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.
Values
- inclusivity
- teamwork
- animal stewardship
Ariel Jones
Owner, Head Instructor
An avid horse enthusiast since age 5, Ariel has spent her time in the horse industry not just learning about riding, but how ‘learning’ as a concept, works. Ariel uses this knowledge in her 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.
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.
Loki
Loki is Ariel’s 15 year old Saddlebred cross gelding. Loki has a reputation for being a handsome charmer, but he’s also our tallest and most sensitive horse. Loki is reserved only for our most advanced students, but he accepts treats from all level!
Fiona
Fiona or ‘Fifi’, our 21-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.