Your First Visit to Conejo Creek: What Thousand Oaks Families Can Expect

By Jasmine Ghent, Executive Director

First-visit notice: Equine Empowerment Foundation operates at an active equestrian facility. Visits are scheduled in advance. Children must remain with their supervising adults. An ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet is required for all mounted activities. New families begin with a paid Intake & Evaluation Lesson rather than a drop-in visit.

Equine Empowerment Foundation has moved to Conejo Creek Equestrian Park in the Waverly Heights neighborhood of Thousand Oaks. This new location gives families a professional setting for riding lessons, groundwork, Equine Assisted Learning, and Inclusive Horsemanship.

A first visit is structured. It is not a casual walk-in experience or a public petting-zoo visit. Horses are working animals. Arenas and pens are active training spaces. Families should plan to observe, listen, and follow staff instructions.

This guide explains what to expect before, during, and after your first appointment.

Where to Find Us in Thousand Oaks

Our riding arena is located at:

Conejo Creek Equestrian Park
1350 E. Avenida de las Flores
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Our office and barn address is:

1107 Waverly Heights Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA

Because the office and riding arena have separate addresses, review your appointment instructions before leaving home. You can also check the Conejo Recreation & Park District information for Conejo Creek Equestrian Park and use Google Maps directions.

Conejo Creek is a working horse facility. Families may see horses schooling, instructors teaching, riders preparing for lessons, and equestrian events taking place. Stay outside arenas, pens, and other restricted areas unless an instructor invites you inside.

Schedule the Correct First Appointment

EEF does not offer free introductory meet-and-greets. New families schedule a paid Intake & Evaluation Lesson for $100.

This appointment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. It allows the instructor to:

• Review rider goals and experience.
• Complete required paperwork.
• Discuss safety expectations.
• Tour the relevant areas of the facility.
• Introduce the participant to horses through appropriate groundwork.
• Determine whether mounted riding, unmounted Equine Assisted Learning, or another program format is the right starting point.
• Identify equipment, communication, scheduling, or support needs.

The appointment is designed to provide useful information for both the family and the instructor. It is not a promise of placement in a particular lesson format.

Families can review the Equine Empowerment Foundation website and the Adaptive Riding Lessons page before scheduling.

Complete Forms Before the Visit

All new riders must complete the required forms before participating in mounted activities. This includes the Release of Liability form and, when applicable, the TCRC New Rider Packet.

Families should be prepared to provide:

• Participant name and date of birth.
• Height and weight.
• Parent or guardian contact information.
• Emergency contact information.
• Relevant safety precautions.
• Communication preferences.
• Behavioral support needs.
• Riding experience and goals.
• Preferred scheduling times.

Families using Tri-Counties Regional Center services should coordinate with their service coordinator. EEF is a proud partner of TCRC and provides services aligned with TCRC Service Code 008.

What to Wear and Bring

Conejo Creek is an outdoor equestrian venue. Conditions can change during the day.

Wear:

• Closed-toe shoes with a secure sole.
• Comfortable, close-fitting clothing.
• Long pants suitable for movement.
• Layers for changing temperatures.
• Sun protection.

Bring:

• Water.
• Any required forms that have not already been submitted.
• Communication or support items the participant regularly uses.
• A calm, prepared attitude.

An ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet is mandatory for mounted activities. Contact EEF before the appointment if you have questions about helmet availability or other equipment.

The current program weight limit is 180 pounds. This limit supports appropriate horse selection, equipment use, and rider safety. Share accurate height and weight information during intake so the instructor can plan responsibly.

What Happens When You Arrive

Your first appointment begins with an orientation. The instructor will explain where to park, where to wait, and which areas are open to families.

The instructor will also review basic horse-safety rules:

• Walk near horses.
• Use quiet voices.
• Avoid sudden movements.
• Do not approach a horse from behind.
• Do not feed a horse unless staff gives permission.
• Do not enter an arena, stall, or pen without instruction.
• Keep phones, bags, and loose items secure.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Keep pets controlled and away from active horse areas.

The first interaction may happen on the ground. Participants may observe grooming, leading, horse care, or simple communication exercises. These activities introduce the horse-human partnership without requiring a rider to mount immediately.

