THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Test the saddle and rebuild confidence with a private 30-minute riding lesson at Wickham Ranch in Velpen, Indiana. Shellie’s one-on-one evaluation is ideal for first-timers and returning riders who want a focused, low-pressure introduction to basic riding and horse handling.
Test the saddle and rebuild confidence with a private 30-minute riding lesson at Wickham Ranch in Velpen, Indiana. Shellie’s one-on-one evaluation is ideal for first-timers and returning riders who want a focused, low-pressure introduction to basic riding and horse handling.
Book with Wickham Ranch Trail Riding, Inc
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wickham Ranch Trail Riding, Inc · Velpen, Indiana
At Wickham Ranch, a short drive from the small community of Velpen, Indiana, a 30-minute Riding Lesson Evaluation offers a focused, personal doorway back into horseback riding. Located at 7112 E Sunset Dr, Velpen, IN, this evaluation with Shellie welcomes riders age 14 and up who want to try riding for the first time, refresh skills they haven’t used in years, or decide whether to pursue longer lessons. The booking is private—one rider per slot—so instruction is tailored, efficient, and paced for confidence rather than competition.
The ranch itself is straightforward country riding territory: a fenced arena, open pastures, and fringe hardwoods that mark the edges of fields typical of southern Indiana. You’ll find practical footing for walk-and-trot work, basic grooming stations, and tack set up for comfort and safety. The experience begins on the ground with handling, leading, and basic grooming so you learn to read equine body language before mounting. From there Shellie moves into mounting, posture, rein control, and short exercises focused on balance and steering. Lessons concentrate on the fundamentals—mounting and dismounting, finding a secure seat, steering responses, and controlled transitions—so new or rusty riders leave with usable skills rather than abstract instruction.
Practical details matter: lessons are scheduled in Eastern Time, so visitors from Central Time zones should adjust accordingly. The cancellation policy notes no refunds for cancellations within 24 hours, though rescheduling is permitted. The compact 30-minute format makes this a convenient stop for travelers en route or for locals wanting to test the waters without committing to a full lesson package.
What sets this evaluation apart is its low-pressure, one-on-one teaching and its invitation to reestablish a relationship with horses in an unpretentious rural setting. It’s not a large equestrian center; it’s a working ranch that prioritizes steady, clear coaching and safe exposure to horse handling. For teens and adults considering trail riding or longer instruction, this evaluation functions as both a skills check and a confidence builder.
Arrival instructions are concise: arrive a few minutes early to the Velpen (Wickham Ranch) location at 7112 E Sunset Dr to complete any forms and safety checks. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; helmets are recommended—confirm with the ranch. Whether you’re rekindling a childhood pastime or stepping into the saddle for the first time, this 30-minute session offers focused teaching, calm horses, and a practical introduction to riding in rural southern Indiana. Bring a water bottle, sun protection, and any necessary medication; if you need a helmet the ranch can advise on availability, and booking through the Wickham Ranch reservation link confirms your slot—expect a warm welcome, clear instruction, and a brief but meaningful taste of horse work that leaves most riders eager for more.
Minimum age is 14 years old for this 30-minute riding lesson evaluation.
The session is private with a maximum of one rider per booking.
No refund if cancelled within 24 hours, but you may reschedule; confirm timing with the ranch.
No prior experience is required—lessons start from the ground up and are suitable for beginners or returning riders.
Meet at Velpen (Wickham Ranch) Location - 7112 E Sunset Dr, Velpen, IN 47590-9004; arrive a few minutes early to complete forms.
Helmets are recommended; contact the ranch ahead of time to confirm availability if you do not bring your own.
Wickham Ranch Trail Riding, Inc is a family-operated equestrian center located in Velpen, Indiana. The ranch provides guided trail rides, riding lessons, arena rentals, and scout programs across private ranchland and partnered Rolling Hills acreage. Experienced local instructor Shellie leads lessons, evaluations, and guided rides designed for beginners, families, and experienced riders. Programs include short evaluations and 30-minute riding lessons to introduce fundamentals, multi-hour guided trail rides across 83 acres of private Wickham trails, and extended Rolling Hills packages that traverse roughly 300 acres of scenic hills in Dubois County. The business also offers age-specific lessons for children, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts horse riding and care programs, and BYO (bring your own) horse opportunities with scheduled arena time. Safety measures, personalized instruction, and small group or private sessions emphasize rider confidence and horse welfare. Riders receive pre-ride briefings, properly fitted tack, and attentive guidance suited to skill level. Reservations and scheduling details are managed by phone, and event times are listed in Eastern Time; guests traveling from Central Time are advised to confirm local start times. Wickham Ranch Trail Riding, Inc maintains a strong reputation in the local community through consistent operations, clear communication, and experienced instruction. The ranch’s variety of experiences, family-friendly options, and partnerships with Rolling Hills make it a reliable choice for equestrian outings, youth programs, and scenic trail riding near Velpen, Indiana. Contact is by phone at the number listed for bookings and questions; times and availability vary seasonally. Customers should call to confirm details.
Book with Wickham Ranch Trail Riding, Inc