Meet Our Lesson Horses & Ponies

 Introducing Heidi, our beloved 27-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 c

 Introducing Heidi, our beloved 27-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! 

Heidi will be retiring finally at the end of the 2025 season! We will miss Heidi immensely but will be happy to see her enjoying life on open pastures on the hills of Tennessee.

Meet Grace, our spirited 6-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 is already making a name for herself in the show r

Meet Grace, our spirited 6-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 is already making 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, teachin

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

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!