Our Wonderful Lesson Horses

Brown Horse Grazing in Sunny Field Under Clear Blue Sky

Bella Horseback Riding Partner

Imported Hanoverian Mare

Bella is a beautiful example of the truth that even the finest horses can end up in heartbreaking situations. An imported German Hanoverian with exceptional bloodlines, Bella was tragically discarded at a feedlot when she grew older and her previous owners no longer wanted her. Fortunately, a kind-hearted individual alerted us to her situation, and we didn’t hesitate—we rushed to bring her home.

Today, Bella is a cherished member of our herd. She is incredibly gentle, patient, and kind, especially with beginner riders. Her calm nature and steady demeanor have helped countless students build confidence in the saddle. Bella is living proof that horses of all backgrounds and quality can face uncertain futures—and that with compassion, second chances can lead to something truly special.

We are forever grateful she found her way to us.

Person Practicing Horseback Riding on a White Horse in an Arena

Levi’s Jeans On The Run Lesson Horse

Arabian Gelding – 15.2 – Born ~2006

Levi came to Pine Trails Ranch after being abandoned by a previous owner, in need of both a home and a purpose. With gentle handling and consistent training, he quickly found his calling—as a teacher.

Since then, Levi has become a dependable and valued member of our lesson program. Known for his responsiveness and steady temperament, he works beautifully with riders of all ages and experience levels. Whether he’s helping a young child take their first trot or guiding an adult through more advanced skills, Levi does it with patience and heart.

He may have arrived looking for a job, but he found a forever home.

Person Jumping Black Horse Over Obstacle During Horseback Riding Session

Brittany Gentle Horse Riding Lessons

15.3h Sport Horse Mare

Brit has been part of the Pine Trails Ranch family since she was just 10 months old. Over the years, she has grown into a truly exceptional partner—kind, generous, and endlessly patient with her riders.

She has helped countless students navigate their first courses and confidently step into the show ring for the very first time. Whether you’re learning to steer over poles or preparing for your first ribbon, Brit is the horse who will guide you there with grace and quiet confidence.

A true teacher at heart, Brit is always ready to share her knowledge with anyone who wants to learn.

Chestnut Horse With Bridle Standing Against Black Background

Savoire Faire Confident Lesson Horse

Morgan x Trakehner Gelding – 16.3h

Born and raised at Pine Trails Ranch, Savoire Faire has grown into a striking and talented gelding with a big heart and a love for the hunter ring. With his elegant movement and kind disposition, he’s a favorite among riders looking to develop their skills in a supportive and responsive partner.

Affectionately known around the barn as a “sweet guy,” Savoire Faire combines athleticism with a gentle nature, making him a joy to ride and work with. Whether he’s helping a rider refine their form over fences or simply enjoying a grooming session, he brings calm energy and enthusiasm to everything he does.

Equestrian Jumping Over Hurdles During Horse Riding Lessons in Outdoor Arena

Rose Bowl Champ Riding Horse

Thoroughbred Gelding, 14 years old – 16.1h

Champ may have been bred to race, but he had other plans. With no interest in running fast, he found his true calling in the hunter ring—where his calm demeanor and natural rhythm truly shine.

Smart, steady, and well-schooled, Champ is a fantastic teacher for riders ready to advance their skills. He knows his lead changes and is happy to help his rider learn them too. Whether you’re working on your flatwork or heading over fences, Champ is the kind of partner who builds confidence every step of the way.

Person Riding a Horse in an Indoor Arena During Horseback Riding Lesson

Skittles Lesson Horse for Beginner Riders

Bay roan Welsh/ Quarter pony

Skittles is a 7 yr old large pony who loves kids and likes to enjoy an easy ride and a good treat.  She is calm and sweet to be around.

Person Jumping Horse Over Obstacle at Horse Riding Lessons

Fleuretta Calm Horse Riding Companion

Morgan x Trakehner Mare – 15.3h

Fleuretta is another incredible daughter of our beloved stallion, Flirt, and she continues to carry on his legacy with pride. A striking Morgan-Trakehner cross, Fluer is known for her beautiful movement, work ethic, and passion for jumping.

She has taken many riders to their very first jumping shows, always giving her best and teaching them what it means to ride a horse that truly loves to work. Never lazy and always forward-thinking, Fluer is the perfect partner for motivated riders looking to grow in both skill and confidence.

In addition to her accomplishments under saddle, Fluer is also a proud mom of three beautiful foals—each carrying on her athleticism, heart, and elegance.

