Pony Pros Testimonials
Training/Sales:
"I really had a nice time with you and enjoyed watching your riders. They are so cute. I hope to come back down next summer. And thank you again for your wonderful insights regarding Jazz and Copper. I am using the clicker method at times and Copper has not completely stopped scowling when approached in her stall, but getting better. Have a great winter." -T.T.
Video of B free moving
"Thank you for today! I loved seeing you interact with B, and he's a better boy for it. We made it home, with good weather, dry roads and no wind. B went in our round pen for his first few minutes. Then I took him to the arena, walked him around, let him go, he wandered around, then had a little grooming with the grandchildren and into his room. All very calm and quiet. He's perfect.
Thanks again, and be very proud of the work you do! You contribute to the well being of the ponies, and help them become good family members. It's a blessing."
Video of Evan learning dressage in-hand
"We went to the barn today and cleaned and played. It was great! Evan was very quiet and did everything so well for Francesca. Andy walked Charlie around and over jumps in the covered arena.
On Sunday, the whole family was there and it was windy so we did not do so much - but Gregg wanted to know if on Saturday - instead of Francesca having a riding lesson - you would take Gregg and I with the 2 guys and train us!
This pony thing is really fun for the WHOLE family!"
Video of Domenico free moving
"A and her husband D were here this morning. They both liked Domenico very much and were already talking about his barn name. Very nice people.
I had forgotten how much I love "selling" a pony. It has been too long. Thank you so much for putting this sale together!"
Video of Billy free moving
"We got in at 3am to Sacramento! Billy is working out beautifully. J loves him and is riding him independently in our arena. Our trainer thinks he will be a great fit and knows and likes several ponies in his pedigree. Thanks for all your help!"
Video of Marley free jumping
"Marley is cute and acts like he has been here forever - all horses get along well and I thank you so much for selling him to me! I can tell he was treated well by you and it shows."
Video of Dusty being ridden
"Dusty made it home safe and sound, although it was a long drive for the poor guy. But he is adjusting well, and maybe tomorrow he will get to meet some new friends. I will send you some pics when the wind stops howling and it warms up."
Video of Maddie and Peanut playing clicker games
"Maddie told me that Peanut "gives me courage and confidence, and tells me that I am smart". What a beautiful match for two smart souls. I cannot thank you enough!"
- "Thank you so much for the pictures! What a great job you have done with her! She looks happy, healthy, and loved! We could not ask for more for the horses that have come through our facility. We really enjoyed looking through the pictures-thanks again!"
- "Maddie says "YES YES YES" to the possibility of meeting Bonfyre tonight. We thank you so much for helping us realize Maddie's dream. We spent five hours at the High Desert Classic Saturday. I am forever indebted. Thanks for inspiring my girls."
- "I just wanted to let you know the girls are doing great. They have such great attitudes here with all of us! I wish they had been here for our Christmas family picture :)"
- "I brushed out Allie today and she was so happy to see me - we are going to play tomorrow! Al, Roscoe, and Zack look fat and happy!"
Lessons:
I have to tell you that Kali, Les, and their games for kids have done wonders for our granddaughters' confidence and riding ability. Kali started working with our older granddaughter when she was about 11 and Anna gained so much confidence that she now, at 15, has her own pony to train and feels so good about doing it. She is also a very good rider. Kali and Les started our youngest grandaughter on her pony at 3 yrs old with simple games in the corral. It was no time at all before Linnaea was off the lead line and playing 'Simon Says' and other games on her pony. I can't say enough about their ability to make riding fun for kids - and that's what it's all about.
Karen
Grand Oaks Welsh
Bend, OR
"Oh Kali, once again, you have brought tears to my eyes with your intelligent and articulate nature and your understanding and love for my daughter. I am filled with gratitude for you and Les on so many levels: your deep understanding of and love for Maddie and Zoey, the amazing role models you are for my daughters, the memorable events you have arranged and they have participated in, your photographic genius. For the millionth time, I so appreciate your deep understanding of Maddie and Zoey." - J.B.
"Bella's last week lesson was awesome; I didn't get a chance to talk with you. She looked really confident riding alone. So glad we found you." - M.W. "I really like how the instructor has the horse on a lunge line and is in control of the horse. This really lets a beginner rider focus just on what they are doing and not trying to learn something new while controlling the horse at the same time." - M.
