Out of all of my horse lessons, Good Pony (ask for Davee) is the BEST and my FAVORITE when it comes to lessons. A locally owned female entrepreneur who loves horses and who cares about teaching proper riding is such a breath of fresh air, and definitely a step up from larger businesses that may not care about you or who are just interested in getting you in & out and taking your money without much benefit to you. Horses are well maintained and gentle, and you can tell they are treated with kindness and care - treated like respected employees instead of just an animal. Davee's teaching method is very thorough, she will show you what to do then let's you do it yourself to make sure the skill sticks with you. It's definitely my preferred method of learning. Well worth the $! If you care about horses and love to support small independent businesses - this is the place for you! read more

Good Pony - Riding Gus during a lesson! - Horseback Riding Near Me

See all

I used to be an avid rider as a child but that was 20 years ago and I had never done large group rides. I was very nervous/scared about being in a large group ride but Davee was there to help everyone, especially silly me, feel safe and comfortable. I'm pretty sure she is fluent in horse. It's pretty amazing to watch this woman around these magnificent animals and her comfort/familiarity with them. Highly recommend, especially for anyone new to horses and/or a little nervous. read more

Davee is one of a kind. Her knowledge and skills on horses is amazing and she is beyond loving with them. Not all trainers are like that. I've been observing her work for months, she makes sure everyone is happy, not just the rider, she knows the equine language and the horses feel that. She is super helpful also on ground work and the process with the simple things like how to blanket your horse! Kind to people and human, she will have your back, Davee is a rescuer as I am, honestly I cannot stress enough how important is her love for these angels combined with her teaching skills. If you need to learn from scratch or perfection your knowledge and riding level, jumping, English or western and learn more, I highly recommend her! Happy to know you Davee. read more

I grew up riding horses, mainly western but also some bare-back and English. But I hadn't been on a horse in about 10 years. I easily got in contact with Davee, and she set up a lesson with Katelin. To sum it up, any day I get to ride is my favorite day. Katelin is awesome and knows what she's doing. I really appreciate the range and versatility of her knowledge and skill. I've ridden on 4+ horses in a field, ring, and trail. Every lesson is different and Katelin always has new challenges for me! Even if you are a beginner with some interest, Katelin and Good Pony are great. You don't need a bunch of gear to start out (maybe just shoes), just get ahold of Davee to set up an initial lesson! read more

I've been taking lessons here over the past six months or so with Katelin and it's been the best experience I could hope for. She is patient, thorough and really takes the time to answer questions and go over things you want to work on improving. Good pony takes such amazing care of their horses - you can tell by how happy and well-groomed they are. The stables are beautiful and there's plenty of space to practice. Bonus, everyone here is really nice. I highly recommend Good Pony and Katelin! read more

I recently approached Davee about doing lessons on my boy Zeus and just becoming a better team and perfecting both of us. I'm strictly a western rider but I just wanted my seat better and to be more balanced and for Zeus to learn to carry himself correctly and get stronger. So far in the couple lessons we've had I see a huge difference in myself and in Zeus. My horse is enjoying himself and picking up on things quickly. Davee is easy to talk to, understand and is just a kick ass chick in general. I know every horse and rider are different and I feel she's really good and specializing a game plan for you to reach your goals. I look forward to the continuous progress and can't wait for our next lesson! I highly recommend Good Pony and of coarse Davee :). read more

Good Pony - Horseback Riding Near Me

I've been taking lessons with Suzi for about 6 months now. She's really great at getting back to the basics and really makes sure my form and fundamentals are solid. Lessons are tough but fun--I'm constantly getting sore in new and weird muscles I didn't know I had! Suzi is extremely knowledgeable about horse ownership, equine health, history of equestrian sports, and every other random horse-related question I can come up with. With Suzi's guidance I feel confident that I will reach my equestrian goals--being a better rider, and someday horse ownership. read more

I started ridding with Katelin at Good Pony a month ago, after I haven't been riding for almost 10 years. I absolutely love the stable and the atmosphere around there. I was surprised by how amazing their horses are (for school horses). Katelin is an amazing teacher. She makes me feel comfortable, and safe. She is funny and welcoming, and I find her teaching technique very effective. So glad I found this place! read more

