Equestrian, equestrian, where are you, equestrian? On Grosse Ile, it is in the sanctuary better known as Centennial Farm.
The Luton family now runs the stable, and they bring many years of experience.
For those who don't already know, there is an equestrian riding facility here on Grosse Ile, and for those who don't know what an "equestrian" is, it's a person who rides a horse, plain and simple.
Luton Riding Academy is new to the island, but the family is not new to the sport. For more than 15 years, Rob Luton has studied under some of the elite and more prominent trainers in the country. He also owned and operated a farm in New Boston.
"I was here once before," said Luton, who lives in Southgate and now nurtures horses and handlers alike on Grosse Ile. "I had a huge clientele, and once I returned they came back to train."
Luton had a love for horses since a young age. He went through the 4-H program, learning how to train and take care of horses. From there, he continually gained experience from trainers across the country on how to teach both his students and horses.
Since July, Rob and Ricki Luton have hopped on and taken the reins -- in more than one way. They now manage the land with the intent of providing an opportunity to ride for anyone interested in learning.
They also plan to add on to the farm as time goes on.
"I would like to get some more stalls and expand some day." Rob Luton said. "We want to give them somewhere to come."
He means both children and adults. The only requirement for riding is the desire to learn.
Findlay (Ohio) College was the previous manager of the riding facility. Now, the Lutons lease the property from the township.
When the Lutons took over, they knew this was a dream come true.
Because it is a heated, indoor riding arena, riders can practice all year. Most riding farms don't have a heated arena, which makes this one "mane" and "tails" above the rest.
"This is the most successful it's been here," Rob Luton said.
Along with the indoor arena, there are eight grassy paddocks surrounded by white picket fences for the horses to frolic while giving their owners and riders an experience to enjoy.
Riders are provided pretty much everything they need to start. All the riders need to do is show up. And show up they do.
The academy has between 60 and 80 riders during the week. Hourlong sessions are $40 for private lessons and $30 for group lessons.
Competitions also are available for beginners, and each costs about $50.
But the better you get and the bigger the competitions, the higher the costs involved.
The facility's equestrian program specializes in training children in every aspect of riding, from taking care of a horse to learning how to saddle up and ride.
Sidesaddle, English, Western, show hack and jumping are the types of riding lessons available on the farm.
With these different riding types come different kinds of horses. There are 26 horses on the farm, ranging from quarter horses and Arabians for performance riding and thoroughbreds for jumping.
Luton has trained riders for competitions all over the country, and said he has had riders place very high in those competitions, including a national champion.
"We want to make a kid- and adult-friendly environment," he said.
Nikole Luton-Dicks is the coach for the Grosse Ile High School equestrian team. With the program now out of the gate, the team competes in the top division in the state. With 15 riders, the team was moved into the more competitive group.
It took third in its division in just its first year.
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