"Mini-Camp was awesome!! So much fun for Emma and all the kids....I love you guys!" - P.E.
Chloe's 12th Birthday is on Wednesday and I know there's nothing she would rather do then be with you and the horses. I'm very grateful for all you do for Chloe. - Virginia McCutcheon
Video of Anndi doing seatwork on the Lunge
Our eleven year old daughter has been taking riding lessons from Kali for only about six months now, but has shown remarkable progress. We believe it is because of Kali's expert knowledge and hard work. She is dedicated, reliable, and ready to give 110 percent. We recommend her without reservation.
Curt and Donna A.
Bend, Oregon
Video of Francesca and Molly practicing trick training
Living in Bend gives you plenty of exposure to "Horse People." Fortunately for our Family, Kali & Les came into ours lives at a perfect time. I was biten by the horse bug at age 5 and my daughter, Francesca, now 7 was also biten at age 5! Francesca is a very petite young lady with perfection at her core. We coul not be HAPPIER with the patience and care both Les and Kali give her when working with horses and ponies. Kali's presents is calm and peaceful. That fits perfectly with Francesca's sweet, quite nature. The confidence that Kali has pulled out of my daughter is amazing! The most amazing gift these two amazing people bring to the table is kindness! They teach basic horse training in a Parelli style that always makes the horse or the rider feel important and enriched. It was about 9 years since I was around horses, Kali and Les created an atomsphere that made me feel just a little rusted, and not forgotten. They both made me comfortable and excited to be back in the saddle. As we all want to surround ourselves with positive people - Our entire family has benefitted from having Les and Kali in our lives.
Susie and Greg R.
Bend, OR
Video of Lia's first day working on the sitting trot
My 10 year old daughter, Lia, is in love with horses. So- when we moved to Bend 4 months ago- we were lucky to find Kali and Les. Kali and Les are extraordinarily dedicated to horses. They volunteer a tremendous amount of their time at the Equine Outreach Center to help the horses and the other volunteers. Les- dedicated a lot of his time to helping us learn the basics of clicker training and understanding horse personalities. They make themselves available to all so that the horses and the volunteers are comfortable with each other. They do it with care and with an extreme amount of knowledge. As a teacher, Kali is patient, fun and great for my daughter. I would highly recommend Kali as an instructor.
Dayna T.,
Bend, Oregon
Video of Merritt learning how to post the trot
Kali is an excellent instructor and I can highly recommend Pony Pros. My 9 year old daughter had never taken riding lesson before but was eager to learn. Kali has done an excellent job of teaching her everything from the basics of horse care to riding and training techniques. She has learned so much in such a short time and I am extremely pleased. I especially appreciate the one on one time that my daughter receives from Kali. She makes learning fun and safe and provides excellent ponies each lesson. If you are interested in learning about horses from a knowledgeable, professional and caring instructor, I would definitely call Pony Pros.
Michelle B.,
Bend, OR
Video of Faith and her new pony, Glory
I have known Kali Vanagas for almost 2 years and in that time, she has proven to be a competent, generous and kind horse trainer. When I realized she also helps match kids with the perfect pony, I didn’t know we’d have an opportunity to use her in that capacity, since my daughter already had her pony. Sadly, a freak accident late last year caused my 8 year old daughter to lose her horse to a broken leg. She was heartbroken.
When Kali found out about our beloved Sparkle, she gave us time to heal and then let us know that when we were ready, she’d help us find the “perfect pony”. After a few weeks, Faith decided that even though she loved Sparkle deeply and missed her constantly, she also loved riding and being around safe, gentle equines. I told Kali and the search began.
Kali sent us emails and notices of ponies she thought might be a good match for Faith. She talked to owners and asked the questions I hadn’t even thought to ask. She tested a pony that I found, riding her in the round pen as we did, but also venturing farther out to the arena, where it was clear the pony was not a good choice. We feel like we dodged a bullet by having Kali there to ride the pony.