I started taking lessons with Davee four years ago and she recently helped me fulfill my lifelong dream of buying my own horse. I've met a lot of trainers and nobody is better with both equines and humans. I can show up to the barn in the worst mental or physical state, and I always leave my lessons smiling and relaxed. She's funny, wise, honest, generous, humble, and she continues to teach countless skills and build up my confidence. My horse has gotten so much fitter and better behaved under her expert care. This sport can be intimidating, elitist, and dangerous, but Good Pony is a refuge from the negative side of the horse world - with Davee's philosophy and empathetic approach, riding is therapeutic, meditative, and an all-around life-improver. Thank you Davee! read more

I had been riding horses since the age of 8. At the age of 37 I had a very serious riding accident. I knew I wanted to ride again and after a year and a half of physical therapy I was ready to get on the back of a horse again. Davee was my first riding instructor after my accident. I met with her and told her about my accident and my fears of getting back up on a horse again. She had a calming energy and made me feel comfortable. I knew she wasn't the type of trainer who would push me past my limits and she completely understood I needed patience in building up my self confidence. She put me on the calmest horse in the stable. I was so happy after that first ride. I continued to take lessons with Davee. She never made me do anything I wasn't comfortable doing. Even if I came to the lesson wanting to just walk, she would always find a way of teaching me something within my limitations and helped me push through the fear. Davee also looks out for her students. After sometime she even found a me a private horse in the stable that was the perfect match for me. I leased him for quite some time and rode him in our lessons. Davee genuinely cares about her students and also for the well being of the horses she works with. She is a gem and a one of a kind trainer. I would highly recommend riding with her no matter what level you are, beginner to advanced. read more

I had the great privilege of training with Davee a few years ago. My only previous riding experience was as a rather timid child which meant that, sadly, I never developed the skill or confidence to become a truly competent rider. Deciding to take up such a dangerous and intense sport - and equestrianism is most definitely a sport - as an adult brings with it its own challenges, not least of which is near-crippling self-doubt punctuated by moments of exhilarating terror. Of the nearly half dozen riding instructors I've had in my life, Davee Hallinan has by far been the most patient, intuitive, reassuring, supportive, encouraging, and near-prescient of them all. Aside from Davee's extraordinary horse-knowledge and competence as both a rider and instructor, she is a remarkably warm and kind soul who puts students at ease almost immediately and whose love of and commitment to horses is entirely infectious. Despite taking an extended hiatus in recent years, my return to riding was one of the best decisions I ever took, and I very much look forward to resuming my training again soon. When I do, it will be with Davee. If you're a seasoned rider looking to further refine your technique, or if you are completely new to the wonderful world of horses, I cannot recommend more highly Davee Hallinan. You will not be in safer, more caring, more knowledgeable hands. read more

On a whim, I bought a school horse that was 7 years older than the sellers led me to believe. Although it was still the best decision I ever made, caring for an older horse requires a level of consistency that my job makes really difficult. Enter Davee. For years, I Davee took care of my wonderful beast, Monty, at least two times a week, exercising him, grooming him and providing all around care. Monty loves her, and whinnies when he sees her as if to say "Thank God someone who knows what they are doing just showed up." When she groomed him, she made him sparkly and pretty - something he never lets me do. Best of all, however, was how Davee would show up, no questions asked, during emergencies. I have rushed out to the barn from work to find Davee in flip flops and pajamas, holding Monty, and telling me that she just rushed over because she heard he had just suffered an injury. Davee will lay down her life for her horses and their people, although make no mistake: the horses come first. I have always told Davee that there is an untapped market in the Burbank/Glendale area for someone like her to start taking care of all the backyard horses in those neighborhoods. She is the perfect answer to the horse owner who isn't part of a structured barn, who is looking for someone to take care of their horses while on vacation, or even just when they want to stay at work late. Davee is the perfect mix of talent and humility - she can school your horse, but won't mind cleaning a stall either. Davee's only problem is that she does not promote herself strongly enough!! Girlfriend needs to let her ego take over for a bit and start canvassing the neighborhood with her bad self. Until then, I hope these Yelp reviews will do . . . read more

Davee's instruction was as good as it gets quite honestly. I have fear of heights and as the horse is a very big animal I was very anxious about the whole experience. About twenty minutes into the lesson with Davee I was feeling sooo much more confident and even rode around the neighborhood at times without Davee guiding the horse but keeping a watchful eye on me and the horse. Loved the whole experience and reserved another lesson with Davee in a few weeks. Highly recommend her. read more

