Lesson Horse Honor Roll - Past Honorees
2022
Zone 1
Adored by RRA Well A Way Farm of Simsbury, CT
23 year old Welsh cross,13 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermints
Rufas is the barn favorite! He is best known for helping students with their first canter, both on and off the longe line. His canter is as smooth as they come, and he loves doing anything his riders ask. Rufas is sweet, kind, and super adorable. When walking to the ring, his favorite thing to do is stop for a bite of grass. We are so lucky to have Rufas at our farm and love every minute we spend with him. He is deserving of this award and so many others! Thank you, Rufas! Photo provided by Well A Way Farm
Zone 2
Adored by RRA Hunters Ridge of Lockport, NY
30 year old Thoroughbred, 15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Applesauce
If he were a famous person, he would be: Elvis Presley
Elvis has been teaching lessons for 15 years, and this year he celebrated his 30th birthday. He can be very quirky on the ground, sometimes hard to bridle and lead, but he is a gem under saddle! He loves giving longe line lessons so much that his teeth clank and his tongue hangs out because he gets so relaxed! Elvis is also very good at teaching riders to canter, and he loves to jump! PC: Photo provided by Hunters Ridge
Adored by RRA Sweet Release Equestrian Center of Bergen, NY
15 year old Paint, 8 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Sour Patch Kids
If he were a famous person, he would be: Morgan Freeman
If I could clone Jet 100 times, I would. He's sweet, laid back, happy to work, takes care of his rider, and good looking, too! He's the same at shows as at home; we always bring him to IEA and IHSA shows because he handles the environment, never putting a hoof wrong. He'll trail ride, load like a saint, and stand for everything. Jet really doesn't have a single flaw! This guy has a long line of fans and he's taught countless riders--even the barn cat! PC: Jolene Hasseler
Adored by RRA Hunters Ridge of Lockport, NY
34 year old American Quarter Horse,15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermints
Nala is an ex-therapeutic riding horse. She is great at teaching all levels of riders. She loves to teach riders who have never ridden before because of her quiet, easy-going nature, however she has a great flying lead change and a big round jump for those looking for more horse! PC: Tailor Made Photography
Zone 3
Adored by RRA Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center of Rustburg, VA
23 year old Appendix Quarter Horse, 10 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Stud Muffin Cookies
If he were a famous person, he would be: Prince
Prince is a horse who can do no wrong! He is very sweet and friendly and has been teaching riders the basics for many years. Prince greets visitors at the Equestrian Center and will stand for hours getting pats and attention from horse lovers of all ages. Like clockwork, Prince takes his morning nap before teaching lessons in the afternoon. Prince excels at teaching riders how to walk, trot, and canter and taught many riders how to jump before coming to Liberty. We adore Prince and can always count on him to be a good boy! PC: Kimberly Counts
Posh
Adored by RRA Grovespring Farm of Culpeper, VA
29 year old Morgan, 10 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Pretzels
If he were a famous person, he would be: Walter Mattau
Posh knows his job so well he can see a distance from 10 strides away and no matter what his child does he just stays steady. He wears a grumpy face yet is the most tolerant pony. He is stout enough to carry a small adult and quiet enough to teach a child to post. Posh has lots of personality. He like to ride out but must be at the front of the line. He has perfect manners, will stay in a stall with the door open or stand like a statue in the aisle. Not only is he safe, a good teacher, and smooth for bareback, but Posh will also still march around at a show, adjusting his own stride and swapping his leads. Posh is leading his best life living with a retired TB and tolerating his antics while getting heavily groomed and lightly ridden. His best trick is muzzle removal. PC: Hilary Gerhardt
Luke
Adored by RRA Palisades Episcopal School of Charlotte, NC
22 year old Paint, 6 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Bananas or apples
If he were a famous person, he would be: Peyton Manning - super talented but laid back with a good sense of humor
Luke has the most amazing canter ever! Our students say it's like "riding on a cloud." He is the kind on the longe line and also loves to trail ride, take our students over their first jumps, and help them learn to canter. He qualified for the APHA World Show in his younger days and he has seen about all there is to see. Nothing phases this guy! PC: Emily Frye
Beverly's Ruby
Adored by RRA Beverly Equestrian of The Plains, VA
18 year old Welsh cross, 8 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermints
If she were a famous person, she would be: Angelina Jolie- all arounder
Beverly's Ruby is great at working with beginners. She is the perfect size, is voice trained, and will trot in hand for people to learn to post. She has a fantastic tail that has 10 different colors in it. PC: Darrin Mollett