When a Welsh Pony breeder that Kali knows through shows advertised a mare for sale, Kali said it would be a good one to check out, just based on the ponies she has seen this breeder produce. Her thoughts were based on the ponies from this breeder that were sound, gentle, and had overall great dispositions that leant themselves to being excellent children’s mounts.
I immediately emailed the breeder and that pony had sold quickly, but she was contemplating selling one of her other mares, and would I be interested in her? Of course we were, and Kali was with us the whole way. Again, she contacted the owner and asked questions and found out all the necessary information we would need to make a decision.
At length, Kali and I, along with my supportive husband, Adam, made the decision to buy “Whiskey” from the breeder, sight unseen, except for photographs, based on Kali’s knowledge of the breed, this owner and relatives of this mare that she has not only seen, but ridden. Not only that, but Kali rode along in the truck with me, in absolutely hideous weather conditions, to pick up this mare. The trip took more than 5 hours…in each direction!
In the end, we have the “perfect pony” and I can honestly say; it is all because of Kali Vanagas. I will hire Kali again, if and when we need a pony for my son. Kali now gives Faith lessons on our little Welsh pony, renamed “Glory”. Kali goes far beyond what most people would consider reasonable, to find a pony that will suit the family, and especially the lucky child to whom the pony will belong.
Our Glory is a lovely gem, and we are thankful for her every day. And that’s also just how we feel about Kali.
Lisa B.
Bend, OR
Amee Finigan of Santa Rosa, CA is the proud new owner of Buster, renamed, Rajah! Amee bought Rajah site-unseen. Here is what Amee said about her purchasing experience with Pony Pros:
After five years of being without a horse of my own, I contacted Kali in search of my dream pony. I have been in contact and known Kali now for five months. Kali not only gave me invaluable tips on natural horsemanship and clicker training, she also guided me on my way to becoming a new horse owner. She was both professional and also undoubtedly cared most about finding the right match between me and my potential pony. Kali and Les drove nine hours to bring me my new horse, Rajah and were so accommodating and willing to answer all my questions and concerns! They even spent their time giving me a training session with Rajah. Kali and Les are beyond knowledgeable and experienced horse people, especially for being in their twenties, and I would feel 100% comfortable recommending their time and services to anyone!
Thanks so much for everything!
-Amee F.
Click here to see the video that made Amee fall in love with Rajah.
Videos:
"Thank you for your ideas, as it isn't always easy to teach your children and I don't want them to learn "conventional" ways, so they go to a natural horsemanship instructor, but she is only available once a month. They are both beginners and at his point really aren't off the lead rein much, so clicker helps them do "stuff" with their horses without it just being about learning to canter!I find it difficult to teach my own kids... and having a traditional background (I was taught by a very traditional dressage teacher, who was great, but very, very traditional) I don't always know where to start. Your games will help and I will get the dvd as well.
Thank you so much for helping me in my quest! Your ideas are fantastic, I now just need to come up with some plans to go with, as otherwise it all gets a little pearshaped when we get there if I have no plans.
My Year resolution is to get my rides riding independently and get them to teach their horses a few tricks... i find that they enjoy the clicker as they love interacting with their horses." - D.M.
"Just wanted to let you know how much I love your work. I watch the video of Whiskey's first clicker session over and over. How beautifully you display AND explain the wonderfully functional and fun principles of clicker training. Thank you so much for posting your work!
Regards,
A.M."
"I love the approach you have and have been watching for some time for lots of ideas:) I can't tell you how fun your approach is and it really makes sense the teaching methods used...Thank you so much for introducing this type of natural horsemanship to me. My kids and I will have much more fun with this!!!"
"I just watched your initiator video. My New Year's resolution is to teach all 3 ponies that idea! And my granddaughter, little Zoe, too. Maybe she will teach it to generations to come! Thanks!" - T.W.
"Everything you do seems so fun :) really great work and the girls are so cute :) you ride without a bit?? thats good :)"
"Wow very good video and very effective training... I got my first horse so I am still learning the correct procedures and methods for caring for him... I'll check out your other videos I hope you have more like this :-)"
"I only talk a bit english, i hope it's not too bad, then you can understand me :P I watches your vids and i really like them and your way working with horses!"
"This is realy good cklickertraining :) Just started to train my horses with clicker, it is soo fun :)"
"Aww everything about this is adorable!"