3 stars means A-OK. Not good, not bad. She's really nice, so I feel kinda bad leaving 3 stars, but... Davee has perhaps the best rates in the area and a nice variety of school horses. After reading all the good reviews, especially by the dressage rider, I came for a few lessons. Davee is NOT a dressage instructor (nor does she pretend to be) but I also never felt like I learned anything new from her. Granted, I had not ridden for 4 years so was rusty, but I actually felt like I was schooling her horses while she watched. I got one of her horses yielding and on the bit, without instruction from Davee, and she said "that's amazing that never happens." Another of her school horses completely ignored all my aids and went toward the center of the ring. Most horses will drift inwards, especially if I am distracted, but I've never had a horse so blatantly ignore my aids when not in a full gallop freak out. That being said, the people taking lessons before me seemed really happy. I would definitely recommend her for beginners and she seems great with kids. I'm still at training level for dressage, so I'm definitely not really good or really advanced, but if you've taken instruction for a few years I would recommend trying someone else. read more

I've been horseback riding for 12 years, and most of those years were spent with Davee as my instructor. When I first started riding as a little six-year-old, I was easily getting bored with my instructors, not having fun, and not progressing no matter how hard I worked. After 3 years of being in the same class and watching everyone progress to higher levels while I was left behind, I thought I was a terrible rider and should be content with only having the experience of horseback riding, not the talent for it. When I began riding with Davee, her way of explaining made lessons humorous and time flew by. Before I knew it, Davee had put me in the highest level class that was available for my age, and I was still progressing. She has taught me almost everything I know about horses, and I'm going to continue to ride with her until I go off to college and am unable to. She is fantastic, and will never push you past your comfort zone. She will bring you to the edge of it, which, after a while, stretches your comfort zone so she can teach you more and more. She is absolutely fantastic, and only cares about the safety of the horse and the rider involved, and of training both to the highest level they can get to, not about how much you're paying for your lessons. I love riding with her, and she is the only trainer I've had that has stuck around for more than 2 years and I still want to ride with all the time. I never have a day where I don't feel like going to my lesson, and I never have a day where I feel like i didn't learn anything from her. She is absolutely the best trainer I've ever had. read more

Davee is fantastic. I'm not a skilled or even knowledgeable rider, but she's patient and helpful at any level. I've noticed her with her more advanced students and they seem to enjoy their time as well. I look forward to more rides with Davee in the future and would recommend her to anyone. read more

I've always wanted to learn to ride a horse ever since I was little. I am very much a beginner (I had only rode a horse once in my life) and Davee, who I believe is the world's best instructor, doesn't mind teaching me. I feel like most instructors I've met only want to teach people with more experience or people that plan on competing. Not only is Davee patient, she is also kind, caring, passionate and knowledgeable. Learning how to ride properly has helped me with my overall anxiety and made me a more confident person throughout all areas of my life. Davee cares for the horses as if they are the most prized possessions on Earth (I've learned to believe they are). Davee, from beginning to end, will show you everything there is to know about riding horses safely and how to have fun while riding. I feel like I have found a lifelong hobby that has taught me so much about myself and about horses. My whole family has now signed up with Davee to learn as well! Cost is very reasonable considering how much you learn!! She also responds back to you quickly regarding scheduling and any questions! I highly recommend Davee!! read more

Good Pony - Horseback Riding Near Me

Davee is my 14 year old son's riding instructor and I just can't say enough great things about her. I think he said it best when he said " She's tough, but she's right. Everything she tells me to do works.". We love her. read more

I've been taking lessons from Davee for a few months now and I feel I get more than my money's worth every time! Every lesson I build upon the techniques I already know, with a new technique(s), and every week I can feel I'm a better rider. And just in case I had any doubts of improvement, Davee recorded one of my lessons so I could view the progress later. I work in an industry where, if asked to ride a horse, I need to know what I'm doing. The lessons with Davee give me that certainty and confidence. Apart from the amazing/varied lessons, Davee also has a variety of horses you can ride on. She's always careful to pick and choose the horses I ride on, and has incrementally put me on "spicier" horses haha. Yet every time, she makes sure I feel confident and that I'm prepared; and I always feel safe. There's no one else I would rather train with, and I've even started to bond with the horses. I've never felt this way anywhere else I've taken riding lessons. I don't hold back when recommending Davee because i'm thrilled to have found someone through yelp that exceeded my expectations, and I'm sure others will be too. read more

Davee and Jane at GoodPony are superby patient and expert. I started lessons in December 2012 and look forward every week to my time with them and their wonderful animals. read more

