Welcome to the Bloomfield Open Hunt (BOH) equestrian programs and facilities! This handbook is designed to guide you through the exceptional amenities offered at BOH, ensuring a rewarding experience for both members and their horses. Nestled on a picturesque 40-acre property in Bloomfield Hills, BOH provides an accessible and serene environment for all equestrian enthusiasts. Our dedicated staff and professional trainers are committed to fostering a positive and safe equestrian journey for riders of all levels.
Equestrian Life at BOH: An Overview
BOH boasts extensive facilities to cater to every equestrian need. We feature two indoor riding arenas measuring 183’ x 79’ and 190’ x 80’. The historic 183’ x 79’ arena, connected to the Clubhouse via The Ring Room, offers a cozy viewing area with a fireplace, perfect for enjoying meals or refreshments. This arena has been fully refurbished with new footing in the spring of 2021 and is heated with an automated watering system. Outdoors, two riding arenas of 310’ x 175’ and 255’ x 165’ await, with the larger main ring also featuring new Performance Engineered footing as of Spring 2021. Daily turnout is provided in 17 grass pastures or 2 sand paddocks, and serene pathways are available for relaxed rides.
Our state-of-the-art 60-stall barn, with 12’x10’ stalls, includes 7 grooming stalls with horse vacuums, 2 wash stalls with hot and cold water, and a spacious heated tack room. Heated offices, laundry facilities, and restrooms are available, with shower facilities conveniently located across the parking lot.
Equestrian Staff and Trainers
BOH prides itself on a skilled and dedicated team of management, grooming staff, and professional trainers. Our stable management team oversees the daily care, feeding, turnout, and grooming of all horses, diligently monitoring their health in coordination with trainers. Trainers at BOH are private contractors, approved by the Equestrian Committee and the Board of Directors. Their services are billed to member accounts, while outside expenses are billed directly by the trainers. Lesson bookings should be made directly with trainers, respecting a 24-hour cancellation policy. Our trainers possess extensive expertise in horse buying, selling, and leasing, adept at finding the perfect match between horse and rider.
Meet Our Trainers:
- Maggie Ridenour (Equestrian Director): USHJA Certified Trainer specializing in Hunter/Jumper/Equitation. With a competitive junior career and experience developing young horses, Maggie focuses on a positive, fundamentals-driven teaching style. She organizes equestrian events and welcomes riders from beginner to advanced levels.
- Heather Irvine (Hillside Farm Owner): USEF “R” Rated Judge and USHJA Certified Trainer in Hunter/Jumper/Equitation. Heather has a distinguished career training riders to the “A” circuit level and has a talent for creating lasting horse-rider partnerships. She also serves on several USEF and USHJA committees.
- Tammy Nimbach (Hillside Farm): USHJA Certified Trainer in Hunter/Jumper/Equitation. A long-time associate of Heather Irvine, Tammy has a passion for training horses and riders for highly competitive shows. She employs a quiet, confidence-building teaching style.
- Kelsey Epperson (Hillside Farm): Specializing in Hunter/Jumper/Equitation, Kelsey has a successful show record in Junior Hunter and Equitation divisions, as well as Amateur-Owner and Adult Amateur rings. She enjoys working with horses and riders of all levels.
- Katy Dasch (Hillside Farm): With a strong background in animal care and riding fundamentals, Katy brings a unique perspective to teaching. She has a special focus on the School Horse Program at BOH, known for her nurturing style.
Horse Boarding Services and Fees
Members can choose from annual, monthly, or daily boarding options, with varying rates for full or rough board. A Stockholding or Equestrian membership is required for boarding. Annual board necessitates a twelve-month commitment, with provisions for early termination due to horse death, sale, or lease. Monthly and daily board are available for temporary needs. Employees, trainers, and their employees may also board personal horses under specific conditions and rates.
Stall Equipment and Fixed Stall Overhead Fee
All stalls are equipped with essential amenities, and a one-time stall equipment fee covers initial costs and ongoing replenishment. The Fixed Stall Overhead Fee ensures the continued viability and quality of BOH’s year-round equestrian program, covering essential operating costs even when a horse is temporarily absent. This fee guarantees stall availability upon the horse’s return and maintains turnout and paddock space.