Luck aka Wishes Come True
Adored by RRA Stonehouse Stables of Toano, VA
22 year old Welsh/Quarter Horse cross, 15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Lucky Charms
If he were a famous person, he would be: Steve Martin
Luck has been in our area many years. His little girl named him and learned so much from him. He gave his all and after a colic surgery, she knew he was no longer able to do the large ponies. He became a school horse for another farm and stayed there many years until we were able to purchase him as their program downsized. We have been so very fortunate. He totes the littlest of kids (ages 5 and up) all the way through cross rails. He loves his job and has the sweetest eyes. We would be lost without some "Luck". PC: Sara Alves
Adored by RRA Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center of Rustburg, VA
22 year old Thoroughbred/Warmblood cross, 9 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermints
If he were a famous person, he would be: Morgan Freeman
Solomon is a horse who aims to please! He does a great job teaching students the fundamentals of riding and taught many riders how to jump in his younger days. Solomon's favorite thing to do is look out his stall window at the farm's pond as the sun is setting. He's got a kind heart, but isn't above a little mischief when he opens other horses' stall doors and windows! We adore Solomon and are grateful for the lessons he has taught riders, both on and off his back! PC: Kimberly Counts
Adored by RRA MK Sporthorses of Broad Run, VA
6 year old Thoroughbred, 2 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Ritz crackers
If she were a famous person, she would be: Captain Marvel
Annie teaches beginners and advanced beginners to how to jump. She is quiet enough to jump 3ft at a show, then take a student into a cross rail class. She is sweet as candy and loves kids! Annie is one of our former retired racetrack horses who enjoys her new career as a lesson horse. We want to honor her for her patience and love towards all of the beginner students! PC: Michelle Motyl
Adored by RRA Haverhill Farm of Ashland, VA
21 year old Quarter Horse cross, 12 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermints
If he were a famous person, he would be: Rainn Wilson
Jester is just such a sweet pony! He has taught countless students how to canter and jump, and is also so safe and sweet at the shows. He is best at giving students a confident ride at away shows where riders can be nervous. He is so chill that he has the same attitude away as he does at home! PC: Priceless Photo
Zone 4
Adored by RRA The Stables at Frederica of St. Simons Island, GA
15 year old Paint, 3 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Apples and oranges, and I bow for them!
If she were a famous person, she would be: Cookie Monster
Pocahontas has her own little fan club at The Stables at Frederica. She teaches the littles to post and ask for their first canter transitions, then cleans up a cross rail course with the best of them! Everyone hopes they get to ride Pocahontas on their lesson day. We love our Pocahontas! PC: Allie Zorn
Adored by RRA Driftwood Stable of Hilton Head Island, SC
16 year old Appednix Qurater Horse, 4 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Ginger Snap Cookies
If he were a famous person, he would be: Abraham Lincoln
Smooth Getaway is our BFG (Big Friendly Giant). At 16.3 hands, he is as gentle as he is tall, toting around our smallest of lesson kids with the most care, jumping around courses like a rock star with the IEA team riders, or giving confidence to our adult amateurs who are getting back in the tack; he is a barn favorite. Smoothie lives up to his name, too with the best canter- rhythmical, balanced and of course, smooth! Stoic and kind as well as tall, dark and handsome, Smoothie will steal your heart both in and out of the saddle with his comfy gaits, honest and enthusiastic work ethic, as well as his sweet and funny personality and good looks! PC: Sondra Makowski
Adored by RRA Miami International Riding Club of Miami, FL
18 year old registered Paint (solid), 10+ years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots, but he will eat anything
If he were a famous person, he would be: Tom Hanks - smart, funny, and everyone likes him
Mr. Freckles is the most comfortable horse to sit on! You literally can't tell if he is trotting or cantering as he just floats. He can charm all the new ladies and make them fall in love with him, and because of that, they will love riding. Mr. Freckles is super versatile. He is a great swimmer and loves the trips to the lake. He will stand forever to be groomed or patiently wait while a kid with disabilities mounts. He doesn't mind a screaming toddler either. And if that wasn't enough, he shines at the schooling show jumping shows. Freckles is a true school master! PC: Delfina Raffetti
Adored by RRA Jaid Stables of Canton, GA
12 year old Paint cross, 6+ years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots
Blue is a kind teacher. He has been a great pony for those just learning to trot on the longe line all the way up to those wanting to show in the jumper ring. Blue is definitely a favorite draw at IEA shows and lessons.
