Frequently Asked Questions

About The Farm

Can I visit PES farm

You are welcome to visit us for a tour. Please contact us first so we can choose a time we are available in between lessons and caring for the horses. We don't accept walk ins.

Do you offer trail rides

No, We do not offer trail rides at all. We also don't offer individual lessons for a fun weekend activity for families.

Can I bring my child out for a pony ride?

No. The only way to ride here at PES is to be part of our lessons program. New riders stay on a lunge line or lead line until riding comfortable in an balanced seat.

Who big is PES farms

PES farms itself is 28 acres with access to 12 more acres. We have a 200x100 and 80x40 outdoor arena plus a 60ft round pen

How much weight can a horse carry?

A horse can carry about 20% of its own body weight, provided the rider is well balanced and experienced. We limit our riders to 175 lbs to maintain the health of our school horses.

How does PES differ from other riding programs?

PES differs from other lesson programs in three main ways:

1. We have clear levels and a written curriculum with specific goals and outcomes that our instructors follow so you know what your student is supposed to be learning, and you can see how they are advancing.

2. Most programs sell individual lessons, whereas we only sell our lessons as part of a quarterly session with monthly payments. We do this so that students are able to learn horse handling and riding skills in a consistent and productive environment.

3. Our working students program is dedicated to teaching horsemanship & stablemanagment skills so that students get a well-rounded education and are able to safely handle and care for horses in addition to riding.

About Our Lessons

Do you offer individual one time lesson?

No, we only offer private and individual lessons as part of our one quarter long sessions.

I have riding experience, what will I do during my assessment lesson?

During your assessment lesson, the instructor will evaluate your mounting, posture, confidence, and technique to understand your current skill level. This helps them determine the appropriate riding group for you and identify the first area for improvement. The focus is on ensuring your safety and accurately assessing your abilities.

I have no experience, what will I do during my assessment lesson?

During your assessment lesson, you'll have a short lunge line session to assess your balance, coordination, and comfort on the horse. Afterward, we'll ask you some questions and discuss your goals. We also answer any questions you may have. If you're interested, we'll offer you lessons and find a spot in our program.

Beginner Rider - How will my Lessons start look at Pony Gang?

At Pony Gang, as a Beginner rider your lessons will start with our Rider’s Basic Boot Camp, where you'll learn the essentials in a 4-week course (1 lesson a week). You'll begin with horse safety, grooming, and tacking up, followed by correct mounting and dismounting. This program is designed to build your confidence and provide a solid foundation before moving on to regular lessons.

Beginner Rider - What happens when I finished the Boot Camp?

You will join our regular lessons program. The first riding lessons here will usually Lunge Line lessons. The horse goes on the lunge line (long leash) in a circle around the riding instructor starting in a walk (slowest gait) and from there move up in the gaits. This way the Instructor can control the horse at any time while you as the rider can focus on yourself, your seat and your balance on the horse.

Who helps me with the horse during my first lesson?

Beginner riders - you will go through a boot camp where you learn how to get your horse ready yourself.

Riders with experience - one of our team members will show you where you can find everything. During your Assessment lesson you had to show that you can perform all tasks needed to get your horse ready for your lesson. So our trainers will meet you at the arena.

Where do I learn everything "about the horse"?

We have an online Pony Gang Channel with an educational section. Here you will find everything you need to know about horses.

How often should a Beginner Rider take lessons?

You should go at least once a week to riding lessons. But: The more lessons you take per Week the better. Then your progress is bigger and faster. Because the saying “Riding is only learned by riding!” applies, so we recommend a minimum of 2 weekly lessons.

Do I ride alone or with others?

At the beginning if you are a Beginner rider you will have private lessons on the lunge line. Once you have the basics down and you can walk/trot on your own, you will switch into a small beginner group. But we always try that there are other beginner riders having a lunge line lesson at the same time, so that you can socialize.

Riders with experience will also be having private lessons in the beginning till we get you know your riding better and see with what group we can match you.

How long does a lesson take?

In the beginning, if you are still learning the basics, it will be approximately a 25-30 minute private lesson on horseback (one-on-one). In a group lesson, it will be a 45-60min lesson on horseback (2-4 riders). But you also need to plan around 15-40 minutes for getting your horses tack out, catching your horse, grooming, tacking up and after your lesson for untacking and putting your horse back up into the pasture.

Do I have to share my horse with someone during my lesson?

In general, each student is riding one our school horses during their lesson. You are not sharing a horse during your lesson.

What is better: private or group lessons?

For beginners, individual lessons on the lunge line make sense, then you switch to a beginner group with a few riders. Depending on the progress then follows the change into a more advanced group. Of course you can also permanently or again in between take One-on-one lessons, because one achieves the greatest learning successes with it.

About Our Horses & Ponies

Are the horses/ponies good for beginners? What about advanced riders?

We have a wonderful group of horses and ponies for all ages and experience levels and will pair you with a horse/pony that suits your needs.

Can I choose which horse/pony I get to ride?

Horses are chosen by our instructors based on the experience, height and weight of the rider and also horse temperament and availability. You are welcome to chat with your instructor about which horses you’d like to ride but ultimately, the decision is up to them.

Can I ride the same horse/pony every lesson?

On the beginning you will be riding the same horse in your lessons. When you are advancing you will be riding different horses. We care about your education as a rider and learning how to ride on different horses is very important!

When will my child change horses/ponies?

The horse or pony a student rides depends on their level and abilities. As a student’s abilities increase, we will change the horse that they ride. It’s important that students be matched to an appropriate horse so that they are safe and not “over mounted.” As the student progresses, they will change horses. This change will present them with new challenges and new learning opportunities.

Do we have to purchase a horse/pony?

No. Purchasing a horse is a personal choice that the rider and their family should discuss when the time comes. At some point in a student’s riding career, it’s nice to have their own horse. Lesson horses can be dull and unresponsive. However, horses and ponies can be leased. If a student continues riding at PES and wishes not to purchase or lease a horse, there are options to help the student to continue to progress. However, if a student wishes to compete for and pursue year-end awards, they’ll need to lease a horse or pony.