Our Goal: To give riders the skills to safely enjoy a lifetime of fun with horses.
At PonyPros, we teach kids about developing two-way communication with the horse through facial expressions and about horsemanship as an artistic practice. We teach both English and Western.
LEARN TO RIDE
We are so passionate about helping riders learn the skills to safely enjoy a lifetime of fun around horses!
Check out our Levels Pathway to see how riders progress through our program.
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Our riders start with vaulting so they learn to "ride the horse and not the saddle". Riders love vaulting because, right away, the horse is on a lungeline and after just a few lessons they get to feel a trot, canter, and jumping! Parents love vaulting because kids can enroll without buying any equipment. Everything is provided.
Next, riders progress to learning how to steer in a private lesson and later in a group. Eventually, riders may choose to join IEA and Pony Club - two wonderful organizations that are affordable, educational, and fun.
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Families consistently praise the program. Mary Anne shares, “Pony Pros in Bend Oregon is a great resource for little kids. Kali Kiger is an extraordinary trainer, and she works with young people to help them connect with horses in a sustainably real, life-long kind of way."
Our teaching philosophy emphasizes kindness, patience, and respect. One parent wrote, “You’re so good at teaching both children and ponies. I love your methods. I wish instructors were like you here in Australia, instead of having the ‘you must dominate them, be the boss, and be completely strict’ approach. I never have, and never will, agree with that attitude.” Our approach allows children to learn, make mistakes, and grow alongside their ponies. Students thrive in confidence and skills.
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One student, age 12, explains, “Coming here gives me something awesome to look forward to. My confidence has improved so much while going there—it will surely bring yours up too!" Trust and experience are central to the program. Susan adds, “Kali Kiger is an excellent resource. Very trustworthy and knows what she is talking about.”
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At Pony Pros, every lesson is more than riding—it’s an opportunity to build character, grow confidence, and create joyful memories with horses. Ready to give your child a great horse experience? Sign up for a lesson today and watch them grow!
TOTS & PRESCHOOL AGE GROUP
Generally most riding schools do not teach kids under the age of 7. At Pony Pros, we have a passion for tots and preschoolers. In lessons, kiddos work on their balance and confidence, learning lots of fun tricks while developing the skill of following directions from a teacher.
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We are able to offer a small discount on lessons based on the fact that itty bitty kids are easier on the horses, but Tots and Preschoolers take up the same amount of space in the arena and the same amount of time for a teacher, so our prices are set to be sustainable for all involved.​
BEGINNER
In beginner riding lessons, you learn the basics of how to cue the horse and how to ride with confidence and balance. Riders start on the lungeline and progress to steering. All riders start in private lessons and progress to a group only when they have mastered the basics. Teens can master the basics in about 8 lessons. Most riders age 6-9 prefer private lessons.​
INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED
In Intermediate and Advanced lessons, riders progress to cantering and jumping. In order to be eligible to canter and jump, riders must be in lessons twice a week (this is industry standard). Riding twice a week helps to build muscle memory, reduce wear and tear on the horses, and reduce the risk of falls. Beginning at the intermediate stage, riders have the option to Join Pony Club and IEA as long as they are riding twice a week. Most riders age 6-8 continue to prefer private lessons at this age, but starting around 4th grade, riders get excited about riding in groups. Group riding is an essential skill in order to be safe at shows.​​