Basic Services and Additional Services
Basic services include multiple daily feedings and waterings, daily turnout (weather permitting), hoof picking, stall cleaning, and blanket changes. Full board encompasses grooming six days a week, excluding holidays. Additional services, such as extra shavings, special hay feeding, medical treatments, extended grooming, lunging, and laundry, are available for an extra fee, billed at the end of the month. Members are responsible for providing personal horse items like tack and attire, though stable management can assist with ordering.
Equine Emergencies
In the event of an equine emergency—such as colic, extreme temperature, wounds, or lameness—the procedure is as follows: Stable management will first consult emergency contact information for the owner, trainer, veterinarian, and blacksmith. The owner and trainer will be notified, and with permission, the veterinarian will be called. If immediate contact isn’t possible and the situation is life-threatening, stable management will contact the veterinarian listed on the horse’s emergency card, or an alternative if necessary.
Equestrian Rules and Etiquette
Safety and courtesy are paramount at BOH. All members and guests must sign a liability waiver and the BOH Boarding Agreement. New horses require current Coggins, vaccine, and de-worming records. Smoking is prohibited in stables and indoor arenas. Use of electronics while mounted is forbidden, except in emergencies. Only approved trainers may provide instruction. Proper riding attire, including boots with heels, is mandatory; gym shoes and sandals are prohibited. Running and loud conduct are not permitted in stable aisles or The Ring Room.
Riding and Stable Etiquette
- Riding: Jumping is permitted when it doesn’t impede other riders, with trainer permission required during lessons. Juniors must jump under trainer supervision. USEF-approved protective headgear is mandatory. Priority is given to those taking lessons. Riders are encouraged to travel in a single direction in arenas, passing left to left.
- Stable: Members are expected to clean up arenas promptly. Grooming and wash stalls are designated for specific purposes. Equipment should be neatly stored. Feeding private horses requires owner permission; school horses require stable management approval. Entering private stalls without permission is prohibited. Observe stable hours, aiming to have horses stabled by 10 PM.
- Guests: Non-members must be accompanied by a BOH member or trainer, sign a liability release, and adhere to a guest fee and usage limits.
School Horse Program
BOH offers a fleet of well-trained school horses and ponies suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. These horses are integral to our programs, including a therapeutic riding program. The School Horse Program is accessible to most members, with specific details for Social Members outlined separately.
School Horse Care and Use
Stable management, in consultation with trainers, oversees the care and workload of school horses, ensuring their well-being and optimal rider experience. Limitations include jump heights (max 2’6” for oxers), usage frequency, and out-of-stall time (45 minutes maximum, with 15-minute breaks). School horses are not permitted to attend off-site shows and require trainer supervision for any activity outside a BOH arena. They may only perform up to training-level dressage and must be suitable for the rider’s height and weight.
Lessons and Fees
Lessons on school horses are scheduled through trainers and include a trainer fee and a BOH school horse usage fee. Riders should arrive 20-30 minutes before and plan for 20-30 minutes after their lesson for preparation and cool-down. A 24-hour cancellation notice is required. Non-lesson activities with school horses require pre-approval. School horse usage fees are $55 per ride with a lesson, $60 per ride without a lesson, and $25 for lead line rides (20 minutes, children 6 & under).
Equestrian Option for Social Members
Social Members can add an Equestrian Option to their membership, allowing them to ride BOH school horses in scheduled lessons up to three times per week. This option requires a formal application and is renewed annually. While primarily for school horses, privately owned horses may be substituted with owner permission, still incurring the school horse usage fee. Make-up rides are permitted based on availability.
Pony Parties
BOH hosts pony parties for members and non-members, arranged through the Food and Beverage Director. Parties are supervised by experienced attendants to ensure safety. Participants receive instructions on safe handling, mounting, and riding. A liability waiver must be signed for each child. Long pants are recommended for riding.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the BOH equestrian experience. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and enriching time at Bloomfield Open Hunt.
