The first group of campers were “Back in the Saddle Again” this summer at the new “Double H Ranch” at Hiram House. The Camp kicked-off the summer season by opening the stable doors of its new Equestrian Center, set amidst some fifteen wooded acres of the scenic 172-acre campgrounds.

Western Horseback Riding Programs were available for Summer Day and Summer Resident Campers, plus two new, week-long Riding Programs for area youth, ages 6-17 years, held in August. Riding Programs will also be offered to school groups and community organizations, beginning this fall.

The new Equestrian Center has a 9,700 square foot indoor riding arena, a 4,500 square foot stable (with eleven box stalls for horses), turnout pastures and an outdoor riding ring. Thousands of children from Greater Cleveland and northeast Ohio will use the Horseback Riding Program annually through Hiram House’s Summer Camps, School Camps, Youth Retreat Groups, Outdoor Education and Adventure Programs.

Campers receive instruction from trained specialists in ring riding and in basic horse care. They learn how to groom, approach, saddle and bridle, properly ride and care for their horses. Stable chores (feeding, stall mucking, tack care) are also part of the daily lessons.

“Horseback Riding is one of the most popular activities at camp according to our campers and staff,” said Executive Director Russell R. Grundke. “We are delighted to once again offer it as part of our program.” He cited studies that show how the relationship between youth and animals, especially horses, fosters a sense of responsibility, trust and self-esteem.

Grundke added, “We are most grateful to Billie Howland Steffee, The Cleveland Foundation, and to all our supporters in business and the community for making it possible for children to benefit from this worthwhile program.”

The new facility was dedicated during ceremonies at a Gala Benefit, hosted by Hiram House, on May 31. Funding to build the Equestrian Center was donated by the Billie Howland Steffee Family Fund of The Cleveland Foundation. Steffee, a resident of Novelty, was the guest of honor. Some 250 supporters from throughout the Chagrin Valley and Northeast Ohio attended the event and more than $76, 000 was raised to equip the new Equestrian Center and the western horseback riding program.

The Benefit featured a festive evening of entertainment, with the sounds of bluegrass, jazz, folk and swing music by “The Silver Strings”, cocktails and dinner by Trifles Café and Catering of Chagrin Falls, a live auction conducted by Dave Rennolds, of Rennolds Realty & Auctioneers in Middlefield, for the naming rights for the horse stalls and rooms, the raffle of a diamond horseshoe necklace and ring donated by Robert & Gabriel Jewelers of Lyndhurst.

Auction items were donated by area businesses and individuals and included a variety of goods and services, such as a “Dude Ranch” Get-a-Way, a Jacob’s Field Loge, plus sports, dining and entertainment packages, as well as riding equipment to outfit the new Equestrian Center provided by Schneider’s Saddlery & Western Wear in Chagrin Falls.