Pony Farm Lesson Program

Fall, Winter and Spring “Have fun learning to ride”

See the events calendar for the complete schedule for coming season.

We truly have something for everyone in our Pony Farm Lesson Program, offered on weekdays throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring in ten session series.

Kids and adults alike have a ‘home away from home’ at Pony Farm ... and no, we do not just have ponies! We have a full range of horses and ponies to suit all sizes, ages and experience levels. Call 603-654-6308 to speak to our Program Director Sarah Dalley and let us find just the right class, instructor and horse for you!

“Peanuts on Ponies”

A pony experience for children three to six. A perfect first lesson situation, chock full of fun, creative activities with themes such as Circus Day, Easter Egg Hunt, Trick or Treat, Jungle Cruise, Cowboy-Cowgirl Day, Indian Day, Treasure and Scavenger Hunts. Mom and dad learn along with the Peanut, and everyone has a great time while staying safe and learning right.

Getting Started

Join us for small group classes arranged by age groups to begin to learn to ride. Group lessons range from one to two hours in length, including grooming, tacking and un-tacking. A perfect introduction!

"The Bug Has Bitten"

Your child is an official horse lover, and is becoming proficient in many areas and is eager to ride independently and even start to jump fences on good, safe lesson horses.

“Your Child Is Hooked”

Your child is hooked, and getting pretty darn good! Two hour group lessons and one hour semi-private lessons available. Opportunities are also available for this level of students for assistant teaching, training and conditioning horses, helping with barn chores; all great experience for a future career in the equine industry.

“I Want to Ride Too but I’m Over 18!”

We do indeed offer adult lessons! We offer time slots on weekday mornings and evenings, as well as Saturdays. We do our best to group riders of similar interests together to help keep the cost down for everyone. Contact us today to find just the right spot for you. Bring your friends and spouses too!

For more information on lessons, please contact Sarah Dalley, Lesson Program Director: 603-654-6308.

Details:

Absences: Lessons will be held rain or shine with appropriate indoor riding and/or unmounted lessons. If we do cancel a lesson due to inclement weather, we will schedule a make up class at the end of the session. If you are unable to attend a lesson we will do our best to reschedule but cannot guarantee it. Please tell your instructor if you will be absent from your lesson, this will avoid having the class wait for you.

Farm Office: The farm office is open from 10:00 to 4:00 weekdays at 603-654-6308. Please feel free to call during this time to discuss your lesson, schedule, progress, or any other concerns you may have. We are happy to chat with you.

Equipment: All students are required to wear an ASTM approved hard hat. We ask that all our riders purchase their own hard hats, however, we will provide a helmet for the littlest riders' first lesson. We ask students to wear comfortably fitting jeans or slacks, and sturdy shoes or boots with a heel. Riding boots and breeches/jodhpurs are optional but preferred. Your instructor can answer any questions you may have, and direct you to tack shops in the area where there are discounts available for Pony Farm students.

*Please dress appropriately for the weather since most of our activity is outside.

All of the instruction at Pony Farm is based on sound principals derived from five major sources. Learn our relationship to each:

Certified Horsemanship Association

CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) is a national, non-profit organization designed to promote safe, fun skill development for group riding programs such as camps, schools and guest ranches. Pony Farm uses its level system of skill building as the basis for our lesson levels. (CHA Lessons)
Many of the farm instructors are CHA certified, with our founder being at Master level. Visit the CHA website for more information.

United States Pony Club

This nationally recognized organization is designed for riders under the age of 18 who own their own horse. Rating levels and skill mastery are carefully detailed for both riding and horsemanship. Many of our instructors have come up through the ranks of Pony Club and are superb teachers and horse people as a result. Visit the United States Pony Club website for more information.

Centered Riding

This nationally recognized organization is designed to promote balance and relaxation while reducing anxiety and fear for both horse and rider. Based on the teaching principals of Sally Swift, internationally respected teacher, many methods of yoga, meditation and tai chi are used to empower riders to ride with lightness, joy and soft energy. Many Centered Riding clinics have been held at Pony Farm. Most of our instructors are well versed in the techniques and several are working toward higher levels of certification. Visit the Centered Riding website for more information.

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA)

This nationally recognized organization sets the program standards and instructor certification proficiencies for farms that serve individuals with challenges. Many of the Pony Farm instructors are dually certified by NARHA and CHA, assuring an added layer of experience and judgment. Visit the NARHA website for more information.

Dressage

This nationally recognized organization is designed to help riders and teachers to more skillfully train horses to become lighter, more balanced and in greater harmony with their riders. Visit the Dressage website for more information.