On Course Riding Academy hosts an Interscholastic Equestrian Team (IEA) for riders 9-19 years of age who do not own their own horses.
Wauconda, IL - March 1, 2020 – Trainer Valerie Buesching Kinsella is pleased to announce the opening of On Course Riding Academy, scheduled to open at Birch Hill Farm in Wauconda, Illinois, on March 23, 2020. The new riding academy is a family run business devoted to creating exceptional horseback riders of all ages. On Course Riding Academy will offer group and private riding lessons, summer camps, Girl Scout badges, Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Teams for dressage and huntseat, and opportunities to compete and show as options to their excellent program. Kinsella, 38, of Round Lake, graduated from the University of Kentucky in Lexington with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science. She owned and ran Red Coat Riding Academy in Hawthorn Woods for the past 3 years, after previously teaching at Red Coat Farm for 14 years. She is an experienced riding instructor, horsewoman and rider who excels at starting riders from the ground up to assist them in achieving their riding goals. Kinsella was named Northern Illinois Hunter Jumper Association’s Horseperson of the Year in 2009 and has received numerous year-end championships from competing on client-owned horses. Her riders and horses have also earned a long list of awards and championships locally. “I’m looking forward to this next chapter,” said Kinsella. “I enjoy sharing my love of horses with others and would like to thank Birch Hill’s Pete Nathan for the opportunity. It will be fun to expand to the Wauconda area as we get to meet new riders and share in their excitement for the sport.”
Instructors Val Buesching Kinsella (left) and Judy MacDonald. Judy MacDonald, of Chicago, will join Kinsella at Birch Hill as an instructor. MacDonald is also an experienced horsewoman who grew up with horses and ran the summer program at the former location from 2011-2016. In 2016, with a handful of middle school students, MacDonald started an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team for young riders who do not own horses. The team successfully qualified for regionals the first year and the following year the team more than doubled in size. Now at 24 riders, with both Hunt Seat and Dressage teams, the IEA team is wrapping up a terrific 2019-20 season. Kinsella and MacDonald hosted 3 shows during the season with the high school team qualifying for semi-finals and nine of the riders qualifying as individuals. They will keep the program going at the new location along with the Northwestern University's IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) Team, which they have had for the past two years.
On Course Riding Academy caters to all ages of riders. Some riders may take lessons and enjoy wonderful school horses at the farm while others may want to ride at a competitive level in the Chicagoland area. The program offers flexibility and options depending on the age of the riders - starting as young as five-years-old, their budget, and time commitment. Kinsella also assists in purchasing horses and finding the right match of horse and rider as well as offering both short-term and long-term lease options. Many of Kinsella’s riders have gone on to compete at some of the top horse shows across the country. The On Course Riding Academy summer program will specialize in expanding a rider’s knowledge about riding, horse care, and horse science. The focus is on grooming, how to properly use and care for tack and equipment, feeding, horse health, first aid, behavior, environment, colors, breeds and markings. The program emphasizes fun with mounted and unmounted games to help practice skills and have fun with horses. On Course Riding Academy’s lesson horses are safe, healthy, properly trained, and well cared for to provide the best riding experience for their customers. Stay “on course” with your riding goals and call to schedule your private tour at On Course Riding Academy today! On Course Riding Academy
At Birch Hill Farm 29031 Garland Road Wauconda, IL 60084 Val Buesching Kinsella – Instructor/Owner Judy MacDonald - Instructor Kristi Jarosch - Instructor www.OnCourseRidingAcademy.com 847-826-6005 valbuesching@hotmail.com