Dustin has been at GRS for years and teaches all levels of riders- he can plod along and teach you how to trot, but he has also taken so many riders to their first shows and taught them cross country (his favorite part). He loves treats and attention and despite his age of 22, he shows no sign of slowing down!

She is a sweet old mare who has touched the lives of many including my own by riding her for 2 years straight to get my confidence back.

This pony has helped many young riders learn how to post and gallop through a cross country course. Puts up with anything, and is deserves some recognition.

Tye has been a huge part of teaching so many children to become strong riders. He is a very kind and understanding pony, who was and continues to help people through their riding journey.

He has been a school horse for 10+ always takes care of the kids and is just the sweetest! *horse on the right of photo*

I am nominating Tye because he has been here for as long as I can remember. He has taught so many people to love horses. He is the kind of horse that you’ll never forget, and the heart of the Guilford Riding School.

This pony has been an amazing pony to Jill’s barn. He was my first canter and jump and has helped so many people progress. He is a old pony but a perfect tie

Artie is a wonderful school pony who can do it all! He takes care of the tiny beginners learning the basics and doing lead line at shows, to our small but more advanced riders packing around a 2’ course. Artie is the best little guy to learn as he is the most patient boy. He lets kids learn how to pull his mane, build confidence walking around in the fields, and taking them to their first shows. He has a special place in my heart, as he served as a transition horse after my longtime partner retired.

Artie is a rock star from beginner lessons to jumping around courses with more advanced riders. He teaches the ropes and builds confidence for all riders.

Lego is the perfect school horse. He is only five yet is patient and forgiving. He works hard and tries to please. He is brave and loves to fly over jumps! He is a barn favorite and everyone including the trainers think he is the best baby thoroughbred that there ever was. He takes care of me, loves snuggles and treats and is like a puppy dog. He is personality plus!

Cash is an incredibly patient, kind horse who takes wonderful care of riders of all ages, sizes, and abilities. He’s always willing, always gentle, and genuinely happy to go to work. With his steady nature and love for his job, Cash makes every ride a positive, confidence-building experience for our students at Herbst Arabians.

Our barn family would like to nominate Echo for school horse of the year. Echo is 31 years young and still happily totes our beginner riders around the ring. Echo retired some years ago from a successful show jumping and eventing career bringing his beginner rider up levels, to a fox hunting and guided trails career as a lease horse. After many years in that job, he then joined our lesson program where he still continues to show locally, teach lessons 3-4 days per week and participates in pony club. Echo is a barn favorite because of his steadfast, can do attitude. Best of all, Echo does this on little maintenance required for his age (but gets all the therapy love he wants because he has earned it) . Echo greets his students in the field and loves his job. Please consider this faithful friend for the life long service he has provided to countless riders across decades! Not many horses can boast over 25 years of continuous service to our sport and still going at 31. Thank you

He has always taken good care of me when I ride. Always made me work for it without getting too mad when I didn’t get it right away. Made me feel special-love him!

Hershey is the most handsome Appaloosa horse. He is versatile and honest. He can pack around an advanced beginner or give an advanced rider a lovely lesson. Who doesn’t love a blanket Appaloosa!

Q has taught every rider in my barn. From 4 years old to 65 years old. And then on top of all of that has been circuit WEF champion for 2 years in the itty bitty jumpers. Heart of gold and 22 years old!

My name is Morgan Dunbar and im nominating Everyone loves leo AKA leo. For years leo has been one of the top most favorite horses to kids at many different farms, and generations of riders. Leo has taught dead beginners to 2’6 riders. Leo was originally rescued by dawn fieschel, after leo lived with no so nice owners. Leo for the next 10 years has been dawns core lesson horse. Dawn had countless offers for leo, but dawn saw that leo was not just a ordinary and replaceable horse. Leo was something special, he knew when a young kid or dead beginner was in the tack. He didnt just pack them around prefectly, he took care of them. He knew to go slow, he knew when a kid was slowly bouching off. Leo knew his job, and he knows it well even after years. The best thing leo teachs is what trust with a horse means, Why bonding with a horse is more important then just riding it. Of course now at the amazing age of 36, still healthy and going strong!! Leo does little leadline kids from now and then and thrives off of the love and peppermints we give him. I can’t say enough amazing words about this horse. Everyone truly loves leo!!

Miles helped me relearn how to ride after I had a major accident at the age of 38. He is patient and kind and he knows I needed help. I would cry even just trying to get on. Now we are cantering over fences. He showed me why I love this sport but most importantly why I love horses again!

Nova has come a long way. He came to J&M very aggressive, resource gaurding, biting, bucking when you saddled. To now being in 4- h and used for lesson with individuals with special needs.

Pal is an amazing teacher for me as an adult learner. He has the knowledge and confidence to allow for mistakes and make me feel safe, but those same characteristics ensure I work for results in the saddle and on the ground. He is teaching me a lot about partnership and the reward is worth the effort. I look forward to learning from him every time we’re together!

Pal is an exceptional lesson horse. Over the years, Pal has quietly and consistently shaped his students into braver, more confident riders, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to ride him. Pal teaches his riders not by making everything easy, but by helping them grow. He develops confidence on the flat and accountability over fences, shaping his riders who carry his lessons with them. For his years of dedication to his job, his loyalty, and the countless riders he has helped believe in themselves, Pal is truly deserving of this recognition.

I’d like to nominate Pokey as the chosen lesson horse. Pokey is in his 40s (yes, forty-something and fabulous) and has spent decades patiently teaching countless kids how to ride, balance, and maybe even remember which way is left. He’s basically a four-legged professor with a mane.
Even now, in his well-earned golden years, Pokey still perks up knowing he gets to teach “his kids” one day a week. He shows up, does his job with quiet pride, and proves that experience beats speed every time. He’s gentle, reliable, and has probably heard every beginner excuse in the book—and forgiven them all.
Pokey isn’t just a lesson horse; he’s a legend, a teacher, and a very good boy who absolutely deserves this honor (and maybe an extra treat). 🥕✨

My name is Junito, and I would like to nominate a very special school horse named Patty, whose full name is Paddington. I have the privilege of riding him in my lesson program, and he has played a huge role in helping me grow as both a rider and a person.

When I first started the sport of show jumping, I was excited but also very nervous because everything was new to me. Patty was calm, gentle, and patient from the beginning. He helped me feel safe and comfortable while I was learning, and because of him I was able to build my skills and confidence little by little.

Patty has the kindest heart and always takes great care of his riders. When I make mistakes or feel scared, he stays steady and helps me try again. He has taught me how to focus, stay calm, and not give up. Because of him, I have grown emotionally and learned to believe in myself.

I have also learned responsibility through caring for Patty, brushing him, getting him ready for lessons, and spending time with him before and after I ride. He is always gentle and trusting, and you can tell he truly enjoys helping kids learn.

Patty is the kind of school horse that every riding program needs. He is dependable, kind, and perfect for developing riders’ skills while making them feel safe and confident. I am so grateful for everything he has taught me and for the strong bond we share.

Thank you so much for honoring school horses like Patty who help riders grow and make such a big difference in lesson programs. He truly deserves to be recognized for his kindness and dedication.

Sincerely,
Junito

Belle always gives her 100% with everything and she’s a good pony!

I am nominating Harry because he is a great horse that will help build your confidence when you lost yours. I have learned so much from riding Harry and he helped me when I lost my confidence of riding

He has been with the program for over 6 years now and has taught everything from tiny kids to walk all the way up to taken me around a rated beginner novice event show. He truly is the best and most versatile horse in the barn and has a cute mustache on top of it all!

Harry is the BEST and most reliable lesson horse. He is 21 years old and is such a good boy. He has carried almost all of the beginners in the KH Eventing barn and he is just a bomb proof horse who is worth his weight in gold

Harry is the sweetest lesson horse who got me back into riding after multiple years off. He is the exact description of what a lesson horse should be and takes care of anyone who has the honor to sit on his back.

Though I firmly believe that the relationship between horse and human extends far beyond the saddle, I do genuinely enjoy riding. With both a visual and hearing impairment, combined with a decade-long battle with anxiety, a unicorn would be a more accurate description of my perfect mount.

