Pony Pals

12/25/2024

Warmest wishes from our family to yours this holiday season!! Yearly reminder to spread joy and love for all to see.

11/05/2024

Rollin' into Tuesday with a smile! Hope your day is just as awesome!

04/07/2024

Job Opening: Licensed Horseback Riding Instructor/Substitute**

Location: Pony Pals Riding Academy, Littleton, Massachusetts

Position Type: Part-time (with potential for full-time) and Substitute

Pony Pals Riding Academy, located at Larkspur Farm in Littleton, Massachusetts, is seeking a licensed horseback riding instructor to join our team. We cater to riders of all levels, from beginners to intermediates, encompassing both children and adults. We are also in search of a licensed substitute instructor to provide coverage when needed.

Responsibilities:

- Provide comprehensive horseback riding instruction to students of various skill levels, focusing on safety, proper technique, and enjoyment.
- Conduct group lessons as well as private sessions tailored to individual needs.
- Develop and implement lesson plans that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of our riders.
- Foster a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes growth and confidence.
- Ensure the well-being and care of horses before, during, and after lessons.
- Maintain a clean and organized riding facility.
- Must be ok working with kids as young as 5

Requirements:

- Must hold a valid license as a horseback riding instructor in Massachusetts.
- Prior experience teaching riders of all levels, from beginners to intermediates, is preferred.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively instruct and motivate students.
- Passion for horses and equestrian sports, with a commitment to promoting a love for riding among students.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Willingness to collaborate with colleagues and contribute to the overall success of Pony Pals Riding Academy.

Additional Information:

- Part-time position with the potential for full-time hours based on demand.
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
- Opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative environment with a team dedicated to excellence in equestrian education.

If you are a licensed horseback riding instructor with a passion for teaching and a love for horses, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest in joining the Pony Pals Riding Academy team, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications to [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

02/20/2024

We are so grateful for our amazing lesson horses and ponies. ❤️

Thank your lesson horse

In this industry, we all too often see the average lesson horse viewed as lesser than or below other horses. Yet, they have the hardest job of any horse.

They do not complain when an unbalanced first time rider mounts for their lesson. They are a calming force for the most timid of riders, promising safety and security. They are patient and kind, allowing riders to grow and evolve in a safe space without fear of making mistakes.

They take the brunt of your “bad day” emotions, without complaint, even though the negative emotions should not be taken out on them in the first place. They would have every right to not perform or act out, yet they are gracious enough to be a shoulder to cry on.

They have the remarkable ability to sense your insecurities and needs, and provide you with the exact ride you need for the day. To teach the lessons you need in that moment, lessons you didn’t even know you needed to learn.

Even on the frustrating days, “when the lesson horse isn’t listening,” they don’t take your accusations to heart. They continue on with their masterful plans to instill humility, critical thinking, and grace in their partner - and you will finally understand that they’re always listening, and they’re always right.

And when you finally graduate to your own fancier horse, take a moment to think of all the lesson horses who brought you to this milestone. They gave you the knowledge, ability, and skill to be where you are right now. And they gave you their heart and soul in the process.

So next time you see a lesson horse, thank them. Give them a pat and a peppermint, a warm hug, and a promise to treat them with respect - for they are the backbone of this industry, and the foundation for all future equestrians.

12/17/2023

Love a good Mare!! Even when they are doing their best dragon impressions

The often seen, frequently experienced, but rarely photographed Dragon Mare!
Thank you Sh*teventer!

12/08/2023

Pony Pals Riding Academy - located at Cavallo Equestrian Center in Westford, MA has openings for afternoon lessons on Tuesdays! It is rare for us to have an after school opening, so this is a great opportunity!
Come ride with our wonderful Head Trainer, Katherine Tracey, who provides a kind and positive environment for her riders. At Pony Pals, we offer a holistic lesson approach where all riders learn how to safely take their mount out of the stall, groom, and tack up. We teach a balanced seat lesson, where riders learn how to safely navigate their horses around the arena. Our emphasis is safety first, fun second!

We would love to meet you!
If interested, please email [email protected]

08/10/2023

We are so blessed to have incredible lesson horses and ponies.

BY Maddy Brown One of my biggest frustrations in this industry is the lack of understanding and consideration for the role that lesson horses play. So often, I see riders complaining about lesson horses for a huge variety of reasons: for their perceived lack of quality or value, for having to ride o...

07/11/2023

So much fun at camp!!

07/03/2023

06/21/2023

In dressage, the best riders develop psychological strength as a key ability because it takes a positive attitude, strong will, good work ethic, humbleness, stubbornness and overall horsemanship to succeed. You have to accept that success and failure never last in this sport, so you have to take each in stride and not make too much of a deal out of either—it is just another day at work. In the end, the best riders have this strength and an undying drive to continue because a rider still has to take care of the horses and get back in the saddle tomorrow and the day after that since this is not only a sport, hobby or business, but a lifestyle that lasts a lifetime. - Jan Brink

03/23/2023

What an amazing day. So so blessed to be surrounded by such kind, and talented students and horses!

03/12/2023

Our program could not run without these amazing barn leaders. Wrapping up a full day of wonderful lessons with a great ride together. 

02/25/2023

We are hiring!! Looking for a part time office coordinator with some personal assisting as needed for a busy and growing lesson program. Duties to include:

Scheduling lessons and makeups
Light bookkeeping
Some filing
Invoicing
Maintaining current licenses and various registries
Other tasks upon request

Horse experience required Pay to commensurate with experience-20-25/ per hour. Willing to trade for riding time or pay. Email resume to [email protected]