"What a great video!!! I LOVE IT! :)"
"Your free-jumping is so amazing! my horse is very pushy and rushes, so i need to try this with her :)"
"Very great training methods."
"Aww, lush horse!! Quite willing to jump! Bless."
"Wow finally something that will tell people to treat their ponies RIGHT! Thanks for sharing :D"
"You did a beautiful job, not only with both horse and dog, but also with the narration of this video! Keep them coming!"
"Wow, that little girl is really cute with her pony! Are they only trained without bits?!?"
"Aww so cute!!! I just love that pony! Keep up the awesome job!"
"New Year's Resolution - Relax with my man and watch Pony Pros videos so he understands why we do what we do, lol!"
"I love your videos! make more!"
"Beautiful video."
"The girl was really sweet and got it well, and the pony was very honest and well behaved :D"
"Moi bien, thanks Kali and Les for the beautiful videos."
"Very good! You seem very talented and gentle, more green horses needs trainers like you :)"
"Great work! So nice to see some discussion of the fact that ponies are (usually!) not deliberately 'bad' - they respond to their environment as its presented to them. Gee, hjave a kid who isn't balanced, and hits you in the mouth over every jump? Perhaps its time to start balking at the jumps. Does your kid fall back and hit you in the mouth every time they kick you to go (and then smack you with a crop)? Maybe a little crow hop is in order... Thanks, clicker kids, for being smarter."
"What a beautiful horse. Great way to train him!!!"
"Good stuff. We do this in our village normally before even putting on the saddle the first time. Sometimes I do it after he's had it on (depends on how he feels and looks to me). If he looks too prancy or nervous etc, I do the usual stuff and get the saddle on first. Then he is normally more calm and I lay on him. We also sit bareback before sitting in the saddle. When starting, I think an emergency dismount is quicker and easier bareback than with a saddle. I enjoyed the vid, congrats!"
"Lovely, this is how all children should learn to be with ponies and horses!"
"Great video, nice to see people who love horses all around the world."
"OMG soooo cute!! LOVE IT!!!"
"I learned of you by searching something on the internet, got sent to youtube... Don't know exactly how I saw your work, but I am so glad I did.
"Aww Jazi is adorable! and what a good pony (:"
"Beautiful! Joyous! Things like this make me so happy - I am so glad for the horse!"
"Just want to say how much I learned from watching your youtube videos! I ordered and recently received your book. Thank you so much."
"Very nice! I love the way the dog watches the horse and then has a go himself. Clicker trained animals are so creative!"
"Very nice. Great to see it taught this way so the horse enjoys the process and doesn't get stressed and tense like you so often see."
"Nice methods :)"
"Your video really made me smile, you guys all have wonderful energy about you. You're an inspiration and demonstrate well the rewards of working with animals in a positive way :-)"
"This is soo cute!!! :D"
"It's cool that you let the little kids help with training, they are doing such a great job! Keep up the great work! :O)"
"hi i just wanted to say u guys are an inspiration with horses!..i hope to one day be as good with horses as you and all my other mentors in natural horsemanship:)"
"Well done to these ponies and children!"
"Bareback and Bitless best way to ride!! and what a talented little rider! ponies are very bumpy in a trot she did very well!"
"Very fun video - and you speak so well! You did a great job of articulating what is going on with the animals. I clicker train my big horse and it's a lot of fun, and I also train both of my cats together, but I've never worked with two species at the same time. What fun! Again, very nicely done!"
"love this advice...I will try it on my 3 year old colt next..."
"That's a nice way to train a horse :)"
"I wish we did stuff like this a pony club instead of dressage!!"
"Looking great! I love how relaxed and calm he looks for his first time being ridden."
"I WANNA COME TO YOUR FOR WORK EXPERIEENNCCEEEEE...but i live in england."
"great!..ur amazing with horses. im working to one day be as good as u and all my other mentors"
"i liked this way u have calmed your pony down. he's happy, so good luck and keep it up!"
"I love your videos it really helped me understand natural horsemanship."
