Call Ericka Utz @ 517.545.5997 / 248.212.8890

LESSONS • CLINICS • CAMPS • JUDGING

Teaching Horsemanship in a Safe and Fun environment gives us the opportunity to share the joys of horsemanship with children and adults of all ages and backgrounds. Private and semi-private lessons are offered on an appointment basis and School horses are available for both lessons and leasing. Beginner and Intermediate lesson students learn basic safety principles, grooming, streching and balance exercies and aids for steering and controlling the horse’s gaits. Advanced lesson students build upon the skills learned and advance to competitive riding.

"Horses are our Souls in Motion" by David Gilbert

Ericka Utz currently holds judges cards with several Breed Associations and has been judging competitive horse events since 2001. Areas of expertise include Halter, Showmanship, Longe Line, English Equitation, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunter over Fences, Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Reining, Western Riding, Trail, Roping, Working Cow Horse, Cutting, Intro and Training Level Dressage, Driving, Saddle Seat Equitation, Saddle Seat Pleasure and various Speed Events.

• ABRA- American Buckskin Registry Association

• IBHA- International Buckskin Horse Association 

• Michigan 4-H

• PHBA- Palomino Horse Breeders of America 

• POAC- Pony of The Americas Club

Lonely Oak's Summer Camp series is offered for Ericka's students ages 18 and under. The single and two day camps provide students with learning opportunities about all aspects of horse ownership and care in a fun and safe environment. Campers participate in a variety of horse-related activities including riding, ground work, quiz games, farm chores, safety awareness, video presentations, lectures and demonstrations by equine professionals. 

“Lunch with friends”, Delaney, Guinness and Murphy taking a break during a fun day of camp at Lonely Oak Farm.

Katrina, Stephanie and Emma proudly displayed their treasure hunt findings after a fun game on horseback.

Sara, Morgan, Delaney, Stephanie and Jett pictured after the “Paint the Part on the Pony” activity where students learnedequine anatomy by painting important body parts on the horse. 

• Click Here to View Our Horses for Sale

Hi Ericka,

I just wanted to let you know how much your clinic has helped Manny and I. I have really been practicing keeping my hands quiet, in the box, and using more leg to direct him. We have been doing figure eights and serpentines so I can try making my wrist straight and I remember to have quiet hands by keeping my thumb on top of the reins. Not only has this helped us in the show ring, but Manny is so much happier! He has his ears forward all the time and is even happy at the lope, which he usually gets quite mad about. I have worked on keeping my eyes up in showmanship and looking down his back instead. I even have gotten my legs in time with his. 

Yesterday, we went to a horse show at the Oakland county fairgrounds and it went very well. I really wish you could have seen him because he was wonderful. We won first in showmanship, which we did western, and then he moved out beautifully in hunt seat. He even extended his stride and everything! We got fifth in hunt seat equitation because my stirrups were too long and my legs would swing! But, I shortened my stirrups and we won first in hunt seat pleasure. I was just elated since he was so happy and worked very well for me. He even worked better hunt seat at the fairground then he did at my house! Then we won fourth in western horsemanship and third in western pleasure. Western went pretty well, but he was still going slightly fast from hunt seat that morning. I was rather disappointed though because in the western classes, the judge really seemed to like the super slow horses. So in the last class, bareback, we didn't place at all. I thought the show went quite well though and Manny was very well behaved.

Thank you so much for all of your advice and I hope to go to another one of your clinics sometime!

Tessa & Manny 

Hi Ericka, again I want to say thanks for putting together the show this past Saturday. As a parent, I have to say this was the most fun I have had at a horse show. Everyone was friendly, the weather was awesome and Allison really had a great time. I know everyone from Kibbles and Bitz had a fun time as well... Thanks again and Allison has already looked at your calendar for next year's shows.  
Regards, Al Rochowiak

Hi Erika,

Brittany and I had the best time at the show this past Saturday. It was our first time at one of your shows and we will be back next year for sure. Everyone was very nice and we enjoyed the wide variety of horse breeds and all of the class choices. It was just a great experience. I know Brittany plans on writing to you also. She had a very relaxing and fun day and enjoyed meeting new people and watching the classes. She had a great time riding in the games with her QH and equal fun in Showmanship and pleasure with her 12 arab.

Thanks again for a really good time. We are sending out your web site info to everyone we know who rides.

Roseann Howze

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