This is an important part of our approach. Good riding begins with good horsemanship. Participants learn to notice body language, movement, energy, and response. Instructors use the horseman’s eye to evaluate the entire interaction. The horse’s comfort and behavior matter as much as the rider’s goals.

Mounted and Unmounted Program Options

Every participant starts at an appropriate level. Some families are looking for horseback riding lessons in Thousand Oaks. Others want structured groundwork and equine assisted learning without mounted riding.

EEF may recommend one or more of the following formats:

Adaptive Riding

Adaptive riding modifies instruction, equipment, pacing, and support based on the participant’s needs and experience. Lessons may include mounting procedures, balance exercises, steering, transitions, and foundational riding skills.

The adaptive riding program is open to participants who require individualized instruction or additional planning. The instructor determines the appropriate structure during intake.

Equine Assisted Learning

Equine Assisted Learning is unmounted. Activities may include grooming, leading, groundwork, stable routines, observation, and communication exercises.

The focus is on practical horsemanship skills. Participants may work on communication, responsibility, sequencing, attention, confidence, and personal growth with horses.

Inclusive Horsemanship

Inclusive Horsemanship welcomes riders of different ages, experience levels, and abilities. The goal is access to safe, meaningful participation in the horse-human bond.

Our team does not use a one-size-fits-all lesson plan. We adjust the pace and task while maintaining clear standards for safety, horse care, and instruction.

Lesson Formats, Prices, and Scheduling

Current program options include:

• 30-minute private session: $100. This format provides one-on-one instruction. Time may include riding, groundwork, equipment adjustments, and safety planning.
• 50-minute group session: $100. Groups may include up to four clients. Riding time is organized into smaller subgroups, followed by review and instruction.
• Intake & Evaluation Lesson: $100. This is required for new families before ongoing participation.

EEF is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Recurring lessons are scheduled for the same day and time each week.

Ongoing services require a three-month minimum commitment. This structure helps families establish consistency and allows the instructional team to coordinate horses, instructors, volunteers, and equipment.

Review the cancellation terms attached to your booking. Current program materials specify advance notice for recurring sessions, while the private lesson booking page lists a longer notice period. Late cancellations and missed sessions may be billed at the full lesson amount. Confirm the applicable policy when scheduling.

What Families Should Notice During the Visit

A first visit is a good time to evaluate whether the program fits your family’s needs. Pay attention to:

• Whether the participant understands and responds to safety instructions.
• How the participant responds to the horse’s movement and presence.
• Whether the lesson pace is appropriate.
• How staff communicate with the participant and family.
• Whether the horse appears comfortable and appropriately matched.
• Which activities are realistic for the participant’s goals.
• What equipment or scheduling arrangements may be needed.

Our instructors prioritize skill, safety, and experience. They also consider the horse’s workload, temperament, and suitability. A successful program depends on a sound match between horse, rider, instructor, and activity.

Make a Plan for the Rest of Your Visit

Conejo Creek Equestrian Park is part of a larger recreation area. Families may see show arenas, schooling spaces, bleachers, nearby trails, and other public recreation areas.

The park is not a playground-focused environment. Families should treat it as an active equestrian venue. If you plan to visit nearby public areas before or after your appointment, allow extra time for parking, walking, and transitions.

Check current park information and event schedules before planning a separate visit to watch a show. Arena use may change based on lessons, schooling, clinics, or community events.

Start with the Right Information

EEF creates custom-tailored programs for families and individuals who want to learn horsemanship, build confidence, and experience personal growth with horses. Our work centers on access to the horse-human bond and on responsible participation for both horses and humans.

To schedule an Intake & Evaluation Lesson, contact:

Phone: (805) 669-6769
Email: equineempowermentfoundation@gmail.com
Website: equineempowermentfoundation.org

Bring your questions. Complete the required forms. Follow the safety instructions. Then visit us at Conejo Creek Equestrian Park and see how professional instruction, the horseman’s eye, and Inclusive Horsemanship shape every first step.

Schedule your visit, arrive prepared, and experience Equine Empowerment Foundation at our new Thousand Oaks home.