that enhance the comfort and convenience of groups visiting the facility. The large heated observation room, which is two levels and includes a unisex restroom, offers a warm place for group members to gather, chat, and watch the action in comfort during colder weather or after riding. The barns and tack rooms provide practical spaces for horse care while also creating an authentic ranch atmosphere that visitors appreciate. Ample parking and open pastureland surrounding the facility offer space for group activities beyond riding, such as casual outdoor games, picnics, or nature walks. The availability of summer and seasonal programs with structured schedules and clear pricing simplifies planning for group organizers. Additionally, the family-owned nature of the center means personalized attention and a welcoming touch is embedded throughout the facilities and service, ensuring groups feel valued and well-cared for during their visit. These thoughtful amenities and services come together to make Cedar Ridge a practical and enjoyable meeting venue for groups of any size.

The experience of riding horses, learning about their care, and sharing the peaceful equestrian setting naturally fosters deeper connections among friends and family at Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center. Engaging together in new activities like grooming, tack cleaning, and riding strengthens teamwork and mutual support, building trust and empathy. The cooperative and educational environment encourages participants to share accomplishments and challenges, opening meaningful conversations and emotional bonding. Group members can create lasting memories through shared adventures such as exploring pastures, attending horse shows, or participating in summer camps, which nurture a sense of belonging and collective joy. The unstructured social time in the observation room or picnicking on the grounds allows for relaxed, genuine interaction, away from regular day-to-day distractions. Through these diverse shared experiences, Cedar Ridge provides not only fun but the opportunity to deepen relationships in a calm, natural, and supportive setting that draws people closer together.

Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center is much more than just a horseback riding facility; it is a versatile and engaging destination where groups of friends and family can gather, play, learn, and connect in a beautiful, horse-friendly environment. Whether your group is seeking adventurous riding lessons, creative horse-related crafts, or simply a peaceful day outdoors, Cedar Ridge offers the space, services, and spirit to make your meetup memorable and meaningful.