The PONYSITTERS, Horseback Riding Adventures
Spring Afterschool Horsemanship Classes — Starting April 2026!
Give your child the chance to grow, learn, and shine with horses this spring.
Our Spring Afterschool PONYSITTERS Program begins April 2, 2026, offering a safe, structured, and confidence‑building horsemanship experience for ages 5–15. Whether your child is brand‑new to horses or already riding independently, our seven‑level curriculum ensures they learn at the perfect pace — supported, encouraged, and inspired every step of the way.
All classes are taught by S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship Certified Instructors, recognized for excellence in humane, communication‑based training.
What Students Will Learn
Each class blends riding, groundwork, and hands‑on horse care, giving students a complete, well‑rounded education. Depending on their level, riders may learn:
- Safe horse handling and communication
- Grooming, tacking, and after‑ride care
- Walking, steering, trotting, and cantering
- Groundwork skills like leading, sending, and showmanship
- Trail riding, obstacle courses, and confidence‑building challenges
- Advanced skills such as liberty work, training basics, and equine evaluations (upper levels)
Every child progresses through our color‑coded levels, from Green (beginner) to Blue (advanced), with clear milestones and lots of encouragement.
Who Can Join
Our Spring Afterschool Program is open to:
- Complete beginners
- Returning students
- Riders looking to advance their skills
- Horse‑loving kids who want a structured, educational experience
No prior experience is required — just curiosity and a love of horses and ponies.
Why Families Love Our Program
A warm, welcoming environment
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- A curriculum that builds confidence, responsibility, and leadership
- Humane, communication‑based horsemanship
- Real‑world skills that grow with your child
- A place where students feel safe, supported, and proud of their progress
- Affordable
- Flexible class schedule
Spring Session Begins: April 2, 2026 Days: After school on select weekdays Ages: 5–15 Levels: Green through Blue Spaces are limited to ensure high‑quality instruction with Certified, Professional Instructors.
Reserve your child’s spot and join us for a season of growth, confidence, and unforgettable horse time.
Pre-registration opens March 9, 2026
Early bird discount between March 9 - March 20 sign ups.
Get your PONYSITTERS REGISTRATION FORM
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PONYSITTERS TEAM PROGRAM
Support Your Child's Equestrian Dreams with OUR EXCLUSIVE PONYSITTERS!
This is where it all begins with an emphasis on safety, education, sportsmanship and FUN. PONYSITTERS learn handling skills, conditioning & exercising, riding and horse care through mounted and unmounted activities. The habits and values instilled through good horsemanship will apply to every part of a PONYSITTER's life.
Children learn all about life on the horse farm including safe horse handling techniques, equine care, nutrition and proper grooming, understanding equine behaviors, equine wellness checks, properly take care of their tack and equipment, tacking up & proper equipment fit, mounting & dismounting riding, conditioning and much more!
English and Western styles,
* All equipment included *
And the opportunity to compete at shows!
Equitation, Jumping, Dressage
Liberty & In Hand Trail (unmounted)
Western Horsemanship, Pleasure, Western Dressage
Showmanship & Halter (unmounted)
Trails, Obstacles, Games, Sensory Activity Stations
YOU DO NOT NEED TO OWN YOUR OWN HORSE TO JOIN!
We provide your child with 'their' horse/pony so they can be part of the PONYSITTERS club!
No horse/pony or expensive equipment to buy!
All school districts welcomed!
Vail Farm & UVMS BUS PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION!!
Parent drop off 3:00-4:15pm
Pick up 6:30pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Saturday make up class option.
* AS FEATURED ON TV! CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO WATCH! *
PONYSITTERS pony club program
SETTING YOUR CHILD UP FOR SUCCESS
Good Horsemanship begins on the ground and continues into the saddle and extends to proper horse and farm care. Our accredited, friendly staff will guide your child as they follow their passion into the wonderful world of horses. PONYSITTERS are assigned their own horse (or pony) that they get to take care of from feeding to grooming, exercising, conditioning and wellness checks.
Our horses and ponies are PROVEN confidence builders, are very well trained and make GREAT best friends for your child.
PONYSITTERS welcomes children 5-15 years old, with and without, prior horse experience. During the school year, PONYSITTERS meet at the barn after school on Tuesday and Thursday til 7pm and on Saturdays plus BONUS DAYS.
