Tallahassee Riding Stable
Moccasin Stables LLC
Do you have a child who just LOVES horses, but you’re not sure where to take them to make their dream a reality? Moccasin Stables is the Tallahassee riding stable you’ve been looking for. They have so many opportunities available for children including their summer camp, after school program, and lesson program. They were selected to be a pilot program “Time to Ride” through the American Horse Consult Association in 2018, only 60 barns were selected to be a part of this program! Time to Ride advocates for children to be involved with horses through their school. I think it’s safe to say that Moccasin Stables is equip to not only care for your children, but to make sure they have a great time! Moccasin Stables is owned by Julia Capdevila, they have several trainers onsite including Julia’s daughter, Valeria.
Moccasin Stables’ after school program has proved to be a huge hit. There is a fall and spring after school program, one starting in August while the later starts in January. The program is one of the only of it’s kind in Tallahassee. Children are picked up from school by the stable, then do after school activities until the early evening. No horse experience is required. Children will start with the basics of horse care, such as grooming, then will begin riding through out the semester. Not only do the children love it, but Moccasin Stables was recognized by Leon County Schools through the Partners for Excellence Program in 2016-17.
Another hot topic of Moccasin Stables is their summer camp. Children look forward to this every year, and so does the staff at the stables! There are several weeks available through out the summer, so everyone is sure to find a week that fits their schedule and experience level. Again, no horse experience is required. Children will spend time learning about horses in the classroom, will get some ride time in, and will even go on various field trips throughout Tallahassee like the movies or the museum. There was a camp going on while I was interviewing the stables and I can say from personal experience that there was a smile on every child’s face!
Moccasin Stables offers a variety of services for not just equestrians, but the community as well. Along with their after school program and summer camps, they also do equine assisted therapy and are certified through PATH/EAGALA. Boarding, private lessons, horse shows, and open schooling are available through Moccasin Stables. Those who are a part of the lesson program have the opportunity to go to local shows, such as those hosted by SWDEA. The primary discipline of the barn is eventing, so students are able to learn dressage and jumping. Students from beginner-upper level are welcome; both Julia and Valeria teach, but they also have a grand prix jumper trainer Laura Casati on staff. Valeria is a certified CHA instructor to level four (English) and level two (western). Julia was a school teacher for 20 years, her knowledge of teaching paired with Valeria’s knowledge of horses make the perfect combination to run a professional educational barn.
Not only is the stables professionally trained, with many accolades to prove it, they also have a beautiful facility to assist with the best horse care. Moccasin Stables was started in 2015 when the family, originally from Argentina, moved to Tallahassee from South Florida. Valeria has always wanted to ride horses, compete, and advance through the levels towards becoming a professional. When the opportunity to buy the farm came up in 2015, the family jumped on it. The property sits on 30 beautiful acres of lush pasture and large, shady trees. There are currently 25 horses on the property which is a mixture of private, lesson, and boarding horses. There are three barns on site with a total of 18 stalls, two tack rooms, bathrooms, a classroom, three arenas, and a round pen. The stables are near the Miccosukee Lake area by the Moccasin Gap which is where their name came from. It’s about 30 minutes away from the heart of Tallahassee which makes it a perfect area to relax from the fast-paced city life.
If you would like to take advantage of any of the services that Moccasin Stables, a Tallahassee riding stable, has to offer, you can contact them at 850-363-8572 or moccasinstables@gmail.com. After school program sign-ups for the fall semester are due ASAP, and registration for the spring semester will take place in December.
Website: www.moccasinstablesllc.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/moccasinstables
If you have a barn that you would like featured on the Barn Tour, contact shellywilliamsphotography@gmail.com