I met Davee in May of 2010 during a group riding lesson. I have been showjumping for nearly 18 years, but I had been taking a break and with no horse of my own, I was looking to simply stay in shape and have some fun. During my first lesson with Davee, she showed me that not only does she know what she's doing in her teaching, she has a lot of fun doing it, too. After an hour with her, I felt like I had known her for years and that my seat and leg had just improved by leaps and bounds. She has a way of communicating to her riders that is so simple and so incredibly easy to understand. I had at least a few "aha" moments of thinking, "oh, THAT'S how you do it?" And that is after 18 years of riding! Davee is a blast to be around as a person and as a trainer. Fun, dedicated, talented, and a kick in the butt. Go take a lesson from her! Just watch out because you'll be so hooked that you'll find yourself going back for more! read more

Davee is amazing. She treats humans and horses with dignity and respect and helps each understand the other. She is patient, funny, kind, knowledgeable, and makes learning enjoyable. Whether you are new to horses, just want to brush up on your skills, or are a seasoned rider looking to learn new things, Davee can help you attain your riding goals, all while sharing her love and insight to these amazing creatures. She truly cares about her students and her horses. I highly recommend Good Pony! read more

I found Davee through Yelp and can only confirm all the excellent reviews. I've had a few rather bad experiences and discouraging riding lessons with rude and strict instructors when I was younger and gave up. It just wasn't fun to learn. I never stopped loving horses though (how could I?) and really wanted to start riding again. I'm so happy I decided to go with Davee! She cares about her horses so much and knows and treats them like her own children. As an instructor she's just amazing. Very patient, encouraging, always answers all your questions, explains techniques very well and is just a really nice person in general. I'm so looking forward to every lesson. She knows her horses well and will match you with the right one for your skill level. It seems everyone- beginner or advanced rider- is enjoying their lesson with her. I could go on but I recommend just to schedule a lesson with her and see for yourself. You won't regret it. read more

My daughter began ridding with Davee over 4 years ago, at 9 years old. I chose Davee after watching her with other students and seeing how she both pushes students to reach their potential but does so in a loving and nurturing way. At 9 my daughter was a very tiny thing and other instructors would only look at how small she looked and now how she performed with the horse. Davee was quick to point out the strength that my daughter had on the horse and how quickly she learned. At one point many people would stop by and ask how long my daughter had been riding and when I mentioned 4-6 months they were very impressed with her form. Davee later related to us that when she was little she had the same issue with people thinking she was fragile. Once you meet her you will know how wrong they were. She is one tough lady. But Davee has a way of seeing the whole person inside and out and helped my daughter grow in her ridding vs holding her back because she looked small. My daughter is very quiet when she fist meets people so during her first couple of lessons my daughter did not say much. Davee actually asked me if she really wanted to ride or was I the one that wanted her to ride. (Once again showing her concern is not just a paycheck but that the rider wants to ride and learn) Once I convinced her that she has been in love with horses almost from birth Davee continued. The breaking point was that they went on a trail ride, just the two of them and they just talked about dogs, cheetahs and what ever else that came to mind. After that my daughter could not stop talking about her lessons Davee and could not wait to go back. Davee cares about the student & the horse both inside and out. She wants you to love riding as much as she loves teaching and being with the horses. She makes the experience fun. I can not recommend her enough. Davee is an amazing person and teacher. read more

I can't say enough good things about Davee and Good Pony!! I've been coming for lessons for a few months now and I love it. Davee is wonderful and patient and has a lesson in every aspect of what she does with her students. Her horses (love my Gus!) are wonderful with students and are so intuitive as they learn. I highly recommend this for someone who wants a true one-on-one instructor setting in a non-stressful and nurturing environment. Also, a truly wonderful value for the area!! read more

Super impressed with Davee, she is an incredible horse-person. Very knowledge, and is great with horses. Highly recommended.

I just had my first lesson with Katelin last week. I am a total beginner (aside from a few trail rides that require no experience). As soon as we started the lesson, Katelin got right to work explaining how to get the correct equipment and tack up the horse. She was very thorough and moved fairly quickly, which I appreciate, because I am a quick learner and I felt that I got more for my money (even though the prices are amazing). She was very patient and encouraging anytime I did something correct, or when I improved upon something. She treats the horses with so much care and compassion. She knows everything about all of the horses and adjusts the lesson according to the horse's personality. That was a wonderful thing to see. I left feeling so great and I can't wait to see where our lessons will take me. I hesitated to write a review because I don't want everyone to know about this amazing place, but that wouldn't be right! :) read more

