Cassi Speaks!

Another great day at the TEC for me and my friends! I really boosted my confidence today! We had to practice the three transitions, walk, trot, and lope, without using our hands to brace on the horse’s neck. It helped my balance a lot, to use my legs, lower calf, and upper body to balance myself! It was really fun to ride different horses with all my friends at the TEC, because it shows me what I’m doing wrong.  I am also learning more balance strengths, by jumping over small bounces or jumps without holding on to the mane. I love riding at the TEC, because they make me feel safe. I also like how they don’t push us too hard to go to competition. They really take the time to have a little fun first! My confidence and strength have really boosted over the past few weeks at the TEC. I have learned so many great things from everyone and have had so much support. The main lesson that I’ve learned from the TEC, and would love to teach all the girls of the Pony Posse, is to get back up and keep trying. There are going to be times when you feel like not getting back on the horse and (I know I do this a lot) think “You stupid horse!” But I’ve learned to push through it and be the best rider that I can be!

    To all my Pony Posse Girls: You all are so good at horseback riding and have achieved so much over the past few months to a year! I love you all and I hope you continue to lope those ponies around the round pen with all the strength you guys have got! Keep up the good work!
    To Jess and Linda: Thank you so much for all the help and support you both have shown me through the tough times! And for teaching me that quitting isn’t the only option! I love how you push us to become better riders, but insure our safety, for you both know what works and what doesn’t!  I hope both of you will be the Pony Posse's and my trainers for a long time!

I love the TEC and hope it will become your home as well as it has become mine!  

Sunday Funday!

It was certainly a fun day watching Sunday react to her dewormer today! What a pretty face!

Horse Crazy!

Since the time I was six years old I have been horse crazy! Not only do I love being at the ranch and spending time with my pony Sunday, but I love making horse art too. In fact, when I'm at school and I'm bored, I even doodle about my love for horses. Even my sister has discovered that she loves horses and making horse art too. We're horse crazy, I tell you! What about the rest of you, Pony Posse? Are you completely horse crazy? If so, send a reply with your horse art or bring it to our next group lessons to share and we'll add it to our blog. We want to see your artwork too. It's summertime! Take some time to ride, to learn from our trainer Jessica and to spend your boring summer moments making amazing horse art instead of being bored! Your parents will thank you and so will we. Can't wait to see you all at our next lesson! - Jenna

Kayde's Introduction

I have been riding at the TEC for a little over 8 months now. I got my pony the second time I saw him. My pony’s name is Samson. Thanks to Linda Colica (The owner of the TEC) and Jessica Pugh (my riding instructor). They have taught me a lot! They plan a lot of fun events for the children too, like the clinic they had on Saturday June 4, 2011. I love the TEC!

And I think my Samson likes it too! My Dad got a horse too! My dad’s horse’s name is Hooper. My dad and I love to go riding together. I also love riding with my awesome friends at the TEC!

June 18 Pony Posse Splashdown

Hey Pony Posse..........Who's ready to get WET?!?!?!

Who: Our Awesome Pony Posse Members

What: 2011 Pony Posse SPLASHDOWN water play day

When: 8-10:30 lesson, 11-2 Lunch & Splashdown

Where: Tucson Equestrian Center

Why: Hard work in hot weather deserves a cool down

*PARENTS* Please send your child with a lunch, a swimsuit & towel. Our day ends at 2 o'clock so please be on the property AT 2 to supervise your child. *

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to our families who have remembered to bring cases of water for all to share. Water is a VERY important item at TEC and we would like each of our families to share in providing our community with water. We all drink it, so let's all help each other out! If you would rather make a contribution to our water fund please let Alisa know.

Parents, Pat yourselves on the back for continuing to support your rider as the temperatures creep up. Enduring that Arizona heat is no walk in the park! Our community thrives because of each of you & want to encourage you to continue to support our riders & our families. Keep it up PPP's! (Pony Posse Parents) hehe

Contact Alisa with any questions: 913-302-1391/ alisagolightly@gmail.com

Jessie's Introduction

I'm Jessie and I am nine years old. I have been at the TEC for almost ten months and I got my pony just last March for my birthday. Her name is "Turtle" and I have been riding her since January. At the TEC I have learned to lead, ride, trot and even lope. There are obstacles and many things to learn and we have to even clean up manure! I always know that even when Jessica or Linda aren't even watching me that I will always be safe because they set clear rules about where I can ride and what I should be practicing. There are poles to swerve around and barrels to walk around. We kids always wear helmets when we ride. When I first came to the TEC it was really hot in August and Linda let us kids swim in the horse pool to cool off! It was so much fun! We don't just learn how to ride or lope but we learn true horsemanship. Mrs. Linda and Ms. Jessica are the best! I am so happy to be at the TEC! Hehehe Hahaha!

