Karla Shelton, Parent
I highly recommend Pony Brook Stables to any parent seeking a horse back riding instructor for their child. My daughter, Alex, has been a student of Wilene's for over four years. Under Wilene's tutelage, Alex has thrived as a rider. I have seen her confidence grow even when she was faced with fear and anxiety.
Before we moved to Lafayette, Alex rode casually. However, once she took a lesson from Wilene, she found her mentor. With Wilene, Alex went from the "basics" to growing and advancing in the English style of riding. Alex is now cantering and jumping. She has participated in several events including Foxton Farms and White County 4-H shows. The look on Alex's face when she won her first ribbon was unforgettable.
However, the program at Pony Brook Stables is not simply about winning ribbons. Even though Wilene encourages her students to participate in shows to build confidence, she focuses on equestrian form and equitation, horse education as well as lessons in responsibility and accountability. Students are encouraged to care for the ponies they ride such as applying sunscreen to "pink spots" during hot summer days, picking hooves so that feet are not injured and muck stalls and pastures.
Students work in teams and individually. As a group, Wilene offers jumping lessons and summer camps. Alex has benefitted from both. As part of a group, she has a chance to watch more advanced riders. The older girls offer encouragement and advice. Summer camp offered a chance for Alex to form tighter bonds with her friends...and the ponies, of course. Having been part of this group for four years, both Alex and I feel a connection with the other riders and families. Kinship and community is important at Pony Brook Stables. Although competition is part of showing, Wilene promotes sportsmanship and cooperation. The students help and encourage each other at shows. If one student is missing a bobby pin or riding crop, or even a show jacket, another student will eagerly jump in to assist.
At one point Alex decided that she didn't want to compete at shows, nor did she want to canter and jump. Instead of pressuring Alex, Wilene was patient and understanding. She tried several methods to encourage Alex, but thankfully Wilene recognized that kids go at their own pace -- and that one day Alex would be ready again. And she was. Out of the blue, Alex decided to jump and canter...even at the same time! The other students cheered her on. Never...did any of the students ever taunt or tease her. I think this speaks volumes about the integrity and maturity of these young riders.
Wilene has built an amazing group with her students. It's been an honor and blessing to be a part of Pony Brook Stables.!