I enjoyed going on a group ride in June 2013 so much that I started taking lessons from Davee once a week ever since. She's a brilliant instructor and knows how to push you in the right direction to keep learning. Davee is also an amazing animal caregiver and always seems to be in touch with what the horses needs are. I can not say enough great things about her and I highly recommend her. read more

I have been a horseback riding student of Davee's for several years and I highly recommend her. When I began riding with her, I was very fearful, just coming back from a bad fall where I was injured. Davee helped me through that stressful time when I was actually contemplating giving up riding, something I love very much. She took the time to talk me through my fears and worked with me on confidence-building exercises on horseback. She is very intuitive and always seems to know when she needs to be a calming influence, when she needs to push and when breakthroughs are made, she is my biggest cheerleader! I also see how wonderful she is with her clients' horses that she trains and cares for. I have seen her spend hours grooming, fussing over and training their horses, all of whom she loves as if they were her own. If you are looking for a riding instructor or a trainer, Davee is an excellent choice! read more

After unexpectedly being gifted with a horse that was well-trained, but barn sour and beyond my abilities as a novice rider, I started talking to Davee, who was a trainer at the barn where I stable my horse. Realizing how financially unsound it was to pay to board a horse I couldn't ride, my horse and I started taking weekly lessons with Davee. Some days I would ride, other days Davee would take Rusty for his lesson on the trail. In just a few short months, we've both come far. Davee is incredibly patient with both human and horse, and a good listener. While she's a skilled trainer regardless of the student's experience, it's her empathy and non-judgmental attitude that made all the difference in improving my confidence and technique. Her greatest ability is pushing you just enough outside of your comfort zone to improve your riding, while never making you do anything she knows you can't do (yet!). Starting from the ground up, she's taken an essentially good, but very spoiled horse, and made him a safe, sweet, and reliable mount. I can't recommend her enough. read more

I never had a chance to ride with Davee, but was very impressed with her skill and professionalism when she was trying a horse with her client in our barn. Not only she is a great rider, but also a sensitive and knowlegable trainer that has a feel for a good rider/horse match. I think anyone who is looking for having a great time while growing in their equestrian skill will benefit from becoming a part of Davee's team. read more

I've taken a few lessons from Davee now, and she is really fantastic. Davee is passionate about her horses, very caring (to them and to me), and very receptive to her customers. She listens to what I am interested in and caters each of my lessons to how I'm feeling that day and what I want to learn. She does have a full lesson plan, but she allows a ton of freedom within that plan to slow or accelerate her teaching pace, based on how things are going on any particular day. If she sees I'm picking up something quickly, she will throw something slightly more advanced in to see how I respond. On the other hand, if I want to take it easy and review, she's completely open to that, as well. The time is mine. She also has a very intuitive teaching style - if she senses I need techniques broken down technically, she will do so. On the other hand, if she senses I'm understanding particular concepts on a more abstract level, then she will talk to me on that level. She clearly loves her horses and expects the student to respect them. She teaches how to properly brush them and clean their hooves (before and after every ride) and how to tack them. She really looks after them. She also expects beginners to always, always wear a helmet. The stables do have a few helmets you may borrow for the first few lessons. If you do decide to buy a helmet for yourself, Davee will gladly give her opinion on what's out there, if you ask. There's also a discount you can receive at one of the shops in the area. There's plenty of parking on the neighborhood streets at the stables, but be on the lookout for horses and riders on the road throughout the area. I highly recommend Davee. read more

Davee is an awesome instructor!! She has brought my mare who is spooky and unsure of the world, able to go out on solo rides! Davee has a few students riding my horse now and its great! I would tell anyone who is looking to learn to ride or to just advance in riding to give her a call! read more

The Good Pony and Davee are incredible. After a long battle with anxiety and panic disorder, I decided it would be therapeutic for me to "get back in the saddle", so to speak. I was a rider for many years when I was younger but my nerves got the best of me and I didn't feel well enough to continue my absolute favorite hobby and the thing I was most passionate about. It was a major loss for me but I just couldn't continue with the way things were going with my mental health. Flash forward about ten years, FINALLY in a place of relative peace and stability, and I find The Good Pony. Thank God! I've only been taking lessons with Davee for a couple weeks now but she gently has been working with me and I feel my skills and confidence coming back much more quickly than I ever hoped they could. She's super patient and understanding, and she has a way of reading what I'm comfortable with and what is tough for me without having to say a word. She's not only a horse whisperer, but a timid human whisperer too! I'm so excited to continue riding and working toward horse ownership- and I couldn't ask for a better trainer to lead me along at a pace works perfectly for me. read more