*AS FEATURED ON TV!!! CLICK BELOW TO WATCH!!!*
There Won't be another opportunity like this til' your child is in College!
Horses are BIG business and a thriving equine industry is vital to the health of the New York State's economy. The NYS Equine Industry Economic Impact Study determined the equine industry to have a $4.2 billion effect on the state’s economy and generates 33,000 full-time jobs. The equine industry contributes to the local economies of every one of New York's 62 counties, with Dutchess County topping the list.
Our PONYSITTERS team brings together the diversified horse industry into one AMAZING kid's club.
The equine industry occupations include veterinarians, farriers, hay & grain producers, Certified equine body workers, horse trainers, horse farm managers and many others. PONYSITTERS are able to take a hands-on active role making rounds and assisting professional veterinarians, master farriers, working along side Nationally known, professional horse trainers and learning to have a confident partnership with horses, IN THE SADDLE AND ON THE GROUND from Certified instructors and licensed Horse Show Judges.
*AS FEATURED ON TV- AGAIN. CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO WATCH! *
Exclusively at JL Performance Horses
Our popular PONYSITTERS has been featured on TV, in the Hudson Valley Parent magazine, USA Today newspaper and Hudson Valley Newspaper.
PONYSITTERS is PERFECT FOR HORSE CRAZY KIDS!.
We welcome children with and without prior horse experience. We welcome children who own and do not own a horse.
PONYSITTERS is a comprehensive equine educational club designed for children who love horses. We provide MORE hands-on horse learning time than anywhere!
PONYSITTERS is open to all school age children.
*AS FEATURED ON TV! CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO WATCH! *
Promoting & Fostering Interest within the horse industry
We are dedicated to producing capable, knowledgeable horse people and setting your child up for success from the barn and to the board room. Our PONYSITTERS team gives your child (and you) the unique opportunity to be part of our farm family, without having to buy your own horse or a lot of expensive equipment.
Enrolled PONYSITTERS have FULL ACCESS to some of the Country's BEST horsemen and horsewomen who enjoy mentoring, teaching and watching your child learn through hands-on horse experiences on the farm.
Our PONYSITTERS club is designed to raise equine welfare awareness and promote horses in agriculture. Our trainers teach safe, horse handling and riding skills PLUS promote equine knowledge while encouraging aspiring young riders, Olympic hopefuls, cowgirls and cowboys from all walks of life.
Children have the opportunity to learn both English and Western styles of riding. Children learn all about horses in a positive environment with hands-on horse activities with friendly, well-trained horses & ponies. They participate in creative projects and play fun games like equine trivia with barnyard game buzzers. (think Family Feud with horse questions).
PONYSITTERS
PONYSITTERS are able to demonstrate success at individual & team activities, critical thinking skills and problem-solving & decision-making. PONYSITTERS develop leadership skills, responsibility, time management, organizational skills and build their self-confidence taking care of, handling and riding horses.
Special workshops and clinics are offered periodically for the PONYSITTERS with professional guests to supplement their equine education and test their Horsemanship skills.
In addition to their regular barn time, PONYSITTERS are encouraged to take a pro-active role within their community to raise equine awareness. PONYSITTERS are invited to attend public functions, like community days and parades with their PONYSITTERS teammates and their equine ambassadors, providing equine educational demonstrations and presentations. Horse Show opportunities are offered as children master showmanship and riding skills.
Fully customizable PONYSITTER swag for children & adults
Show Your Support
Show your support to the PONYSITTERS. Order your official PONYSITTER swag today! Warm hoodies, soft t-shirts, sparkling water bottles, grocery tote bags, backpacks & more.... You can customize your swag with your name!
PONYSITTERS SPOTLIGHT
East Fishkill Community Day - September 18, 2021
2018 & 2019 East Fishkill Community Day, Union Vale & Lagrange Community Day, Stormville Flea Market, DCF 2019 & at the 2021 Patterson Library Equine Education class.
Contact us on (845) 260-0962 to invite Team PONYSITTERS to your next event!
Our Supporters
30 Day Colt Starting Challenge - Win $750
Step into the role of a trainer and take an unstarted, young horse from uncertain to confident - in just 30 days.
Meet your horse: April 1
We provide the horse and the professional facility