Horsemom said on 6/1/11 - 10:52PM
I am a very proud mom! Jessie, you have been tremendously strong and
capable from the day you were born and I can see that this has been the
most challenging thing you have ever tackled. Just like you are, you have
pressed on, even on days when you have felt nervous to try a new thing or
face a task that has been especially difficult. Your teacher, Jessica, is
so skilled and I feel so comforted that you are in a place where you have
exceptional training, where you are safe, and where you can thrive. It is
my hope that what you are learning now will be a joyful experience for
you and will be a positive part of your life always. And one more
thing... you are a great pooper scooper and I appreciate how you know
that picking up manure is just one part, but a necessary part, in the
care of horses. Great job! I love you. Mom

Cassidy <3 Cricket! said on 6/2/11 - 05:42PM
Jessi, Jessi, Jessi, my you are a wonderful rider and friend. I have been
so glad to be able to ride and spend time with you! I love to watch you
mature and grow up as you lope that pony around the round-pen. Keep
riding girl! You are awesome!

Olivia's Introduction

I'm 11 years old and have been riding for 5 months. Already I've accomplished many things like mounting my horse, trotting, leading the horse around, and I just loped for my first time not long ago. When I ride I feel safe, knowing Jessica and Linda are always looking out for me, even if they're in a lesson. When I first loped Jessica said not to try and steer, so I trusted her and didn't. I feel like I can do many things thanks to Jessica's help. This is also the cleanest facility I've ever seen. When I first came here, I saw a few flies but I didn't smell a thing! The Tucson Equestrian Center doesn't just teach you how to groom, clean, and ride your horse, they teach you true horsemanship and for that, thank you TEC. You have helped me accomplish my goals and set new ones.I can't wait to learn more!

horsemom4life said on 5/24/11 - 01:18PM
Keep up the good work, Olivia. When I was your age I would have given anything to learn as you are learning. I hope you will post more to let us know of your progress. Excited about the progess you are making!

Cassidy <3 Cricket!! said on 5/24/11 - 07:51PM
Hey Olivia! You are such a good rider and have been such a good influence on not just me but also the other Pony Posse girls! You have the best way of being scared, (sorry for that! :) ) and can always put a smile on all of our faces! Love ya lots and thanks for all the laughs!

sundayfunday said on 5/26/11 - 06:04PM
Hi Olivia! You have been doing so well on Hilda! I love riding with you and I think that it is awesome that we are riding together! You're an awesome friend!

Ring Leader said on 5/27/11 - 06:26AM
Olivia, I am so impressed with how much progress you have made with your horsemanship and personally. You are such a wonderful girl and your smile is contagious. Remember- your playing small does not serve the world, go out, speak loud, ride hard!

Linda said on 6/1/11 - 02:31PM
Olivia, you have made so much progress and you are a wonderful example of perserverance and hard work.I look forward to seeing what you set yourself out to succeed at next!

Horsemom said on 6/1/11 - 10:43PM
Olivia, I am amazed by your progress and so happy that my daughters have a new friend in you. You are an amazing, interesting girl with an outstanding sense of humor. I couldn't ask for better friends than the ones that my girls have with the other girls in the Pony Posse. Thanks for sharing and I hope you will share more about your progress!

Cassidy's Introduction

I have been riding horses for a little over a year now and feel like I have gotten so much accomplished in just one year. It all started when my parents bought me my first pony, Cricket, after I had been taking lessons for about five months. Cricket is my best friend and I feel like I can always talk to her, even though nobody else hears. Cricket has given me the adventure of a lifetime and yet my adventure has just begun. I have been a part of the Tucson Equestrian Center "Pony Posse" from its beginning and I think that all of us girls have come together as friends through the power of horses. Jessica Pugh, the wonderful trainer of all the "Pony Posse" girls, loves to teach through fun games and activities.

I feel like Jessica and Linda Colica, owner of this fine ranch, have really brought my horsemanship and love for horses father than they had ever been. My life has changed so much since I started riding and I have the best friends that I have ever had. At the Tucson Equestrian Center we are more than just a group of girls riding horses. We are family.




Horsemom said on 5/17/11 - 02:53PM
Cassidy, it's fun to read your thoughts and see how your passion for horses (Cricket especially) is much like the passion that my girls have for their ponies. It's very special to have friends that share your interest as well, isn't it? Keep up the hard work. I know horsemanship is not an easy thing to excel at, but your passion will always turn challenge into a fun and rewarding experience. I hope you post again in the future. Would love to hear you describe some of the things you are learning.

Big Mama Boones said on 5/21/11 - 09:23PM
Miss Cassidy you are the heart and soul behind the Pony Posse! I love watching you ride! You are beautiful and so talented and you make all that hard work look so easy :) You are such a great supporter of the rest of the girls and you are inspiring to beginning riders. I can not WAIT to see where riding takes you next. You know we will be right there beside you cheering you on in whatever your doing! Keep it up cowgirl!

Sara B. said on 5/22/11 - 06:39AM
Sounds like ya'll have a real nice group.

Miss Windylou said on 5/23/11 - 07:06PM
Wow, I wish my child was younger (shes 21 now) because this group sounds like they really have a great time and are learning a lot! Keep up the good work Pony Posse.

The Ring Leader said on 5/23/11 - 10:27PM
Cassidy, my dear! You have been so much fun to work with! You are always so tentative and want all the information. It has been so wonderful to watch you grow this past year. You are filled with insurmountable talent and confidence. Remember kiddo, keep on being the best version of yourself and always try! You are in many ways a catalyst and foundation to the Pony Posse- thank you for being apart of the community and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be apart of your horsemanship experience. I am VERY proud of you and I always will be!