Enter MacDaddy — affectionately known as Mac — a plain bay, 14.3-hand gelding with a larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart. From the moment he arrived at Kilkern Farm in Millis, Massachusetts in May 2023, Mac quietly began proving that unicorns do, in fact, exist. As a school horse, Mac has fulfilled this role countless times. He offers consistency without dullness, kindness without weakness, and patience without expectation. He has an innate ability to meet his rider exactly where they are — physically, mentally, and emotionally — whether that means carrying a nervous rider through a tough course, lending confidence to someone finding their balance, or simply being steady when the world feels loud and overwhelming.

When Mac first arrived, my biggest fear wasn’t whether he’d be good enough, it was getting too attached. Years of uncertainty had trained me to brace for loss, constantly worrying about what might happen in the next six months instead of allowing myself to enjoy the present moment. Nearly three years later, Mac is still here. In that time, he has taught me that partnership doesn’t have to come with an expiration date. I am incredibly grateful to watch him offer the same quiet confidence, reliability, and heart to countless kiddos at Kilkern as my lease has now expired.

Mac may be a school horse by title, but in practice, he is a teacher, a therapist, a confidence-builder, and — without question — a true unicorn.

Comet is the true definition of a once-in-a-lifetime lesson horse. Patient, kind, and endlessly dependable, he is the horse everyone can count on and the standard by which all others are measured. Over the years, Comet has taught countless riders not only how to ride, but how to truly be horsemen and horsewomen—instilling confidence, responsibility, and respect for the animal beneath them. He will stand stoic for hours on the cross-ties while students learn to groom, tack, and care for him, never rushing, never complaining, always steady. He knows his job, has the best brain, and shows up every single day ready to give his all. Add in the fact that he’s incredibly handsome, and it’s no surprise that he’s our go-to guy who never disappoints. We love him dearly, and there is no horse more deserving of Lesson Horse of the Year than Comet.

Comet is the true definition of a once-in-a-lifetime lesson horse. Patient, kind, and endlessly dependable, he is the horse everyone can count on and the standard by which all others are measured. Over the years, Comet has taught countless riders not only how to ride, but how to truly be horsemen and horsewomen—instilling confidence, responsibility, and respect for the animal beneath them. He will stand stoic for hours on the cross-ties while students learn to groom, tack, and care for him, never rushing, never complaining, always steady. He knows his job, has the best brain, and shows up every single day ready to give his all. Add in the fact that he’s incredibly handsome, and it’s no surprise that he’s our go-to guy who never disappoints. We love him dearly, and there is no horse more deserving of Lesson Horse of the Year than Comet.

Comet is such a calm horse. He is great with new riders. He allows for the kids in the riding program to really learn caring for a horse and learning how to ride.

I have worked with may horses over the years and also volunteer at a therapeutic riding center. The patience that comet shows with children running around him, learning to groom properly and simply knowing when they aren’t sound in their seat makes him the most amazing school horse. His kind eyes, gentle spirit and special “love” mark make him the kind of school horse that every riding program wants. He was the first horse to teach my daughter how to ride and to him I am forever grateful.

Commnader is a gentle calm and very patient horse that has been working with and training countless people over the years

Saint Commander. He’s taking care of so many beginner riders over his career. My nine-year-old daughter has been riding him this winter. Snow and ice was sliding off the arena roof and this horse did not put a foot out of place. He’s just a big sweet boy with a heart of gold. He’s one in 1 million and we are so grateful for him.

Pros Commander has taught countless girls how to walk, trot, canter, and his specialty, jump crossrails. He is so patient and kind. Even when he’s off, he is so polite about communicating what’s going on. My daughter has had the privilege of jumping with him last year and again this year. We feel so lucky to have him as a partner. Everyone loves him, and he seems to love everyone, from the littlest little to the teenagers. As he is retiring later this year, this is the perfect year to honor him.

I’ve had commander for 6 years and he just so special. I run a busy business and lend him to our school program for all the kids and adults ammys to ride. I have fostered so many lovely friendships because of this special guy, teaching all levels of riders. Hes funny and dependable, truly a saint of a horse. Hes funny wins over anyone that meets him, hes a barn favorite. I love sharing him with all the kids and hearing updates about their time with him.

Commander is worth his weight in gold. He brought my daughter confidence she lost and took her to the moon. I hardly have words for the respect and love I feel for this horse and this lesson program.

Pros Commander is the consummate teacher of the next generation of horse people. He is kind, gentle and sweet on the ground, and the perfect partner under saddle. He has taught so many people how to ride. He especially excels at adjusting his own demeanor to help his rider get the most out of their lessons. He now lives at Oak Meadow, and is a well loved and integral part of the Lighthouse Hill lesson program. Commander will 23 years old this year and has been teaching kids for as long as I can remember.

Rimfire joined the LHS lesson program November of 2025 after winning 2 back to back grand national wins at The Morgan Grand National horse show. He has been a horse that children look forward to having the opportunity to ride. He teaches them to be brave and trust his energy. Rimfire takes very special care of each one of his riders while still giving them the thrill of riding a Saddleseat Morgan show horse. He has taken many young riders to their first trips to the winners circle. Not only is Rimfire a proud lesson horse, he is also the star in the children’s book “Rimfire” written by Ellen Feld. Rimfire is a true example of a Morgan, he gives all his riders a piece of his heart and a memory that will last a lifetime.

Chubbs is an elderly half-blind haflinger who has the patience of a saint. He is a long time member of a therapeutic riding program. Chubbs is the go to for clients with severe disabilities. He works with both children and adults. Chubbs wouldn’t win any races and only has two speeds- zero and one. But he is Mr. Reliable and that’s what counts.

Cricket is the pony of all ponies. He is known around Long Island as Jenn's unicorn. He runs (and wins) gymkhanas, competes like the Welsh he is, any English event, and consistently brings home blue ribbons all day at our Western shows. He knows when he has newbies and tiny ones on him, but also lets kids grow up on him - giving them the experiences to become better riders. He is patient while being brushed and led, and lets kids learn all the basics of grooming, tacking, and horse care while standing like a gentleman. He is everyone's favorite and no one wants to ever outgrow his 12ish hands. At the ripe age of 20, buddy pick up is the only thing that Cricket has decided he doesn't want to do anymore, but name anything else and he is game!! Cricket is a gift to so many horse kids on Long Island and we are thankful to Jenn for sharing him with us.

Aruba is a 20 year-old warm blood who is capable of teaching all levels from beginner walk trot to 3 foot over fences. She has safely introduced hundreds of riders to both the showing and the trail. She can leave a 3 foot jumper course and enter the cross rail division without missing a beat. She’s wonderful on the trail and never misses the opportunity to accept a treat.

There aren't enough nice things i can say about Flash. He truly is an all around gelding. He not only has helped our lesson program tremendously but also goes to special olympics every year to participate there. Last year when bakas equestrian center was short a few horses, Flash stepped right up. He had never seen a barrel or a trail course, but he didnt bat an eye and guided his riders. Thats the kinda horse Flash is. Hes also done IEA and IHSA and is a known favorite.

Allie was born and raised on our farm and has been part of our family from the very beginning. She had a successful show career and, in her retirement, has taken on an equally important role teaching young riders. Her patience and steady nature have helped many children gain confidence and develop a love for riding.

Allie is a true gentle giant and a barn favorite. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body and meets everyone with kindness. As her breeders and her only owners, we’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into the wonderful mare she is today. We also proudly owned and showed her dam, which makes Allie’s story even more special to us.

Now in her senior years, Allie requires daily Prascend and Equioxx to stay comfortable and happy. This award would help us continue providing the care she needs and deserves. She has given so much to our family and our riders, and we are grateful for every year with her.

Blue is 25 and has brought many kids through the level of eventing until he sustained what we thought to be a career ending injury. After years of just hacking he is at his strongest now teach all levels and ages. He teaches as young as 3 and as old as 77 keeping all of his riders safe both in and out of the ring. He teaches the very basics all the way to taking students fox hunting for their first time. He truly is one of a kind and just simply deserves the award!

He is the perfect babysitter who loves his job and can accommodate multiple levels of riders from kids pony rides to beach fox hunts to husband horse

Bluey is calm and patient. He can take a beginner to the beach, fox hunt, trail ride—and in the ring he makes every rider feel like they are doing great and making progress. Everyone wants to ride him!

Honestly, I’m not sure how to make this one story short. After 7 years on the track, 107 races, and a race career ending injury finally retired in 2019. I restarted him early 2020 for the RRP, however I had to lease him out due to moving. We ended up going to the Mega Makeover in 2021 as his lease ended early. He then went on three different leases from November of 2021 to August of 2024, two out of the three was sent home early from, the last lease saying he was “unridable.” I spent the winter of 2024 rehabbing him and for 2025 he happily showed in two show series and was champion in both the XRail Hunter and Beginner Eq. His riders were also Champion and Reserve TIP High Point riders and he was series TIP High Point Horse. After being sent home a total of 3 times and rehabbed 4 times, he has spent the past year doing lead line to the 2’ hunters, giving kids confidence and and experience he has as a lesson horse.

AJ is one very special horse at the MSU program. He is always game for anything. He jumps and also chases cows for classes! During IHSA practice he is used in both english and western disciplines and he’s always a star! He’s a big goofy guy who is scared of the corner of the arena (haha) but as a team we love him for always being there.

I’m nominating twizzler because he is the best all around horse. He is amazing with the kids, in every way. He lets them dress him up in brightly colored saddle pads and he lets me dress him in all sorts of Christmas decor for the holidays. He is an angel on the ground and the best horse to learn on. He teaches you what it’s like to love someone so much and teaches you patience in getting him to trot. He is such a reliable and steady horse who’s got the best heart, and that’s why I’m nominating him.

Twizzler is a senior near 30 who has a heart of gold & carried many a new, little & scared rider on their journey into the horse world & still going strong.

I’m nominating Bijou because she is absolutely beautiful dark Bay school pony that my daughter fell in love with and took to her first rated horse show. She is a perfect girl and the best school pony around!

Charlie is a trained professional school horse he can take a new rider or and experienced one around any course. He will make you use your leg but he also will teach you how to ask for a lead change too. He is all about the treats. He gave my daughter a bond with a horse that when she gets to ride him she is the happiest. He was her lease horse for shows for 2 years and they have a special bond becuase of it. She just loves him and he is tall dark and handsome. He is an OTTB so this is second career. He is also very tolerant of our costume ideas

My daughter took lessons at a barn and she was too scared to get off of lead line for over a year. Within two weeks of working with Phil and Shawna, she was a confident beginner rider. A year later, this past Summer, she competed in her first Gymkhana series with her heart horse, Phil and they ribboned in many contests. But the main reason Phil should win is because of his love of his kids. He is strong, but caring and he knows his girls and shows his love for them.

Toby is an amazing pony. He’s somewhere over 32 years old and still happily teaching the tiniest kids the love of riding. While he is kind and patient with the young riders he can also be spirited and sassy with the older kids that can ride! He still has so much spunk and the best personality you could ask of a pony. He puts up with so many of our shenanigans and has been the cornerstone of my program. Starting almost every rider in my program.

Toby has taught almost all of our beginners from leadline to cross rails.He is the most tolerant pony ever!Such a well behaved boy especially at Halloween time.

Toby has taught almost every student in our program, he tolerates all the Halloween shenanigans,scared beginners, and has packed so many children over their first jumps.He is everyone’s favorite first pony!

Toby is the most incredible lesson pony, he has done it all! Trail rides, jumping, western, you name it! He is so good with little kids and is up for any task!

We are nominating Toby the pony as an excellent lesson horse because he has been a patient, steady, and confidence-building partner for our daughter. Toby’s calm temperament and willingness to teach have helped her grow not only in riding skills but also in responsibility, trust, and perseverance. He provides a safe and supportive learning environment, allowing riders to develop proper technique while feeling encouraged and secure. Toby’s gentle nature and reliability make him an exceptional teacher and a truly special part of her riding journey.

Scoot has tought his riders so much! He is a diabetic and that has added even more education to his riders. He is a great pony who won grand champion at the ‘25 Saratoga white hollow show with his 8 year old rider!! And not to mention his rockstar hair!

Monty has been my favorite for years! Hes the perfect mix of school horse and heart. Ive learned a lot of important lessons on him!

Monty is my absolute favorite horse I've ever trained with. Hes a solid citizen that still makes you earn your success, but he has literally saved my life by compensating for mistakes I've made. Everyone should be so blessed to work with a guy like Monty!

He’s a barn favorite!

He’s a good horse with manners and a good temper plus he’s cute

Ginger is just the best therapeutic lesson horse. She is patient and protective with our younger or less experienced riders, and responsive with our older ones. When used for ground lessons, Ginger can pick out the person who needs her the most. She is partnered with people of all ages and abilities and is definitely a barn favorite. I just love her because although she is big, she is gentle, sweet and sets our participants up for success.

Stryder is a lesson horse for neurodivergent children, veterans with debilitating PTSD , beginner senior citizens and all levels of students in the program. He is gentle reliable and incredibly intuitive. He has calmed a terrified veteran by putting his head against his back until the veteran calmed. He has been an amazing irreplaceable partner in our adaptive riding program and is loved by all who meet him.

Prince is one of the best horses ever. My daughter loves him so much. He is so patient and kind with her and lessons with him have helped her so much.

Fred is calm , smart, and eases any new rider’s nerves. His personality is patient kind and confident.

Fred is the absolute consummate school horse. He is over 30 years old and has taught hundreds upon hundreds of kids the WTC and Xrail jobs. He is everyone's step up pony from the up downs, and always keeps his riders safe. He is kind and infinitely patient and loving, never a mean bone in his body. My daughter took him to Sussex one year to show, and they brought home a Reserve Champion ribbon. "Show Fred" never misses a lead, will correct your distance if need be, and is always brave to every jump. And he keeps every child safe while he's doing it. My daughter owns her own horse now, but Fred is always number one in my heart, and the hearts of so many others.

Casper has been my friends horse since she was three. I don’t think Norah would be the rider she is today if she hadn’t been with Casper since the beginning. She is so connected with him and I can tell they both love each other to pieces. I’ve only ridden Casper once, because I’m too big for him now, but I can tell what a soft heart he has. My sister has been riding in lessons and even learning to jump on him! He is the perfect pony for kids to start on! After he had a terrible leg injury a few years ago, he has been back and at it with more enthusiasm than ever! I just love Casper!

Casper is the professional kids pony who overcame an injury that should have ended his riding career, but he carries on as the BEST “learn to canter pony” I’ve ever known.

Glory is one of the best school horses out there! She is so well trained and patient. She’s one of the quickest learners I’ve ever seen! Besides being gorgeous, Glory has incredible talent in liberty. She provides perfect energy for students to learn on, including me! Glory has been to a bunch of shows and has performed outstanding in all of them! Glory is just the greatest horse to learn on!

I’ve already submitted a form for Miles. I found this much better picture than what I submitted before. I just thought you would love this one!

Miles is the perfect school horse out there. He calm, gentle, and well rounded. He has transitions as smooth as butter and he is so responsive, but not too responsive that he anticipates what you ask. Be is so fun to ride at shows, and always looks to please his rider. Kim has owned him for 20+ years and you can see that by how well and thoroughly trained he is. I’ve never meet a horse and their owner who deserves this more!

I’d like to nominate Miles.

I’m an adult lesson student, and confidence can be a struggle for me at times. Whenever I feel like I need to get back on track, I always want a lesson with Miles. He’s like the professor of the barn. He just knows what you need.

Miles is incredibly consistent and steady, with a real heart of gold. He gives riders confidence through his reliability and quiet way of going. He’s an amazing lesson horse and I’m so grateful for the way he takes care of his riders.

miles has been the best school horse for 10 years. hes been the sweetest, and taken care of everyone that’s sat on his back. he’s really my moms heart horse, but he also loves teaching lessons with her

Miles is a 26 year old “professor” still teaching beginner through advanced lessons, helping with both technical skills and confidence.

Esther has been an amazing resource to many riders in my program wanting to make a step up from your average old man School master to a more competitive responsive horse. She has always maintained a positive attitude even when Riders are making mistakes, never holds a grudge, and is always willing to try again and give you the best of her heart every single time. From a junior Rider moving up from an IEA program, to an adult coming out of her Junior years needing to brush up before going to college, and even rebuilding a 10-year-old's confidence when a lease Pony repetitively bucked him off. This horse is the reason I began to love mares again. And she is part of the reason that I am the professional I am today.

