About
Get to know our two-legged and four-legged staff.
Mission
Horsemanship Academy is dedicated to providing quality and fun instruction in both horse riding and horse care, without the pressure to compete. We emphasize equine care based on communication between horse and rider to achieve harmony and success.
Horsemanship Academy is proudly Queer owned and run
Values
- inclusivity
- teamwork
- animal stewardship
Coach Ariel Jones
Owner/Instructor/Trainer
An avid horse enthusiast since age 5, Ariel has spent their time in the horse industry not just learning about riding, but how ‘learning’ as a concept, works. Ariel uses this knowledge in lessons to create a fun and engaging atmosphere where students learn how to assess both their own performance and that of their horse.
Ariel’s riding background includes competing in dressage up to 3rd Level in the USDF Open Division, miles and miles of trail riding, and in the more recent years some showjumping and eventing. Ariel is a Nationally Certified Pony Club member.
Get to know Ariel:
In my spare time I’m what my generation refers to as a nerd. I play video games, board games, and D&D. When I’m not doing that, I’m writing about my personal horse, Willy, who passed in 2023- I’d love for Willy’s legacy to be something like “Black Beauty, but if he was kind of a weirdo.” The remaining time is spent doing cosplay, historical costuming, and telling my two cats that they are little freaks and I love them.
Our Lesson Horses
Our four lesson horses are all equines with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with beginner and intermediate riders. We work hard to keep them happy and healthy in their advanced age.
Romeo
Romeo has been a student favorite since he joined the program in 2014. A stately 27-year-old Quarter Horse, Romeo is happy to bring students to their first shows, trail rides, and Halloween dress-up parties. He is our current apple bobbing champion.
Coda
Coda is a 22 year old Mustang who came to us untrusting and fearful of just about everything. With a lot of patience and conditioning she is slowing joining the lesson horse rotation as our advanced riders show her the ropes.
Fiona
Fiona or ‘Fifi’, our 22-year-old Welsh Pony, has been with Horsemanship Academy since its beginning. Fifi is always hungry and is more than happy to show students all of the places she thinks food might be hiding. Fiona is certainly our most opinionated lesson horse, but she’s so dang charming you can’t help but love her!
Stars
Stars joined us in January of 2024 and it feels like she’s been part of the gang forever! Stars is an 18 year old Welsh Pony/Thoroughbred jumper with a long, decorated showing history. Stars is an absolute sweetheart who is happy to share her talents with our intermediate riders.
Residents
Maggie
Maggie retired from the lesson program at the start of 2024 after serving the program for 7 years. Her willingness to do the job never wavered, but her physical soundness did. Maggie is a timid sort who does not like many other horses, so we determined the best retirement plan for her was to stay at the ranch. Maggie spends her days getting loved on by working students, going in turnout with Romeo, and chilling with parents. Maggie is a rescue and we believe her to be close to 30 years old.
Loki
Loki is Ariel’s current horse, a 17yr old National Show Horse. While very handleable on the ground, Loki needs a quiet and confident rider to keep him feeling calm and comfortable under saddle. He does a lesson every so often but it mainly ridden by Ariel.