Couple creates equine obstacle course to build confidence
It’s a crisp, fall day and Julie Lynch is bustling around getting ready for guests at the 7.5-acre farm she and her husband own in Ellendale.
The couple runs a play-on-your-own facility for horse and rider with dozens of obstacles. Originally from New Castle County, they bought the farm 15 years ago, and have transformed the wooded parcel into a riding facility for those looking for a challenge.
There’s a pond with a drop that can leave a horse chest-high in water, or a variety of bridges – wood and metal – in different lengths and widths to practice stability. A three-tier step up looks like something out of an Olympic-level cross country course.
“We always had a tiny bit of obstacles because Dan trained, and then we got bigger,” Julie said. “Then we started to go all out and offer it to the public.”
Since April 2023, most of the riders visiting the farm have heard about them through Facebook at Lynch Horsemanship Obstacle/Trail Training Center. But many have heard through word of mouth. Julie said they average about four per week. The businesswoman makes sure not to book too many in one day. “We don’t want it too crowded,” she said.
The cost is $45 with no time limit, and gift cards are available. “We had one woman come out for five hours once,” Julie said. “Come as long as you want and pack a lunch.”
With days getting shorter, the facility has lights in case the daylight fades.
Horses have been part of the couple’s lives for decades. Husband Dan, a natural hoof care specialist, offers training help for those who want to pay a little extra. His own project is a chestnut colt that he had shipped in from Arkansas. The Appendix Quarter Horse – a term used for racing quarter horses because of the thoroughbred bloodlines mixed in – was destined for the track before Dan bought him. He’s calm and easy to handle on the ground, but hasn’t been broken to ride yet so that he fills out with muscle. “I’m waiting until he turns 5,” Dan said, adding he’s not sure what the future holds for the colt.
Working with a few clients inside the spacious sand ring, Dan stresses basic manners such as getting a horse to stand quietly. His horse, Dough, is the picture of obedience.
Julie, meanwhile, darts around in her buggy, getting water for Dan, taking a lot of photos and videos, or doing whatever needs to be done behind the scenes so everyone has a great time.
“We’re not in it for the money,” she said. “We’re retired and enjoy welcoming people to the farm and obstacle course. It builds confidence.”
For more information, go to lynchhorsemanship.com.
