Riding lessons at new Cornerstone Farm location

This past August, Jennifer Shannon, owner of Cornerstone Farm, relocated her riding lesson and horse training business to the corner of Airport Road and Highway 119, in the Maple del Nero facilities. Shannon has been teaching and training since 1996. The previous business location on Nelson Road was where Shannon taught for over 12 years.

“I have always been horse crazy and was probably seven years old when I started riding lessons with a friend,” Shannon said. Riding now for over 35 years, Shannon has a degree in equine science from CSU and is a certified Western and English riding instructor.

While Shannon offers hunter-jumper instruction for beginner through advanced riders, including children and adults, in either a private or group setting, her forte is instructing middle and high school-age students who are intermediate and advanced riders. Most of the riders participate in group lessons which Shannon says offer riders a positive way to advance their skills.

“I try to teach a mixture of levels because you need to incorporate all different approaches for learning,” Shannon said. “So you have all the auditory where they’re listening to what’s being instructed, tactile so they’re actually physically doing it, and then there’s a visual component for a lot of people that if they watch another rider and have an understanding of what we’re trying to do, then you’re tapping into all the different parts of learning.”

Riders may bring their own horse to lessons and the farm also offers horses for students to use. Shannon said her students are often competitive-minded and participate in Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and Colorado Hunter Jumper Association events in the local area.

Riders are given personalized instruction tailored to their riding abilities and individual needs. A team approach is fostered so there’s a sense of community for the riders.

“It’s very much a group sport and there’s a lot of camaraderie,” Shannon said.

The new facility for Cornerstone Farm is on nearly 30 acres and includes indoor and outdoor arenas, and a 19-stall barn.

Cornerstone Farm will be hosting an IEA event at its facilities on Saturday, Nov. 3. They are expecting 300 attendees.

Cornerstone Farm has limited openings for new students. The cost for instructions is $65 for a 30-minute private lesson or 60 minutes in a group lesson. Visitors are welcome to the farm. The facility is located at 8270 N. 87th St, Longmont, CO 80503. For more information, visit: http://www.cornerstonefarmllc.com, or call Jen Shannon at 303-828-9040.