Albert—known in the show ring as On My Honor—is the definition of the perfect school horse. He is the kindest, most honest partner a rider could ask for, and his quiet, smooth way of going makes him ideal for learning to canter and jump with confidence. Albert has a rare gift: he makes riders feel safe while still teaching them how to truly ride. He patiently builds their skills without ever making them feel overwhelmed, and every rider who swings a leg over him comes away braver and more capable than before.

What makes Albert truly special is that he is not just a teacher—he is also a proven winner. He still does lead changes and remains competitive in the show ring, having earned year-end awards with multiple riders over the past several seasons. This combination of reliability and talent is what sets him apart: he can bring along beginners while still helping riders succeed at shows.

Beyond his ability, Albert is simply beautiful inside and out. His rich chestnut coat and striking stripe make him impossible to miss, and his perfect manners make him impossible not to love. He adores attention, happily soaking up cuddles and affection, and returns that love with endless patience and generosity.

Most importantly, Albert gives riders confidence. He makes them feel like they can do anything, and that feeling stays with them long after the ride is over. It’s no surprise that everyone in the barn fights over riding him in lessons—because Albert isn’t just a school horse, he is a confidence builder, a champion, and a true once-in-a-lifetime partner.

Abbey is such a sweet 26 yr old paint mare and has endeavored a whole bunch of kiddie camps. From being painted on, to helping kids who might be scared to ride, to being a little kids first horse to ride. I remember my first time one her and it is a memory I will always remember. She is the best lesson pony there's got to be.

Abbey is one of the best of the best at our farm. She has taught 100’s of kids the patience and the skill you need to ride a horse. I’m nominating her because i remember the first time riding abbey and i knew that this sport was for me for sure

Hobby came into our lives as a barrel horse and quickly would up being a favorite. After his barrel racing career ended and he had taught my children to ride he has gone on to work in programs teaching hundreds of other kids how to ride. Hobby is one in a million he could go from winning a rodeo to taking a kid through their first short stirrup course. At 24 he spends most of his time teaching the youngest most timid riders. He has participated in all levels of IEA and is the IEA king in region 6 zone 1

He taught me how to jump and truly would not be where I am in this sport without him from bringing me around my first show cantering then jumping course and winning me my first blue ribbon my puppy dog pony forever grateful he is in my life even though I have my own horse now

Lolita is the perfect school horse. She wears a halo. Never puts a foot wrong. Even with a week off she can come out and babysit a little or jump a 2ft course adult

Lyla was rescued in 2020 , she was a failed brood mare,
Rising Starr rescued and trained her, lyla is an amazing partner. She not only is a cross rails champion at Gladstone, does IEA and therapeutic riding. Her love kindness and compassion for humans is something she shares daily.

Jackie is being nominated in honor of her unwavering kindness, patience, and steady presence as a school horse. She plays a crucial role in developing our riders’ skills and confidence, always putting her riders first and teaching invaluable lessons in balance, trust, and partnership. She helps riders learn the basics and build confidence in a safe, positive way. As a true foundation of our riding program, Jackie embodies the heart and purpose of school horses everywhere!

I am nominating Adore Me aka Dora. Dora is literally the definition of a unicorn. She is the best school horse ever and I mean that. She has been apart of the team for a long time and has always been there for everyone even through rough times. She is pretty perfect but does have a silly personality which makes her even better. Dora is a medium gray pony who does the walk trot all the way through middle school cross rails for IEA. When my pony was hurt in 2020 I was upset that I was going to miss the opportunity to go to Hits Vermont for my first time ever. Only two weeks before the show we decided Dora would be the perfect fit. Although I was nervous because I had not ridden her for a while she stepped up and went to a horseshow she has never been to with a kid she isn’t used to, a kid that isn’t used to her and we shined. We got champion and reserve and she was so perfect. That shows you what good of a girl she is. Dora is the best school horse ever and I think pretty much every person at my barn would think the same.

