Delray Equestrian Center

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Horseback Riding at the Delray Equestrian Center

Photo Credit: Pat Healy-Colembe & Diane Carter

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Photo Credit: Pat Healy-Colembe & Diane Carter

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Delray Equestrian Center

Photo Credit: Pat Healy-Colembe & Diane Carter

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Delray Equestrian Center's property manager, Angela Jabour

Photo Credit: Pat Healy-Colembe & Diane Carter

Horseback riding at Delray Beach

While Delray Beach bestows a trendy and vibrant downtown, graced with historic cottages, just twenty minutes from the beach one finds the appealing and innovative Delray Equestrian Center. The discreet charm of this premier equine boarding facility entices the first time rider as well as the experienced rider. 

This is an immaculate horse lover's paradise. Arguably, one of the best-maintained and managed equine training and boarding facilities in Palm Beach County, the Delray Equestrian Center is located at Atlantic Avenue and Smith Sundy Road. This superb horse country escape, immediately west of the Turnpike, entices all regardless of their degree of experience in horsemanship. Equipped with spacious grass turnouts, it provides 24-hour caretakers. 

The allure of the premises includes three lighted rings – two of which are hunter/jumper and one a dressage arena – and 70 12'x12' stalls with a fly spray system. Both horses and owners find the environs of this horse farm conducive to fun and relaxation amid its refined acres graced with tropical trees. Of the four barns, the newest barn has eight stalls with walkout pastures. This connection allows horses to move about on their own and at their leisure. Free spirited horses welcome!

While Delray Beach bestows a trendy and vibrant downtown, graced with historic cottages, just twenty minutes from the beach one finds the appealing and innovative Delray Equestrian Center.

A Training and Rehabilitation Center

Now under new management, the Delray Equestrian Center once served as a rehabilitation center for Wellington thoroughbreds some thirty years ago. The beautiful pond once used for therapy is now simply graced with ducks. 

This Equestrian Center continues tranquilly under the tutelage of Matt Dunmire, property manager, and Courtney Dunmire, head trainer and riding program manager. The DEC recently added Vinissa Blann to their training program. A well-known rider and instructor in the area, she is available for lessons. 

Some of the Center's clients also volunteer their time helping The Pure Thoughts Horse and Foal Rescue Program, which rehabilitates horses. Although there is no official autism program, responsibility is part of the discipline that the Delray Equestrian Center addresses with autistic children whose therapist has recommended riding. Autistic riders tend to broaden their social capacities while seeming to blossom and mature by merely having a relationship with a horse.

The American Heritage School

The American Heritage School, a preparatory school located both in Delray Beach and Boca Raton offers riding lessons as part of its physical education program. Also included in this course are various aspects of equine education. The course is available during school semesters to students from the elementary to the high school level. Young people who participate in the DEC program experience bonding, exercise, positive relationships, fun, and a new type of social life. 

This year, the DEC has taken the show team to new heights. They are very involved in the local small shows as well as the larger rated shows. They offer lessons and trail rides to all ages and experience levels, and encourage new riders to build their educations and knowledge of horsemanship. 

This story is brought to you by McCall Credle Rosenthal, author of the best selling Florida history book, Images of America: Delray Beach. McCall serves on the marketing committee of The Destination Delray Beach Task Force and the Advisory Board of the Delray Beach Historical Society.