"wow it is amazing that you taught her all this at such a young age!! Penny is such an adorable smart little pony!! :D"
"Brilliant! Some really great ideas. I love your approach :)"
"As always, a brilliant video. All your lessons are filled with sound and accurate information. Thanx for posting:)"
"awwwwwwww horse and human have a great bond!"
"Thank you! I've been waiting for another video from you. I absolutely love your videos."
"Great explanations! Good inspiration for my 10 year old son, who just got his first horse-friend!"
"wow i could train any horse or pony as well as Maddie can. i mean she did every thing HER SELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! which is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"This is AWESOME! Adorable pony, and a very talented young trainer!"
"WOW I WORKED WITH THIS FREE-JUMPING TECHNIQUE ON MY HORSE TODAY... SHE DID awesome, THANKS FOR POSTING THIS :)"
"Cinnamon laying down is sooooo cute!!!!! xx"
"Very helpful Spanish Walk video! Thanks."
"This has got to be just the best site ever. Thank you for sending out a generation of people who will change things for so many horses, well really all living things for it is the respect for them that you are instilling in these young people. Thank-you again and please never stop. Hope to make it down there one day to meet all of you in person:)"
"Fabulous!! Thanks so much! I LOVE the way she chases the target. Good job!!! You're an inspiration!" - Lyndsey
"The mini's face says it all...having so much, engaged in the learning process :-)"
"Penny is a little doll ! great training :o)"
"thanks for posting this! what a great learning tool!"
"awesome! Caron looks like a great little pony!"
"look at how calm he is! I love it..great job. It is refreshing to watch your training methods. =)"
"what a great vid! congrats to zoey and wally. shame i'm all the way over in australia!"
"Great video with lots of training ideas! Well done, fantastic :o)"
"Very interesting! I love watching how you guys do things over there. :]"
"Im amazed that Maddie and Peanut achieved that much in nine months! Well done guys! =D"
"Sam's tricks are so Amazing! Kali did a REALLY brilliant job with him! :)"
"Thats Amazing! Molly is so smart! Great Job! :)"
"Fantastic job! You set a very high standard for the rest of us! I hope me and my pony can do even half as good as you two did.. lol =)"
"Such a lovely vid - congrats maddie and peanut! really nice to see natural horsemanship used so effectively."
"aww bless so adorable xx!"
"Very very cute, beautiful work with an adorable little miniature."
"This gave me a standard for my young horse for trail riding! I'm going to get started doing leg and arm 'work' while she's standing then walking in an arena, then on trails!"
"Aghhh, child and pony = the sweetest thiiing :')"
"Wow! I have to try the Spanish Walk! You explained it so well and your horse is adorable!! :)"
"great video. I appreciate informative videos like this. I also really like the fact that you used a beginning horse. It shows a much clearer idea of what to expect."
"That free-jumping is AMAZING. I wish my horse would do that!"
"thank you for this. it was very helpful."
"love your tips and horses!"
"you are a good trainer =)"
"Excellent !! great to see this behaviour being taught 'without' the unneeded force... nice :o)"
"What an awesome go. I wish we lived closer so we could meet and play with our horse together."
From watching your videos, I appreciated so much what you shared about reading equine body language. I came into horses late in life, and most of my desire was to overcome a childood event that left me scared of horses. I have learned that education replaces the fear, and I learned a lot from you. That said, I would so appreciate if your next book would be about sharing your knowledge on that subject. I love what you have to say, the way you share it, and how easily it seems for you to articulate your thoughts.
So, as a somewhat senior newbie to horses, (I am 50 yrs old) I want to let you know I am grateful for what you have shared, and would soooo look forward to anything else you choose to share! - Thanks! - J.T."
I've been so impressed by your online videos of lessons/training and by your website. - F.P.
LOVE your website! I am planning to use your materials to teach a horsemanship class to eighth graders using my Fjord horses. I am a Parelli student and therapeutic riding instructor pursuing certification in equine assisted psychotherapy. I think that you are doing amazing work by teaching newcomers to view the horse with patience, kindness and consistency. I am sure that those lessons will stay with them for a very long time.
Wish that you were closer! - K.B.
