About Us
Our discipline is called EQxpressionsism - "expressionistic equestrianship" - both because it is about developing two-way communication with the horse through facial expressions, and because it is about horsemanship as an expressionistic artistic practice. EQxpressionism is grounded in authenticity, self-awareness, and lifestyle artisanship.
Video: A Day in the Life of a PonyPro!
Check out videos of PonyPros in action!Paired with ponies who enhance their natural gifts, students develop partnerships that continually exceed expectations for what is possible in a horse/human relationship. In a team-based setting, students trail ride, jump, show, and practice the art of playing with horses at liberty. Click here to find out more about our lesson program!
At PonyPros, we teach kids, and kids at heart, to be EQxpressionists!
Looking for a program that uses gentle methods and lots of fun? Here we are! An EQxpressionist is a horse whisper who is focused on the artistic aspects of horsemanship, rather than work or equestrian sport. We teach students all about pony training using natural horsemanship and positive reinforcement. Through our lesson program, camps, clinics, books, dvds, and ponies for sale, our goal is to help kids, and kids at heart, live the"Misty of Chincoteague" dream!
Contact Us About One-on-One Coaching via Virtual Lessons!
So what is a PonyPro?
- An up and coming young rider who helps bring along ponies for less experienced students. Our students are called PonyPros because we teach them all about pony training! The young PonyPros have a strong understanding of horse behavior and psychology that keeps them safe, plus makes them some of the most talented and progressive youth students in the world!
Sam shown playing with Kali a year and a half after his rescue. Click to enlarge photos.
No problem! Click here for information on our beginner lesson programs.
It's about fun and safety. The vast majority of horseback riding trainers neglect to teach students about horse psychology and communication. This makes lessons frustrating because students don't know why they're doing what they're doing, or why the horse is responding the way he is. Students who don't know how to read a horse's feedback are in danger of frightening or angering their horse.
Trainers often mistakenly presume that people coming for riding lessons naturally understand horse communication and psychology as the trainer does. They forget that students cannot immediately identify and respond appropriately to changes in their horse's behavior. Worse yet, many trainers in competitive programs deliberately misinform students about the horse's emotions. They don't want the student to become afraid, because the horse is afraid, and stop taking lessons or going to shows.
It's never too late to learn! If you're confused by what your horse is trying to tell you, or want to learn about horse behavior before starting riding lessons, join us!
The Pony Games Book
By Kali Vanagas, assisted by Les Freeman
Have fun while learning to ride! The Pony Games Book provides you with games to play to achieve specific horsemanship outcomes, without the monotony of rigorous instruction. Great for trainers, parents, 4-H leaders, and PonyClub instructors alike.
Do you want to learn how to ride a horse?
State of the Art Education
The PonyPros are redefining what it means to be involved in horses by providing students with a foundation in horse psychology and communication that will enable them to excel in any equestrian discipline. PonyPros is not a "riding lesson" program. We empower you by coaching you in horse psychology and communication so that you need fewer traditional lessons. Our program is great for people who keep their horses at home or are just getting involved in horses. Learning about horse behavior can help you pick the right trainer, filter your current trainer's advice, help you find reason in the criticism you received at a clinic, or help you be a self-directed learner. Understanding horse behavior gives you a better chance of being successful at home, at shows, and on the trail. We also give you the skills you need to pick a great horse if you're buying or leasing, or to be safer handling your lesson pony. We make learning how to do anything with a horse easier, faster, and more fun.
Why the Emphasis on Horse Communication and Psychology?
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