Person Jumping a Horse Over a Barrier in Horseback Riding Lesson

Dixie Safe Horseback Riding Partner

Dixie is an amazing Thoroughbred mare that Anita Mary Markiewicz pulled out of a field. We began her training at 9 yrs old and she seemed to really enjoy jumping. She has even been in top rankings for the last 2 years for the Thoroughbred sporthorse challenge for the last 2 years. She likes a rider who gives her steady directions and enjoys a forward ride.

 
Horseback Rider Jumping Over Fence During Riding Lessons

Del Sol Steady Trail Riding Horse

Del Sol is an Oldenburg mare who did dressage as a younger horse and then went through some scary situations with a caretaker who was charged with criminal neglect of several horses. She survived and then came to us for rehab and let us know she liked jumping. She doesn’t really show her age of 23 years despite all her mishaps and we appreciate her no nonsense style.
Equestrian Jumping Over Obstacle During Horseback Riding Competition

Sense Patient Horse Riding Lessons

Sense is one of our Morgan x Trakehner geldings who is a very pleasant hunter who is happy to jump and just happy to work. He likes a rider who knows how to release and let him do his job.  He has done all sorts of shows from SAHJA to IHSA.

Chestnut Horse with Bridle Standing in Sunny Riding Arena

Sugar Kind Horseback Riding Horse

Sugar is the Trakehner mom of Sense. She is very kind and enjoys teaching the kids to ride.  Our mares who are used for breeding must also be excellent under saddle, and after they are finished with babies, they will have a lifetime home at Pine Trails teaching, or being retired.

White Horse Saddled for Horseback Riding in Rustic Stable Setting

Niko Confidence Building Lesson Horse

Oldenburg Gelding, 16 years old – 17.1 h
Niko is a gentle giant who is an Oldenburg gelding who is very mellow and fun to ride. He knows all his stuff and can teach all the good equitation and jumping riding to our students.
Equestrian Practicing Horseback Riding Over Jump Barrier in Arena

Junior Mint Fun Horse Riding Lessons

Junior Mint is our Welsh pony who really enjoys teaching kids who are serious about learning to jump.
Equestrian Rider on Brown Horse Displaying Ribbons at Riding Center Event

Dancer Smooth Horseback Riding Experience

Morgan Gelding
Dancer is an amazingly talented Morgan hunter pony that Michelle pulled out of his breeder’s paddock. He was bored and unhappy, but now loves his job and teaches riders how to jump and loves to go to shows.
Brown Horse Walking in Enclosed Paddock for Horse Riding Lessons

Quinn Gentle Horse Riding Partner

Holsteiner Mare, 12 years old
Quinn is an amazing mare with terrific bloodlines including her grandfather Quarterback. She competed at the top levels in the young horse championships back East. She loves to jump and has amazing form as well as a great dressage foundation up to third level movements. She is a very athletic horse who assumes you always mean what you say, so be ready to go over any jump you point her at. lol
Bay Horse Standing in Sunlit Paddock at Horse Riding Camp

Cortez Horse Riding Lessons

Morgan Gelding, 9 years old
Cortez is a super kind and sweet gelding who was left untrained until Michelle decided to make him a lesson horse. He was eager to learn and is very good with novice riders with a trot that is super comfortable and an easy canter. He also loves to do poles and cavaletti.
Brown Horse Standing in a Sunlit Paddock, Ideal for Horse Riding Lessons

Caprice Steady Lesson Horse for Kids

Morgan Mare
Caprice is a beautiful daughter of dressage Morgan stallion Caudeucious Denver. She is a Cadillac to ride at the trot and can do small jumps.
Horse with Saddle Standing in Stable Ready for Horseback Riding Lessons

Misty Friendly Horseback Riding Horse

Misty is an older Morgan mare who had an uncertain future when she was no longer producing babies. We brought her to Pine Trails and retrained her and she started a new career. She loves to trot and the kids appreciate how easy it is to get her to go.
Rider on Brown Horse with Tack at Winner's Circle Event

Hercules Strong Yet Gentle Lesson Horse

Hercules is an amazing Anglo Arabian who has been teaching at Pine Trails Ranch since he was 4. He was left to the ranch when his owner passed away and we trained him and he has been a much loved member of our family for the last 24 years. He is super gentle and can teach little kids getting started to riders learning to do small jumps. A true gem.

Brown Horse Standing Next to Hay-Filled Tire Feeder in Paddock

Wren Patient Beginner Horseback Riding

Wren is an older Morgan mare who was Michelle’s show horse. Sadly she was hurt when she was a teenager and was not able to compete at an advanced level for many years. She did recover and is a very energetic 26 year old who loves to trot and canter around with the riders who enjoy a little speed.