While the new residents of East Over Farm aren’t quite as large as their ancestors, they are certainly enjoying country living.

The Clydesdale barn and four and a half acres of pasture are now home to Equestrian Element, a riding school run by Onset native Jocelyn Maniglia.

Maniglia began riding at age 6 and was hooked.

“I think it’s just born in some people. My mom tried making me dance and I cried.”

At 15, Maniglia bought her first horse, Shooter, who now grazes among a handful of horses in East Over fields. She went on to study horse management at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst and then tried a variety of horse and non-horse related jobs before settling on foundational riding.

“Teaching kind of found me. I connect with kids pretty well,” said the mother of two.

After working as an independent contractor for seven years, mostly teaching youth, Maniglia began looking for her own place. While in college, she interned with the Clydesdales at East Over Farm, so she already knew the family.

She wrote up a “big business proposal” and asked owner Bob Hiller if he would let her rent the space and bring horses back to the farm.

At a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Hiller admitted he was a little reticent when Maniglia approached him after years without horses on the farm.

“We haven't had much activity on the farm,” he said.

After a few months, however, Hiller and his family agreed.

“Of course it's exciting,” he said. “We feel very fortunate that she came along. It's great to have [the horses] back.”

After some renovations, Maniglia moved her horses into the barn in April.

Maniglia said many people have asked why she didn’t open her riding school in her hometown, but realistically, she said four or five acres of pasture would have cost millions.

“I'm as close to Wareham as I could get,” she said.

Aside from the fact that this is the first time Equestrian Element had had its own space, the farm offers something that’s hard to find – lots of land.

At East Over, Maniglia’s three horses and her students’ animals have limitless grass and plenty of room to roam.

“All day my horses get to be horses,” she said, looking across the expansive field. Plus, after years of working as a contracted trainer, she said, “All my horses are under one roof. All my students are under one roof.”

Although many of her students are from Plymouth, they have gladly followed Maniglia to Rochester, including Arie Lachance.

Now 14, Lachance began therapeutic horseback riding a few years ago to help with anxiety. She was hooked, got her own horse, Myles, and began training with Maniglia at Mare Willow Farm in Plymouth.

“I’ve really enjoyed riding with Jocelyn,” said Lachance, who admits she practically lives at the barn. The extra space for Myles is a big plus as well.

“It was definitely an upgrade,” she said.

Most of Maniglia’s clients are beginners. They start out learning to brush down the animals and take care of them, something Maniglia said is character building.

“I see the benefit of hard work. Having to care for an animal instills confidence in kids,” she said.

Across the street from the barn, Maniglia’s students learn to ride and maneuver the horses on an obstacle course and trails.

Education is an important part of Maniglia’s school, and she’s active in 4H, which adds an academic element. She said those interested in horses can learn about them without the cost of owning a horse or taking lessons. The program is $25 a year and signup will begin in September.

In addition to kids and teens, Maniglia also welcomes adult clients, usually those seeking a casual riding experience who aren’t interested in competitions or owning their own horse.

No matter what age, Maniglia said she gives her students foundational skills so they can move on to discipline specific programs or so they can simply enjoy a ride on East Over’s field fields and trails.

“That’s what I like to do. I’ve dabbled in everything, but I would just rather trail ride.”

Maniglia is accepting new students. For more information, visit www.equestrianelement.com or contact her at 617-733-0395 or equestrianelement@yahoo.com.