Training

Photo Credit: Carol Rae Hansen, 2008 All rights reserved

Pony walking

Photo Credit: Carol Rae Hansen, 2008 All rights reserved

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Prancing Ponies
Barn in Winter

OUR METHOD AND FACILITIES

Our premium is on SAFETY! To that end, we ask ALL riders and volunteers working around horses and ponies to wear helmets that meet SEI and ASTM standards. Moreover, unlike most other programs, we provide body protectors for riders that meet the higher European and U.S. standards. (We also lend, where necessary, boots, jodphurs /breeches, and show clothes).

Our facilities are extensive. ETA added three new barns in 2006, and built a complete climate-controlled therapy suite in the main barn. It features a classroom, exercise room, reception area, and office. Our main barn (where grooming and tacking takes place) was constructed in l996-97, complete with telephone, automatic fire alarms, heated tack room, air conditioning and refrigerator. Our large grass arena is enclosed with HPT four rail safety fence (horses bounce off it if they come in contact!), and includes dressage letters and ample schooling jumps. An all-weather exercise track (130’ x 80’) is available when the grass footing is marginal, while initial instruction, vaulting and games are conducted in a blue-stone ring (40’ x 65’). A soft-surface dressage arena (20 x 40m) with lights was installed in 2000.

We teach forward or balanced seat, and we utilize classical music and multi-stimuli instruction. We are proud to have English saddles that are scaled to fit each rider, from a 12” saddle for the smallest rider to an 18” for a mature man. Each is fitted with grab straps and safety stirrups. ETA also offers instruction in Western riding with saddles appropriate for children and adults.

Riders with balance issues can be stabilized with waist belts, sticky materials on their legs and Velcro leg attachments. Three different types of mounting blocks, up to four feet high, enable even those with compromised balance to mount safely!

Director's Husband
Photo Credit: Carol Rae Hansen,
2008 All rights reserved

Assistant
Photo Credit: Carol Rae Hansen,
2008 All rights reserved

Students

Photo Credit: Susan O'Connell, 2008 All rights reserved

Photo Credit: Susan O'Connell, 2008 All rights reserved

Photo Credit: Alicia Agnew, 2003 All rights reserved
Photo Credit: Carol Rae Hansen, 2014 All rights reserved

05072018