Dora is a 13.1 through 13.2 hand pony. She is a gray Welsh mare. Dora is very special to me. She was one of my very first rides with this barn. She has taught me so many great things like going from the walk trot canter to jumping cross rails. she was one of my very first lease horses so she has taught me many ownership skills and how to care for your horse correctly. Riding wise she’s taught me so much correcting me when I’m in the wrong but doing it in that gentle kind of way that gets through to you. I’ve leased her for six months in 2023 and when my lease was up, she set me up for my next pony, but that next pony got hurt in the start of Show season and I want to Show and Dora was there to help me fulfill those dreams. She took me to winner circle many times placing on top every single time this pony is never let me down. She has a very near and dear spot in my heart, and I will take every chance I can to ride or even just help tack up this pony. If you have ever gotten the chance to ride or even take care of this pony, you are the luckiest person in the world because this pony is a pony of a lifetime. Dora be great to be nominated because there are so many kids that I know that she has taught how to just go from walking, never even sitting on a horse to jumping 2 foot. Thanks for taking ur knowledge and making me the rider i am today Dora
By: Nikki DiMucci

I have been riding Olaf for years and he has always been my favorite on ground, to ride, and his favorite, to show. He is always amazing and he is 100% good boy.

Texas is a super star small pony. My son Asher is learning to ride with him, especially specially since I watched Texas teach Madison Kaplan how to do so many of her “firsts”. Asher got to go to the Hampton Classic with Texas and the smiles he brings to Asher’s face are truly priceless.

My 5 year old grandson’s favorite pony ! He was privileged to have ridden Texas at the Hampton Classic in the summer of 2025!

my first ever pony to take me around a real course and short stirrup

A Gentle Giant for an Middle-aged baby (i mean beginner). When i first decided to try horse lessons, it was to feel my long ignored body again. Between decades of work then kids — i wanted to find a gentle way back to myself. Seeing and standing next to any horse, never mind one the size of Baloo, was brand new for me - but as my instructor said “i’d put a newborn baby on this horse” and up i went. Despite mentally trusting him — my body was terrified of all of it: heights, power, movement. My instructor was intuitive and thoughtful “if you even lower your gaze, he’ll feel that and stop.” He did just that, and in that moment I realized how subtle our connection to ourselves and others should be — but how much push and effort we’ve become accustomed to in our relationships. What a gift this giant healer is. Im so grateful to have met him in his loving home at Sea Star Stable. Baloo forever xoxo

Baloo is the sweetest gentle giant. He’s a 16.3hh tb x clyde. He’s such a great ride and is so fun to jump, flat, or just bareback on!! He’s the best boy ever and my best horse friend.

Bing is a superstar teacher and "best pony" to his riders of all ages. He is highly regarded for his smooth, steady gaits, his willing, calm nature (with certain opinions about more cookies), and for instilling confidence that brings out big smiles! Bing adores the praise and smooches when riders feel secure and successful, be it with their first canter, jump, local show, 2-phase, Pony Club session, or natural horsemanship class. At age 25, Bing continues to love his job. He recently added a USDF Century Club ride to his credit. It was easy to see how proud he was to do it, giving his senior partner a positive and rewarding experience. The smiles on both were the ultimate win! ♡

Bing is the lesson pony at the barn everyone has ridden. In his younger years you could see him taking riders into the dressage and jumping ring. After a ligament injury and months of stall rest we thought he was heading into retirement. During rehab Bing showed that he was not ready to be done. Now as an upper 20 year old horse he is still teaching lessons daily from first time riders up to people who have been riding for over 50 years. He’s known around the barn as the pony who’s favorite thing to do is canter.

Gus is the sweetest boy and is willing to go to the moon and back for his riders. Any challenge or obstacle you throw his way will always result in him trying his best!

This horse does it all, he has a heart of gold that every student that rides him falls in love with. He has done the walk trot all the way up through the 3’3” with our riders. His specialty though is his head hugs, at the end of your ride he will rest his forehead against your chest and let you snuggle. The very best of the best and at 24 years old will still proudly free jump himself around a course of jumps to let us know he’s still got it. We love you Judicial!

Fred is the best boy. He’s fun to ride, takes care of his rider, but still makes you ride. He’s the sweetest boy and loves his cookies. He’s always my first pick for lessons. He’s definitely a barn favorite. I love him.