Lilac Thyme Stables tailors to the needs and goals of each individual rider

By Laura Briedis

Although the ground may be snow-covered, winter recreational pursuits don’t have to be limited to skiing, ice skating, sledding or ice fishing.

Tucked back from the road on 10 acres in Columbia Station is Lilac Thyme Stables, owned and operated by Cindy and Mike Musto. The stables offer a temperature-controlled indoor arena designed to host horse riding lessons, horse shows, Scout troops, clinics, summer and winter camps and birthday parties year-round. The facility also boasts a heated observation area, a dressage sized outdoor arena, and five large pastures.

“We are a fun, family-oriented business and want to share our passion for horses with others who want to learn,” says Mike.

Offering lessons in multiple disciplines such as dressage, hunt seat, western, saddle seat, driving, and intro to jumping, Cindy and her eight other senior and junior instructors tailor to the needs and goals of each individual rider. Along with their team of instructors, Lilac Thyme has a staff of dedicated individuals who take care of the horses and the farm.

“We have 30 horses representing different breeds, from American Quarter Horses to Paints, Appaloosas, Morgans, an Icelandic, and an Arabian. Just this month we welcomed four new horses. Lola, Romeo, Roger, and Ozzie all fit the quiet and tolerant temperament we look for in all our horses. We have many different skill levels of horses to teach beginner students from 4 years old to seniors, and everything in between,” says Cindy.

“Our unique skill level program ensures that each student is learning all the valuable skills they need to ride successfully. Every 10 weeks students are tested on skills and given a ribbon when they pass that level.”

Cindy began teaching at the age of 15. Lilac Thyme Stables opened in 2001 with one lesson horse and has now grown to more than two dozen horses, and over a hundred students.

“As an extension of our lesson program, we take our students to horse shows on our horses. It affords everyone an opportunity to participate in shows without the expense of owning a horse. Showing teaches our students how to ride competitively, to handle their horse in different situations, and instills good sportsmanship” says Cindy.

In addition to riding lessons and horse shows, the stable takes pride in their summer, winter and newly introduced spring camp.

“Our summer camps always sell out, so you need to book now for the four camps scheduled this summer,” notes Cindy. “We host birthday parties year-round as a unique way for kids of all ages to celebrate.”

All party participants get to ride a horse, play games on horseback, groom horses and have a bonfire afterward on the property.

“This is a fun activity for anyone, from avid riders to those new to horses. Spotters handle the horses for inexperienced riders, to ensure the safety of all participants,” says Mike. The stable also organizes a drill team. Riders practice twice a month and do patterns set to music, similar to synchronized swimming.

In addition to having fun, riding a horse is good exercise. “Riding uses every muscle in the body,” says Cindy. “It is not a passive sport.”

“It is also good for your mental health” adds Mike. “If you ever are having a bad day, a ride clears your mind.”

The stables also offer extra learning opportunities for their riders. Their volunteer program, available to students age 12 and up, allows children to learn the responsibility and dedication that comes along with having horses. It is important to the stables that their students not only learn how to be good riders but learn the importance of good horsemanship both in and out of the saddle. They learn how to take care and work with the horses which instills the confidence, moral values, and responsibility that cannot be found elsewhere.

Whether your goal is to learn to ride a horse, train and compete, or simply to enjoy all that riding and horse husbandry has to offer, Lilac Thyme Stables leaves nothing to be desired.

Lilac Thyme Stables is located at 16449 S. Boone Road in Columbia Station. For more information, call 440-829-1960 or visit LilacThymeStables.com.