Enterprise Story: Hayden Acres
Family-Friendly Horseback Riding School with a Mission to Touch Lives at Hayden Acres in San Tan Valley, Arizona
San Tan Valley - Hayden Acres is where rescue horses get a second chance at life and the ability to help teach those learning to ride how to master the art of horsemanship, tucked away in San Tan Valley.
Situated on the outskirts of Chandler, this rural barn is gaining attention for providing services beyond horseback riding instruction. Hayden Acres is differentiating itself with a deep commitment to equine rescue and a singular focus on creating a family-friendly environment.
Hayden Acres' surroundings come to life as the sun rises over the vast Arizonan horizon. For those looking for a genuine horse experience, the barn, framed by the San Tan Mountains, is a beacon. Hayden Acres, which was founded by Joshua and Tiffany Hill, has come to be associated with kind horse care and rider education.
“Hayden Acres is unique in that it offers inclusive equestrian riding instruction. People of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Hayden Acres family. Everyone may thrive in the barn's nurturing environment, from young children discovering the joy of riding for the first time to seasoned riders honing their craft,” Joshua Hill, co-founder of Hayden Acres, alongside his wife, Tiffany Hill, said.
"We wanted to create a space where families could come together to share the joy of horseback riding," said Hayden Acres' co-founder, Tiffany Hill, about her vision for the barn. Hayden Acres is a community that celebrates the relationship between people and horses, not merely a place to learn to ride."
The instructors at the farm make sure that every class is customized to the needs and objectives of each rider. Prior to learning advanced riding techniques, riders are taught the fundamentals of horsemanship since safety is of the first importance. In order to promote a good learning environment, the instructors at Hayden Acres place a major emphasis on developing a foundation of trust and communication between horse and rider.
“Being at the barn and teaching is such a breath of fresh air. I have been able to learn so much from the horses and my students,” said Natalie DeMartini, one of the skilled instructors at Hayden Acres.
“My favorite part about teaching is seeing students make special connections with the horses,” DeMartini added.
Hayden Acres’ limits do not end there, as they also offer lessons to some students with special needs. Hippotherapy, a physical approach to therapy where students ride horses in order to address physical health, and equine assisted therapy has been growing in popularity over the last few years.
“Teaching students with special needs has taught me so much more than I could have ever imagined,” instructor, Honor Davis said.
“It takes a lot of dedication but teaching students with special needs has become one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Watching these students create connections with the horses and develop a passion for the sport is so important to me,” Davis added.
“Equine-assisted therapy offers physical support to those with special needs,” Sophia Murphy, an Arizona State University expert in physiology and rehabilitation said.
“It has also been proven to show major benefits in behavioral and mental health,” Murphy said.
For students with special needs, riding classes at Hayden Acres become a comprehensive experience. In addition to exhibiting perseverance and offering a special connection that goes beyond conventional riding instruction, the rescue horses are essential components of these courses. In addition to developing their riding skills, these children gain a profound understanding of the kindness and care that these amazing animals deserve, which instills in them a feeling of accountability and empathy.
Those at Hayden Acres say horse rescuing is one of the things that makes the barn unique. Most of the horses at the barn are rescues, offering them a second opportunity at a happy and healthy life.
"Rescuing horses is at the heart of what we do," says Tiffany Hill. “Many of our horses have come from difficult backgrounds, and we think it's important to give them a purpose and a caring home. Observing the changes in the horses and riders is truly remarkable."
The riding lessons at Hayden Acres involve the rescue horses as essential participants, demonstrating the resilience that some horses have when it comes to survival. Along with learning the skill of riding a horse, riders also acquire a deep appreciation for the value of kindness and care for these amazing creatures.
Families go to Hayden Acres for the special bonding experiences it provides in addition to the riding instruction. The staff at Hayden Acres say in a healthy, natural environment, parents and kids can enjoy moments of connection with the horses and one another. Regular family get-togethers, trail rides, and picnics are held at the barn, fostering lifelong memories.
"I consider Hayden Acres to be a second home. The ambiance is inviting and friendly, and I have gained a great deal of empathy and responsibility from their encounters with the horses. It serves as a gathering spot for our family to enjoy life's little pleasures," Seana Fulco, a local who frequents Hayden Acres, spoke.
As word gets out about Hayden Acres' special combination of kid-friendly atmosphere and horse rescue activities, the barn is becoming more well-known outside of San Tan Valley. Neighboring towns are traveling to this Arizona jewel to witness the magic that occurs at the wholesome barn.
Hayden Acres offers private lessons with one-on-one instructor for riders at three years old and up. These private lessons can be 30 or 60 minutes, at a rate of $45 for 30 minutes and $65 for 60 minutes. Group lessons are offered to those 6 years old and up, for $50 per person for an hour of riding time.
The staff at Hayden Acres assures that all private lessons are customized to the individual rider, taking into account their skills and ability in order to move at the correct pace for the student Those riding in group lessons are grouped together by riding ability and riding discipline.
The creation of Hayden Acres stems from the loss of the Hills’ second son, Liam Hayden Hill. The Hills say they created Hayden Acres as a place of hope and healing for families and horses as a tribute to their son.
“Liam, and our oldest son, Oliver, were both born with an immune deficiency called Hyper IgM Syndrome,” Tiffany Hill explained. “Before the age of one, both of our sons underwent intense treatment. Both of their treatments went well, but Liam unfortunately contracted an infection at the hospital and passed away at just 13 months old,” Tiffany Hill added.
The Hills’ both expressed that they had a mutual dream of raising a family on a horse property, and through years of enduring many ups and downs, they feel triumphant with what they have created. Over the course of the last two years, the Hills have gathered immense pride in the atmosphere they have created for themselves, and all who enjoy Hayden Acres.
Sources:
Tiffany Hill (Owner/Founder)- 602-722-9782
Joshua Hill (Owner/Founder)- 602-799-8235
Natalie DeMartini (Riding Instructor)- 530-559-7971
Seana Fulco- seanafulco@gmail.com
Honor Davis (Riding Instructor)- honored2004@gmail.com
Sophia Murphy (ASU expert) – sophia.murphy@asu.edu