Willow Pond Ranch, Santa Cruz Horse Back Riding School

~English Riding~

Dressage, Jumping,

Trail Preparation

About the Program:

The riding program at Willow Pond teaches students self-discipline, patience, perseverance and attention to detail, while building their self-esteem, and encouraging the development of independent thinking and problem solving skills. These qualities become values which can be drawn upon throughout the student's life.

The Riding School environment and training approach is motivated by the intention to create physically and mentally healthy riders and horses. The goal is to create a partnership between horse and rider through the language of horsemanship, patience, and consistent work. These combined skills enhance communication, which allows them to culture a deep and rewarding relationship. This kind and encouraging format helps riders find the joy in the incremental successes of each day.

Because we have a varied herd of school horses, each student gets the opportunity to work with many different horses, which greatly improves their riding ability and knowledge of horse behavior. The students learn how to tack and care for horses in a complete and holistic manner. Riding is only one part of the experience at Willow Pond.

Our Instructors:

Sharon North Pohl

Sharon founded Willow Pond Ranch in 2000. Since 1989, she had another ranch in Soquel where she rode and rescued horses. Sharon has rehabilitated and retrained over 100 horses. Sharon has helped the school horses at Willow Pond grow to become healthy and happy horses that enjoy working with riders, both adults and children.

Sharon rides and competes in dressage on her grand prix warm blood gelding, Leandro.

Sharon is passionate and loves to share her compassion and love of horses with riders of all ages. She understands the value in the relationship with horses and the ranch experience in a country environment. This opportunity provides a life altering experience for youngsters and adults alike.

Young riders learn responsibility, team work, compassion and connection while building their physical and mental strength and stamina. The adult riders enjoy being in the beautiful country environment, a departure from their hectic lives at work and the demanding responsibilities of a busy life.

Sharon loves to give her students a rich, fun and rewarding experience with horses. She believes in teaching in a positive, supportive and above all else a safe environment, all while making your time at the ranch educational and fun. Sharon provides lessons from first time beginner to the seasoned competitor.

Our Rates:

We encourage lesson clients to purchase their riding lessons

monthly. If bought in a package,

lessons are discounted - see below.

Groups Single lesson

$ 70 each

Groups (weekly lessons):

$260/month

Lessons are available: Tuesday - Saturday.

Lessons are in the outdoor arena or the lighted

indoor arena. Rain or shine. Groups are matched

by age range and ability. After-school or evenings