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515.208.8328
Holistic Horsemanship Education for Young Riders
Welcome to Sparkleberry Ponies Riding Academy! I’m professional riding instructor Laura Bachmann and this is Crying Coyote Farm. Sparkleberry Riding Academy is a new educational program designed to engage children with equestrian sports while instilling important personal, social and technical skills.
After failing to find a holistic riding program for her grandchildren, farm owner Meredith van Benthuysen approached me with the idea for Sparkleberry. Believing that the Sparkleberry program could be more than just riding lessons, we recruited like-minded instructors to help us develop an educational structure that would foster not just riders but confident, educated, goal-oriented, compassionate and honorable equestrians.
The Sparkleberry program offers your child the opportunity to learn at their own speed while progressing towards achieving specific goals in a healthy and positive environment. Our program can be customized to meet the natural propensity of your child while ensuring that all benefit from developing confidence, independence, empathy, assertiveness and other important traits and skills.
Sparkleberry offers your child access to top quality show ponies, accomplished instructors and a structured equine education program in a private, park-like setting. Our instruction is private, customized and professional. We pride ourselves on providing a quality educational experience in which your child can be engaged and successful. See Facility
At Sparkleberry, riding is more than just a sport or recreational activity. It’s a comprehensive experience that allows your child to bond with animals, master a discipline, commune with nature and cultivate character. We look forward to telling you more about Sparkleberry Ponies Riding Academy and introducing you to all our pony friends! We hope to see you soon!
Our Vision
Tucked away just northeast of Tampa, Sparkleberry Ponies Riding Academy was established to provide a healthy outdoor learning center to mentor children in comprehensive horsemanship. Going far beyond riding lessons, our structured educational program offers children the foundation to become elite equestrian athletes, cultured in the sports of riding Hunters and Jumpers and stewards to their horses and ponies. With a holistic approach to equine activities, we foster, not only, the relationship between horse and rider, but also the rider's ability to connect with nature, center their energy, and become grounded with a mind-body connection.
Our Curriculum
At Sparkleberry Ponies our objective is to revolutionize your child's experience with horseback riding. Our program offers young children the opportunity to not only learn a traditional sport but also develop problem-solving skills and meet personal goals. Responsibility, patience, empathy, focus, endurance, and teamwork are life competencies that the equestrian discipline can cultivate in your child beyond what other typical sports can offer. Equine activities require a child to learn crucial social skills while teaching the responsibility the comes from caring for and riding animals.
Our Instructors
With decades of experience as riders and instructors in Florida, Laura Bachmann and Portia Winters are seasoned professionals in developing both young children and their horses and ponies. Sharing Sparkleberry's commitment to educating the next generation of equestrians, Portia and Laura are excited to meet your child and develop a customized learning program to fit their needs and goals.
Call, Text, WhatsApp
954.560.0062
Join Us
Sparkleberry Ponies Riding Academy is accepting new students. Complete the registration page below and one of our staff will reach out to you with more information to schedule orientation with you and your child.
Call, Text, WhatsApp
954.560.0062
Ready to Ride
Sparkleberry Ponies Riding Academy provides students the convenience of shopping for riding apparel at our Academy Store. Proper riding attire and equipment is crucial to your child's ability to not only perform at their best but it is also the best way to ensure their safety while enjoying their riding experience. Be sure to visit our store for a large selection of the top brands of riding apparel.
New Student Registration
Complete our Registration Form below and one of our professional instructors will contact you to schedule your orientation visit and first lesson. Or call 954.560.0062 to speak with our Academy Director and learn more about our program.