JL Performance Horses
S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship Accredited Program
English & Western Welcome!
Instruction & Horse Training
Best Pony Parties
Boarding * Lease/Shareboard * Sales
Learn & Ride with Confidence
HORSE ADVENTURES FOR ALL AGES
What to Wear: Safety Meets Comfort
Your riding gear matters. Here’s what we recommend for every beginner:
- Helmet: Always wear an ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmet. We have several choices to loan to get you started safely.
- Boots: Choose boots with a small heel to prevent slipping through stirrups. We have a few pair to loan but can't promise we have every size.
- Pants: Wear long pants or breeches to avoid chafing.
- Gloves: Optional, but helpful for grip and hand protection, especially in the chilly temperatures.
- Dress in layers for the weather. You can always take your jacket off to mount up.
- Please avoid wearing big, baggy clothing.
Dutchess County's Best Summer Horse Camp
Looking for the BEST week of your child’s summer?
Our Best Summer Horse Camp is where kids build confidence, make friends, and experience hands-on horse fun every day.
From riding to grooming to creative activities - it’s a week they’ll never forget.
BEST PONY PARTIES
We offer the BEST Pony Parties with games on horseback for children of all ages. An all-inclusive party on the horse farm just bring your party decorations, food and drinks. Perfect for children's birthdays, special occasions and adults wanting to have fun! Horses & Ponies available.
A Seven‑Level Progressive Horsemanship Curriculum Powered by S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship
The PONYSITTERS Program is a comprehensive equine education system for ages 5–15, built on the patented S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship Method. Students progress through seven color‑coded levels, each with clear milestones, hands‑on learning, and a strong emphasis on humane, respectful communication with horses.
No prior experience is required—students grow organically, becoming proactive, confident, and capable horse people.
All instructors are S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship Certified and part of an elite group of professionals recognized for excellence, including multiple Trainer of the Year awards and leadership honors from Dutchess County and Cornell.
S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship
We believe every rider and horse deserves a clear, confidence-building path forward. Learn the S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship Method—a step-by-step approach designed to help you build trust, overcome fears, and achieve lasting results.
S.A.F.E.R. stands for Safe, Achievable, Fun, Effective, Respectful. It’s more than a method—it’s a philosophy that ensures both horse and rider progress with confidence and clarity.
- New to Horses: Build confidence, learn clear communication, and overcome nervousness or fears in a welcoming environment.
- Young or Green Horses: Establish the right foundation for long-term success.
- Rescued Horses: Fill in missing education and create trust.
- Finished Horses: Use targeted groundwork to tune up responsiveness and refine performance.
- Troubleshooting Riders: Solve challenges like resistance, anxiety, or communication gaps.
- Performance Riders: Gain deeper understanding of your horse’s mechanics to sharpen timing, balance, and results.
S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship gives you the confidence, communication, and clear path you need to succeed—whether you’re new to horses or ready to take your partnership to the next level.
2026 BEST SUMMER HORSE CAMP
2026 Best Summer Horse Camp - Early Bird Pricing.
Early Registration Opens Jan. 25th!
Early Bird Registration Closes April 1!
SAVE NOW BY SIGNING UP NOW!
Open Community Registration.
No Prior Experience Required.
Well-trained horses and ponies ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Western or English, Children, Teens, Adults
Riding a horse is more than just a fun adventure—it’s a partnership between rider and animal that requires patience, skill, and respect. At JL Performance Horses, we believe in building confident riders from the ground up. Whether you're stepping into the stirrups for the first time or brushing up on the basics, we will walk you through the essentials of horseback riding: from mounting and steering to grooming and gear.
Please remember to complete the online release and covid forms.
Questions? Call (845) 260-0962
S.A.F.E.R. HORSEMANSHIP
More than a basic riding lesson
From the ground to the saddle, S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship at JL Performance Horses builds real skills, lasting confidence, and a powerful bond between horse and human. Designed for ages 7 to 70, this unique program combines classical and natural horsemanship in a calm, respectful, and results-driven approach—no intimidation, no gimmicks, just clear communication and a deep understanding of horse behavior. Whether you're riding English or Western, new to horses or looking to level up, S.A.F.E.R. will help you safely work with any horse, anywhere. Thinking about horse ownership or a career in the equine world? Start here.
