PonyPros News

PonyPros at Parelli!

May 24th, 2010
Yesterday the PonyPros had the amazing opportunity to perform in front of the entire crowd at the Parelli Tour stop in Redmond! Pat and Linda were so impressed with girls that they donated several thousand dollars in equipment and scholarships for Les and Kali!

We're elated but exhausted! Kali wrote a summary with photos and there should be video on our blog later this week! If you don't want to have to check back, just sign up for our free newsletter.

Thank you to Pat, Linda and everyone else at Parelli for this amazing opportunity!

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!

- Kali and Les

At PonyPros, we teach kids to be Horse Whisperers!

Looking for natural horsemanship for kids? Here we are! We teach kids all about pony training using natural horsemanship and positive reinforcement methods. Through our lesson program, camps, clinics, books, dvds, and ponies for sale, our goal is to help kids live the"Misty of Chincoteague" dream!

Would you like to come visit us? Use the form below!

I would like to come learn with the PonyPros!

is and my is I would like to :

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!

Kali and Sam Kali and Sam Kali and Sam

Sam shown playing with Kali a year and a half after his rescue. Click to enlarge photos.

The Pony Games Book

Fun, creative, and educational games for kids and ponies!

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?

No problem! Click here for information on our beginner lesson programs.

State of the Art Education

Bailey and Donielle 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.

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Why the Emphasis on Horse Communication and Psychology?

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!

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