PC: Jamie Bice
Adored by RRA Four Gs Equestrian of Delray Beach, FL
21 year old Warmblood, 5 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Soft, small treats like a peppermint
If she were a famous person, she would be: Mother Theresa
Shelly is the kindest horse in the world, and she's even a mare! She stands perfectly still on the ground at all times. Shelly teaches her riders the basics from walk, trot, to jumping around a 2'6" course. She goes more like a jumper with her head higher which make the riders feel very safe. Riders don't need much leg at all, just point and shoot! PC: Ally Mora
Adored by RRA The Stables at Frederica of St. Simons Island, GA
25 year old Quarter Horse, 12 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Oranges
If he were a famous person, he would be: Dr. Stephen Strange (Marvel)
Quincy is everyone's favorite lesson horse! He teaches itty bitty riders to steer and post, and can take our more advanced riders around a cross rail course! Riders learn to pay close attention to their track and steering when riding Quincy; if they aren't careful, they will find themselves in the center of the arena with Quincy nuzzling instructors for treats! PC: Allie Zorn
Adored by RRA Providence Equestrian Center of Bonita Springs, FL
30 year old pony, 19 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Everything sweet!
If she were a famous person, she would be: Wonder Woman!
Mariah, aka My Shooting Star, is innately perceptive to the needs of her student and adjusts accordingly. In addition to her regular lessons, she has worked with autistic, blind, and hospice riders. Slow and steady or quick and handy, Mariah and her students have competed from lead line to pony jumpers and everything in between. She still competes regularly in walk/trot and crossrails classes. Mariah is our beloved super hero! PC: Heather Cassese
Adored by RRA Cavallo Farms of Tallahassee, FL
26 year old pony, 15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Soaked alfalfa cubes
If he were a famous person, he would be: Winnie the Pooh
Petie is our steady Eddie. He has taught countless children from ages 3 and up. He is one that we can safely turn kids loose on. While he no longer canters in lessons, he was a great one to teach a canter on. He is so sweet and friendly to every human and horse. He is everyone’s friend. Photo provided by Amy Center
Adored by RRA Jaid Stables of Canton, GA
11 year old Thoroughbred cross, 4 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots
If she were a famous person, she would be: Taylor Swift
Taylor is the kindest of mares. She teaches longe kids through 2’6" jumping lessons. She loves to horse show and is a favorite at IEA shows. Taylor always tries her best for her riders. She is easy going and happy to do any job you ask her. PC: Jamie Bice
Adored by RRA Cornerstone Farm South of Naples, FL
27 year old Welsh/Arabian cross, 21 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots - but secretly she loves HOT DOGS!!! We never give her them but she obviously has had them in the past!
If she were a famous person, she would be: Betty White - sweet as sugar but strong in character
Penny came to us as a "crazy" pony no one could ride; I took her in as no one wanted her. After a few weeks with soft hands and a new bit, she was teaching tiny tots! Penny builds great confidence in riders at the trot and starts sneaking into the canter to let us know when a child is ready for the next step. She loves to jump and struts her stuff at the horse show. Many year-end awards bear her name! We counted over 35 riders who started their show "career" on Miss Penny, yet she is just as comfortable at a pony fun day having sticky notes all over her to teach the parts of the horse. She is a gem. PC: Leslie Terry
Adored by RRA Four Gs Equestrian of Delray Beach, FL
19 year old Quarter Horse/Halflinger pony, 5 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: He will eat anything!
If he were a famous person, he would be: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Emperor has never pinned his ears, bitten, kicked, or put a hoof wrong towards any human or animal, both in or out of the ring. He is great at teaching riders to steer, trot, canter, and jump up to 2'. Emperor always wears his ears forward and greats you. When walking around, he will try and visit any human on the rail or in the ring. He has no idea what person space means, but in a good way. PC: Ally Mora
Adored by RRA Miami International Riding Club of Miami, FL
25 year old AQHA large pony, 10 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots
If she were a famous person, she would be: Julia Roberts
Lacey is the most versatile mare ever! She shines in the Lead Line and Short Stirrup divisions with the tiny ones in the Hunter ring, she will easily transition to the initial Jumpers being fabulous at 18" and 2', and she is a super star working with riders with disabilities, helping one of our legally blind students safely navigate the ring and even pop over some trot poles. Lacey is loved by all our campers during summer camp. And if that wasn’t enough, she is amazing at trails and even swims at the lake at our annual lake trip to swim with the horses. She is fabulous in group lessons and works well both with kids and adults. PC: Delfina Raffetti
Adored by RRA Driftwood Stable of Hilton Head Island, SC
22 year old Morgan Horse, 7 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: German Horse Muffins
If she were a famous person, she would be: Jacqueline Kennedy
Lady is a jack of all trades, she’s done it all: Hunter/Jumpers, Dressage, Hunter Paces, Western, Trail Rides, and at this stage in her career, Lesson Horse Extraordinaire! Lady is the type of horse that if you can swing a leg over, you can ride her! And she lives up to her name with her classic good looks, smooth and comfortable gaits, and the sweetest personality. Lady knows her job and does it exceedingly well, representing all the best characteristics of a Morgan horse. As our most popular horse, Lady is the “First Lady” of the stable; whether guiding new riders for their first horse experience, teaching students their first canter on the longe line, or carting kids around their first cross rail course, you can count on Lady to be your first choice in the ring and in your heart! PC: Sondra Makowski
Zone 5
Adored by RRA Hathaway Hill of Lebanon, OH
25 year old Quarter Horse, 15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermints
If he were a famous person, he would be: Eeyore
CK is just the best horse ever. He is slow and easy to work with, has such a relaxed personality, and makes the newbies feel safe and comfortable when riding. CK loves his job. I think if CK were just a normal person, he would be a teacher because he helps his kids and doesn't get angry when they make mistakes. He teaches students the basics: how to steer, post, canter, the list goes on and on. He has taught so many kids how to ride and is continuing to help them along their journey in horseback riding. CK is without a doubt, the best horse ever. PC: Hathaway Hill
Adored by RRA Alpine Ridge Farms of Sparta, MI
28 year old Thoroughbred, 20 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Apples
If he were a famous person, he would be: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Valentine is a CANTER horse I purchased off the racetrack when he was six years old. He has excelled in the Hunter ring for many years and has won championships with many students. He was awarded the Good Egg Award last year at the LEHS Finals. Valentine is so patient with new students and, still to this day, loves to jump small fences. He always knows when he is stepping into the show ring and can turn it on. He has always been a barn favorite at Alpine Ridge Farms! PC: Kristine Heard and Jaclyn Alcumbrack
Zone 6
Adored by RRA Phoenix Equestrian Center of Bellevue, NE
21 year old Oldenburg, 10 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Apples
If she were a famous person, she would be: Olivia Newton John
She is the most patient for anybody, slow moving, and only goes as fast as she needs. But she does everything possible for everyone who rides her.
PC: Janine Weatherby
Adored by RRA Turn Crest Stable of Kasson, MN
33 year old Pony of the America's, 25 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Anything but red treats
If he were a famous person, he would be: John Wayne
Over the years, Monty has taught jumping and taken students to shows where he was always a great teacher and won his share of champions. Now he is retired to teaching lead line lessons and walk/trot, but if a special rider needs to learn to canter, Monty is the man for the job! He is always a kind and loving pony to all the kids. PC: Vicki Holst
Zone 7
Adored by RRA Victory Stables of Martindale, TX
22 year old Quarter Horse, 10 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermints
If he were a famous person, he would be: Morgan Freeman
Morgan has done a little bit of everything in his life: lessons, Hunters, Dressage, Eventing, Pony Club, trail riding, and even a little Western at one point. Morgan is one of our most requested lesson horses because of his easy-going temperament and steady pace; we use him to teach our students their first crossrails. Our older students love Morgan because of his slow, smooth gaits while our more experienced riders love Morgan because with a push of a button, he goes from trail horse to fancy! Morgan has been with our program for several years and we are honored to be his forever home. PC: Cory Valenzuela
Motor aka Getyourmotorrunning 
Adored by RRA Bel Canto Farms of Wimberley, TX
19 year old Thoroughbred/American Paint Horse, 10 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermints
Ifshe were a famous person, he would be: Sinatra
Motor has been "Horse of the Show" many times at our Zone 7/Region 3 shows. He is a favorite draw... pretty point n' shoot. Motor is kind to all, and his lower lip hangs link a derp. PC: Suzanne Warmack
Adored by RRA Hill Country Riding Academy of New Braunfels, TX
20 year old Quarter Horse, 16 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots
If he were a famous person, he would be: Eeyore, but Lightning McQueen when jumping!
Peyton is the absolute BEST teacher in the world! He teaches everyone how to canter and can also be trusted to barely "jog" with unstable beginners. He is steady and reliable but absolutely comes to life when he hears the buzzer in the jumper ring. Peyton obliterated the competition at his last "A" show and continues to teach beginner through advanced riders how to ride correctly and WIN! Peyton is the draw of choice for IEA and IHSA horse shows throughout Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. He was the “Over Fences Draw of the Show” at Louisiana State University several times! PC: Jerry Mohme
Adored by RRA Southern Breeze Equestrian Center of Fresno, TX
22 year old Pony of the Americas, 15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Apple flavored horse treats
If he were a famous person, he would be: Michael J. Fox
Thelwell loves to take care of our young riders as well as our riders with a variety of disabilities in our therapeutic riding program. He's so patient and kind. But when you put somebody on him that really knows what they're doing, he snaps his little knees up over a jump and is clearly so proud of himself! Thelwell has been one of the favorites at several IEA shows. He's always sweet and wouldn't harm anybody in any way. He is loved by everyone and has helped countless riders learn the finer points of riding through the years. He's honest, at times comical, and always cute! PC: Cathy Strobel
Adored by RRA Victory Stables of Martindale, TX
29 year old Arabian, 22 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermint candies
If he were a famous person, he would be: Abraham Lincoln
Sammie, aka Mr. Wonderful, has been teaching students how to ride most of his life and he loves his job. He has taken many students from their first ride to first jumps. He has been shown extensively in the Hunter ring, has trail ridden and even been known to partake in a gymkhana or two. Though Sammie is in semi-retirement, he still gives a couple lessons a week to our tiniest riders to help keep him fit and carefully guide them through their first lessons. Sammie is a barn favorite and has encouraged students from all over to follow their passions in riding. PC: Cory Valenzuela
Adored by RRA Bel Canto Farms of Wimberley, TX
17 year old Welsh, 12 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Peppermints
If she were a famous person, she would be: Audrey Hepburn
Belly is always a favorite draw at IEA shows and has been either Horse of the Show or Reserve Horse of the Show several times! PC: Suzanne Warmack
Adored by RRA Hill Country Riding Academy of New Braunfels, TX
35 year old Quarter Horse/Welsh cross, 25 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots
If he were a famous person, he would be: George Washington
Frizz is the best pony in the world! We always joke that he is old enough to have been on the ark with Noah and taught George Washington how to ride! Frizz has the unique ability to be absolutely amazing with experienced riders while testing and challenging beginner riders. Frizz is best at teaching the foundations and preparing riders physically and mentally. In 2021, Frizz competed in his first A-rated division, the medium green ponies at 2'6", at the age of 34! In 2019, Frizz was the IHSA Horse of the Show at Louisiana State University and Horse of the Zone in IEA zone 7! PC: Jerry Mohme
Zone 9
Adored by RRA Quiet Rein Riding Academy of Oregon City, OR
24 year old Clydesdale/Thoroughbred cross, 11 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Blackberries
If he were a famous person, he would be: Mr. Rogers
Bailey has taught numerous riders, from the basics of riding to Medals Finals. He has won our local 2'6" Hunter Derby many times and most recently was the OHJA Mini Medal Final winner last year (and once before). His showing credits range from lead-line to trot a pole to 3' Equitation and Jumpers. He has been the most steady IEA draw in the state of Oregon the past four years and has won Horse of the Show many times. PC: Tais Photography
Adored by RRA French Hill Riding Academy of Aurora, OR
22 year old Paint, 15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Frosted Mini Wheats
If she were a famous person, she would be: Belle from Beauty and the Beast
'Miss May' or 'May May' is worth her weight in gold. You will never meet a more sweet or patient little girl. Although mostly a western pleasure horse in her earlier years, once at French Hill, she and her first rider went from walk, trot, and canter to showing at 2’3" in just a few years! They were both very proud of themselves! She is beloved at the barn and invokes trust and confidence by all who come in contact with her. She is a marvelous teacher, both reliable and forgiving. When outside riders draw her name at IEA competitions, they actually cheer! She is truly our princess! PC: Kaitlin Chadwick
Zone 10
Adored by RRA Elvenstar Farm Academy of Morepark, CA
34 year old Arabian, 10 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots
If she were a famous person, she would be: Betty White because she was so sweet and kind
Polly is the most patient, sweetest, and forgiving pony. Although she doesn't canter anymore, she always knows just how fast she should trot depending on the rider's ability and slows automatically when they feel unbalanced. She is best at teaching riders how to steer as she follows the reins perfectly. Polly is a doll in the crossties, loves to snuggle, and is definitely a favorite among all the riders! PC: Kay Altheuser
Adored by RRA Ighani Sporthorses of Fairfax, CA
15 year old Quarter Horse, 1 year giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots and apples
If she were a famous person, she would be: Jojo Siwa
Like the teen pop icon, Jojo, our girl Waffles is a beautiful blonde who's upbeat and always there to support her riders and teammates. She is an exceptional pony that can be ridden by any kid, any age, and any level. Everyone feels safe and confident on her. Waffles is the perfect pony for longe rides, when you want to work on form and strength, or when you want to break free for a bareback ride. Waffles is a trustworthy companion and teacher. She is patient with her riders, but also shows them where to improve without intimidation. She has a steady, easy demeanor, and gaits. PC: Ighani Sporthorses
Adored by RRA Ighani Sporthorses of Fairfax, CA
24 year old Welsh Pony, 2 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots and mint Tummy Gummies
If she were a famous person, she would be: Taylor Swift
Magic has a heart of gold; always ready to work and teach the kids. She has tremendous patience and a willingness to please. Magic is as safe as they get and happy to hack on trails, teach in the ring, or play fun games. She's a snuggle bug and an all-around great girl for the kids to handle on the ground. She’s such a great first horse to learn the canter on or any new basics. She even loves to show off at the occasional horse show and hang with the big guys. Magic is beyond special, and we are so grateful for her! PC: Susan Ighani
Adored by RRA Five Star Equestrian of Pleasanton, CA
26 year old Mustang pony, 12 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots
If he were a famous person, he would be: Dustin Hoffman
Leo was rescued when he was 10 years old and was trained to jump by putting a mare on the other side of a jump. Leo has since learned his job well and goes around like a little Hunter. He helps teach new riders by adding in his own ideas to ensure they are paying attention. He is never mean, sometimes playful, but always loving and patient. Leo has done IEA shows and even at 26, loves to jump (although we have let him know he needs to take it easy now). Fun fact! Leo is missing a part of his ear which was probably lost due to frostbite in Wyoming where he was caught as a baby. This little guy is a part of our team; there is really no one quite like Leo. PC: Zoe Setton
Adored by RRA Kalember Equine of Sebastopol, CA
13 year old Welsh Pony, 8 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Alfalfa
If he were a famous person, he would be: Danny DeVito
Royal has enough wits to make the riders pay attention to how they handle and treat him. He also has a heart of gold and will teach anyone. He is extremely safe under saddle and LOVES to teach, especially jumping! PC: Darby Ciampii
Adored by RRA Elvenstar Farm Academy of Morepark, CA
27 year old paint pony, 15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Skittles, red vines, peppermints, Jelly Bellys...anything else he can get!
If he were a famous person, he would be: Why Harry Potter himself, of course!! Daniel Radcliffe
Elvenstar Harry Potter is kind and tolerant (but not lazy), great for teaching beginners to canter, and never minds being dressed up for Halloween! Many of our riders who took beginning lessons on Harry have gone on to show at the national level, including Agusta Iwasaki! He is a fabulous teacher and is worth his weight in gold. PC: Kaycee Bischoff
Adored by RRA Liberty Riding Academy of Modesto, CA
25 year old paint pony, 15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Any brand of cookies
If he were a famous person, he would be: Mr. Rogers
Boxter is a medium pony who loves children. He is always happy to go out for a ride, is a perfect gentleman to groom, is slow and sweet for the walk-trotters, and safe enough for the 4-year-old rider or sound enough to compete over 2' jumps with a more advanced rider. Boxter is an IEA favorite in our zone and was voted IEA Zone 10 and Region 3 Horse of the Year 2022! PC: Lori Clark
