Pony Brook Stables opened six years ago and has been welcoming students ever since. Our instructors have a strong passion to teach others that riding horses takes ambition and one must learn to have an even temper. We teach our students that horseback riding takes courage, perseverance and the ability to overcome fear and difficulty.
Our students also learn that a good horseman always takes exceptional care of his or her horse and shows appreciation for the hard work that the horse has provided.
It is important for Pony Brook Stables to provide licensed and certified care for our boarders’ horses and our riding students. We want our barn to be warm and inviting to new clients and guests.
We believe that "no child should be left on the other side of the fence." Pony Brook Stables is firmly committed to working within all budgets and income levels so that all children in the Lafayette Indiana area may experience the love of equestrian sports.
We also make the effort to instruct students until they are able to show and demonstrate proper technique.
About Wilene Gillim
At the age of 8 I was introduced to horses. Foxton Farms in Romney, Indiana was my home away from home and my coaches took over a parent role when I was at the farm or at shows. With my show horse, Sam, I was able to reach several goals that riders work towards. Together we achieved year-end awards such as Indiana Hoosier Jumper Association (IHJA) Equitation Champion, Children’s Hunter Champion and more. I was a member of the Romwell Foxhounds Hunt Club where I earned my colors as a Junior Huntsman. In the fall and winter we would spend Saturday mornings hunting with hounds. During transitions between my own show horses, I was the groom for prominent riders during "A" shows held at Foxton Farms.I spent more time at the farm than anywhere else from the time I was 8 until I was 19.
From there I competed on the Purdue Equestrian Team as I studied Environmental Design at Purdue University. I was an assistant coach on the team and received the Most Valuable Jr. award. After I graduated I retired from riding; however the desire to instruct and passion for horses never left me.
In the last six years I have been teaching students from beginner level to intermediate-advanced level in the greater Lafayette, Indiana area. I recently have coached the Indiana State Fair 4H Equitation Over Fences 2010 Champion. Many of my students have brought home ribbons from various shows. The wish to maintain high standards led me to earn my certification from the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA). I have since become the only Level Two Certified Hunt Seat Instructor in the area. I look forward to growing the business and building my own stable in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Wilene’s Accomplishments in Horseback Riding
- Most Valuable Junior - Purdue University Equestrian Team
- Indiana Hoosier Jumper Association (IHJA) Equitation Champion
- Qualifying for IHJA Medal Finals
- IHJA Children Hunter Champion
- IHJA Special Hunter Reserve
- IHJA Junior Hunter 3rd Place
- Qualifying for and participating in IHJA Medals finals. Winning Medal Maclay classes