Meet Our Lesson Horses & Ponies

Meet Poe, a 14yo charming lesson horse who’s ready to steal your heart! Registered as “Seriously Painted” with the APHA and standing  at 15.1hh, Poe is the ultimate equine superstar. This versatile guy has dabbled in everything from traditional and western dressage to HUS, equitation, ranch versatility, cow horse, reining, jumping, and trails.

Poe is currently focused on adventures in the great outdoors and jumping, making him the perfect companion for riders of all levels—from pre-beginners to intermediates. He loves to share his knowledge and experience in the arena, consistently bringing home ribbons in HUS and equitation classes.

Whether you’re looking for a competitive partner or a fun lesson horse, Poe is up for the challenge and happy to teach! 

(His owner is motivated to find him a great home, so why not consider leasing Poe this Christmas? You’ll not only gain a fantastic friend but also become part of our equestrian family!)

Meet Briosca (”B”)  our majestic 2009 gelding standing tall at 17hh! This registered Irish Sport Horse superstar is a versatile athlete, excelling in dressage, hunter/jumper, eventing, and trails.

 He’s a gentle giant who can be safely ridden by a five-year-old yet possesses the power and athleticism to tackle training and preliminary level jumps up to 4’6 by an advanced rider. 

B is as unflappable as they come, confidently hacking out alone on a loose rein while showcasing his impressive skills in the competition arena. With a wealth of experience he’s the perfect teacher or step-up horse for youth and amateur riders alike. At 15 years young, B is as solid as they come, ready to make new memories and take you to new heights!

Introducing Heidi, our beloved 26-year-old Haflinger mare, who stands proudly at 12.2hh! As the cornerstone of our youth lesson program, Heidi is a gentle yet firm teacher, guiding her young riders with patience and care.

Her sweet disposition has made her a favorite among everyone who rides her—there’s just something special about this charming mare! While Heidi has retired from jumping, she continues to shine in teaching walk/trot, horsemanship, and trail riding. With her by your side, every lesson becomes a fun adventure, and every rider leaves with a smile. Join us in celebrating Heidi, the heart of our program, who has a special gift for inspiring confidence and love for horses in all her students!

Meet Grace, our spirited 5-year-old POA mare, who may stand at just 13.1hh but is a force to be reckoned with! This sweet and spunky little powerhouse is the perfect lesson pony for novice and intermediate riders, bringing a delightful mix of enthusiasm and willingness to every ride.

Grace has already made a name for herself in the show ring, excelling in hunt seat and equitation classes. Her diverse training has introduced her to show jumping, cross-country, cow work, mountain trail courses, and dressage, proving that great things come in small packages! With her vibrant personality and talent, Grace is sure to inspire confidence and joy in every novice rider fortunate enough to partner with her. Come meet Grace and experience the excitement of riding this dynamic little mare!

Meet Charlie, our charming 20-year-old Hanoverian warmblood gelding and resident teddy bear! Once the cornerstone of The Riding Academy of GJ’s lesson programs, Charlie has an impressive background as a hunter, derby, and dressage teacher. He’s collected countless ribbons in jumping and dressage during his competitive show career, teaching riders of all ages the importance of partnership both in and out of the saddle.

Now, Charlie enjoys a life of luxury, welcoming guests and students who come to shower him with love and, of course, plenty of carrots! This gentle giant has transitioned from a show horse to a beloved companion, making every visit to the barn a delightful experience. Come meet Charlie and discover why he’s the heart of our program!

At The Riding Academy of GJ, our lesson horses are cherished members of our family, each with a unique personality and story. We prioritize their physical and emotional well-being, providing them with a balanced diet, regular veterinary care, and plenty of exercise and social interaction. From the gentle guidance of Heidi, our 26-year-old Haflinger, to the spirited enthusiasm of Grace, our spunky POA mare, each horse is treated with kindness and respect, allowing them to thrive and share their skills with riders of all levels.

We take pride in creating a nurturing environment that fosters strong bonds between our horses and riders, emphasizing trust and understanding. Whether it’s Charlie, our gentle giant, or Poe, our versatile lesson horse, each equine partner brings something special to our program. At The Riding Academy of GJ, we celebrate the unique qualities of every horse, ensuring they feel loved and valued while inspiring the next generation of riders on their equestrian journey!