Pony Pros Testimonials

Training/Sales:

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

"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.

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: