Sea Breeze Ponies

A chilly Sunday afternoon after a night of steady rain. The ground is muddy and scattered with puddles. Temperature low 40’s.
For myself, and likely most people the trek out here will be long, but it will be worth it.
I made the decision this summer enjoy a few new experiences and to learn a few new skills before fall approached. Learning to ride a horse was one of these objectives. I searched Google and all of the deal sites for horse riding lessons. I even had the opportunity to ride a horse at the oceanfront this summer but declined. I did not want to just jump on a horse (having no prior equine experiences) and trot a mile down the beach with a dozen or so other people who also had no idea what they were doing. This is not at all what I was looking for.
My online searches turned up Pony Riding lessons in Chesapeake with Sea Breeze Ponies. I didn’t know anything about the establishment but when I called and spoke to the instructor I had a good feeling about her. Also this is exactly what I wanted. A lesson. I wanted to get on a horse or pony and feel comfortable… feeling confident I knew would be a stretch.
I consider the location to be pretty deep in Chesapeake. Because the signage is not very visible from the road Sea Breeze Ponies can be easily passed. The signage faces a field. But there is a flag hanging from a fence that you can see as well as a red barn and a two story grey house, that is where you will need to turn. Sea Breeze Ponies is in the rear behind the house.
When you arrive your pony will be affixed to a post and you will be instructed to brush the pony really well, all the way around. They are so beautiful. If it is your first visit the instructor will put the bit, saddle, bridle etc. on. Pay attention though as you may be instructed to remove them and return them to their respective storage areas at the end. On subsequent visits you will likely be doing these actions yourself (if you are old enough/​capable). Once my pony LADY was ready I walked her out to the ring in the back.
Getting onto the pony was fairly easy. The dismount, not quite as effortless. Lady and I walked around first connected to the instructor, then once we were comfortable with each other the instructor let us go off on our own. The key is to really pay attention to how you hold the reigns and be firm in your verbal and physical instructions to the pony. I enjoyed the lesson, learning to get Lady to go in the direction I wanted, having her turn around, getting her to move again whenever she decided to stop. The end of the lesson removing everything from the pony, storing the items where they belong and brushing the pony down again. Your session pretty much ends the way it began.
Brooke is a great instructor and she really has a way with children. I’ve seen her interact with two young girls during their lessons. She is patient and speaks to them in a gentle manner while being very clear on what she expects from them. Brooke has a pleasant countenance and attitude that puts visitors at ease. She has a great deal of experience, having been working in various aspects of the equine arena for many years.
I waited until it was December and freezing to redeem my lesson :-(not the best decision. But as long as it isn’t raining or snowing, I believe you can still have your lesson.
They may also have a consignment shop accepting anything «horse» and they accept consignment ponies. Check
as well as their Facebook page for updates and details.
Please forgive me if I’ve used any of the incorrect terminology regarding Horse gait and equipment. I’ve only had one lesson :-)