Bring your horse or use one of ours—and discover why so many riders say S.A.F.E.R. changed everything. Call to book your appointment 845-260-0962
** Safe, Achievable, Fun, Effective, Respectful = S.A.F.E.R Horsemanship **
Learn more about S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship
S.A.F.E.R. HORSEMANSHIP
Experience the difference. Haul your horse in or use one of ours.
Sign up for a session now.
Spaces fill quickly—click “Book Now” to reserve your spot!
Experience the DifferencE First Hand
S.A.F.E.R Horsemanship - From the Ground to the Saddle
Our S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship program empowers you to build a deeper, more effective partnership with your horse—whether you're working with a rescue, a green prospect, or a seasoned show mount. You'll learn to understand body language (yours and your horse’s), manage energy and intention, and develop clear, confident communication in both groundwork and riding. This program teaches you how to calm reactive behaviors, introduce new challenges, and advance your horse’s education with purpose and compassion. You’ll gain insight into conformation, movement, and functional improvement—helping your horse thrive physically and mentally. Ideal for riders and horses at any level, S.A.F.E.R. creates confident leaders, willing partners, and lasting results.
Ready to Ride with Confidence and Connection?
Whether you're brand new to horses, returning after time away, or dreaming of competition, S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship will set you and your horse up for long-term success. Our proven step-by-step system is trusted by Olympic and World Champion riders and backed by hundreds of student testimonials. You’ll learn to ride in balance—English or Western—and build a true partnership based on understanding, trust, and harmony. Many of our graduates go on to become respected horsepeople, trainers, and even guest instructors. Start your journey today and see what’s possible when you ride with purpose.
Sign up for a 90 minute introduction session now.
Spaces fill quickly—click “Book Now” to reserve your spot!
EQUINE EXPERIENCES - FROM HOOF TO SADDLE
English, Western, Liberty and Natural styles of Horsemanship
- Interested in learning more about horses and horsemanship?
- Want to determine if horse ownership is right for you?
- Future horse trainer?
- Interested in developing clearer communication with your horse?
- New to horses and not sure where to start?
- Not looking for your typical “riding lesson?”
- Have a horse crazy kid?
- Returning adult rider?
- Considering a career in the equine industry?
- English & Western
- Training, Boarding, Sales, Leases, Showing & more!
We offer a variety of opportunities that will help you explore horsemanship and the wonderful world of horses.
Best of all, you don't even need to own your own horse to get started. Call 845-260-0962 TO GET STARTED!
BEST HORSE PROGRAMS IN DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK
Certified Professionals
Certified Professionals
Certified Professionals
Rest assured, the Certified Professional staff at JL Performance Horses prioritize the safety and well being of horses and humans.
Our professionals have passed an extensive Background Check, successfully completed Head Injury & Concussion Training, Heat Related Illness Training and are current with SafeSport Certification and more.
Learn more about the JLP Team.
Training & Boarding
Certified Professionals
Certified Professionals
JL Performance Horses is dedicated to producing quality all-around horses for show and recreational purposes and capable, knowledgeable horse people.
We offer the opportunity to attend various equine educational clinics, horse shows and participate in community and holiday events with our equine ambassadors.
All Ages & Abilities
Certified Professionals
All Ages & Abilities
As Union Vale's oldest horse farm, JL Performance Horses continues to offer quality, community based, comprehensive equine educational programs, English & Western Horsemanship, Horse training & Boarding packages and more for children and adults of all ages, levels & abilities.
We are happy to customize your personal equine experience and welcome schools/groups for field trips of our horse farm.
Prioritizing Safety of Horses & Humans
Book With Confidence
The Certified Professional staff at JL Performance Horses prioritize the safety and well being of horses and humans.
They have passed an extensive Background Check, successfully completed Head Injury & Concussion Training, Heat Related Illness Training, First Aid and are current with SafeSport Certification and more.
Fans, Followers, Sponsors & Supporters