I came across your YouTube videos and I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you have impressed I was....I normally never write people....but I was that blown away. What you are able to accomplish with those ponies and with such young riders is amazing, truly. I have been riding and teaching for many years now...though I'm only 28....and it takes a lot of leave an impression on me. I really have never seen a treat reward training being used for horse/pony before...but it definitely seems to be effective.
Thanks for your videos...keep 'em coming! - A.R.
Your videos are so amazing!!!! Don't stop posting them!! Wow. - M.W.
Thanks for what you do, and know that for every person that you inspire, many horses reap the benefit! (I'm going off to the barn with my dog's clicker in hand and we're going to play with my 3-year-old filly's feet...thanks to you!) - C.F.
I'm very impressed with your interpretation of horse body language and expression, as well as your ability to teach. The four videos on horse facial expressions are just brilliant. I'd like to talk to you a little more, if you wouldn't mind responding and have time. - N.R.
Thank you a billion times for what you emailed me. You are in inspiration and I can see your love of horses in all your videos (I've just been watching as many as I can find on YouTube). Your methods make so much sense. I hope I haven't scared you away with my enthusiasm! - Sheryl
Thanks so much for your videos. I'm so impressed. I love the no violence methods you use and use my own style of it with our horses.
I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge of gentle horse training methods on YouTube. Your work is an inspiration to me. Thanks very much for sharing.
I love your videos! - C.S.
Hi, I think your training vids are great! - Eva
Pony Games Book
Just wanted to let you know how incredible your Pony Games Book is. It is a wonderful compilation of your years of experience and knowledge of natural horsemanship. The layout is friendly, clear and concise. The instructions are simple yet very effective. The "Why This Game?" section is very helpful for maintaining the focus of the particular game. The games are engaging and fun to play and bring laughter and a lightheartedness to horsemanship. - K.W.Kali, great book!!! I can think of at least three people who could really use it. Well done! Wish my riding instructor 30+ years ago had your outlook and ideas. - C.M.
Your book is great! - D.B.
Buying a copy for my nieces, it is GREAT! - G.K.
Thanks Kali, this will come in useful!! Good Job! - C.
This book would be wonderful for anyone teaching kids. I also believe it works better for parents teaching their own children, I don't know about you, but my own kids just tuned me out when I tried to teach them :-) - K.R.
It looks great...I am impressed with all your hard work. Thank you for sharing!! - D.
"I have subscribed and LOVE everyone of your horse(pony) training videos! You are really remarkable with your calm attitude and relaxed techniques. I especially enjoyed your explanation of the difference between cues and commands. I will be trying all your techniques! Thanks for taking the time to post and explain things!! Kudos to you and all your hard work! :)"
"You guys have the most cute ponies ever"
Articles
"That was an awesome dissertation on clicker training, Kali. I feel like I was there, and this shows excellent feel for the horse! M.R.""I read your article on eHow about how to prevent your pony from becoming naughty. If only I'd read it last year, as it's exactly what happened with the pony we bought in September for our 8 year old daughter! The pony--Polly, who looks almost exactly like the palomino in the picture and is 10 years old with loads of experience--started out with little things like putting her head down, then escalated to running out, dropping a shoulder and stopping, etc.
We decided to take a break over the winter a nasty accident that happened during a lesson. I was already doing Parelli with the pony and we'd decided over the winter that my daughter would start playing the games with her to build their relationship. Polly's always been perfect on the ground, totally safe for her to handle, and still is, and she's been very good for her so far online.
I do wish we were near your facility as I'm not happy with the instructors I found, who wanted her to "shorten up the reins" and "kick, kick, kick!" We're in Surrey, England (moved from NY last year) so I'm now looking around for a more natural teacher as although I ride myself I have no business teaching anyone else to do it.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for posting the article and compiling all the useful videos on your site. I signed up to learn when your videos come out.
Please keep up the good work!
J.L."
Demos
"I was very educated and engaged at your demonstration at FSS last night. The recap was masterful and even though I was there, it helped me have a deeper understanding of what I was seeing and not seeing. You also have a lovely way of not only respecting the horse but also communicating respect for the human...a wonderful combination...because as we all know, it's also about the human! - L.N.""Great job Kali & Les. Thank you for a very detailed, educational presentation on clicker training. We're looking forward to another approach to better our partnerships with our horses :) L.C."
