Pinedrop Ponies is a premier equine training and riding lesson program nestled in the tall pines of Eastern Washington state. Explore this page for details on the services we offer.
Training
Head trainer, Tonya Ballman Lakewolf, has 24 years of experience working with equines of various breeds, sizes, and dispositions. Her training style involves positive reinforcement and LIMA (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive) techniques. She combines a strong understanding of behavior science with years of practical experience to cater an effective training program for each learner.
Clients choose Tonya for her gentle, yet effective training style. She specializes in creating versatile, confident, responsive mounts who can thrive in a variety of real-world situations.
Our training program is full service, from starting young horses to tuning up older mounts and solving behavior problems like bucking, bolting, trailering, hoof handling, and beyond. We can accommodate board/train clients, or come to facilities within a fifteen mile radius of our home base in Chattaroy.
Riding Lessons
Pinedrop Ponies offers riding lessons for all ages. We have a variety of gentle, trustworthy lesson horses and ponies for riders to learn and grow on.
Beginning riders start on a lead line, learning the basics of riding safety, cues, and posture. Once they're stable and comfortable in the saddle, they move into independent riding. They hone their balance, core engagement, and riding theory at the walk, trot, and lope/canter in the field or arena. As they advance, they'll gain the opportunity to go on trail rides and apply their skills in real-life, practical situations.
More advanced riders entering the program study principles of behavior science while refining the ergonomics and efficacy of their riding. They have opportunities to attend events and shows, along with "hauling out" to more advanced trail environments.
Our number one priority is the physical and mental safety of our horses and riders. We train using positive reinforcement and LIMA (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive) techniques. Our horses are sound, willing participants. Students are also welcome to haul in their own mounts, or have Tonya come to their facility if it's within 15 miles of our home base.
Sale Commissions
Buying, selling, and rehoming equines can be highly challenging, both logistically and emotionally. Pinedrop Ponies can help simplify the process by helping train and condition horses for sale, grooming, handling, and photographing for advertisements, and brokering interactions between sellers and potential buyers.
We prioritize honesty and believe in taking the time to find the perfect fit. Locating the right home can ensure health and longevity for an equine, alongside safety and enjoyment for the owner. We work hard to maintain emphasis on the wellbeing of the animal, alongside the satisfaction of all involved parties.
Equine Grounding Experiences
We are pleased to present our newest service at Pinedrop Ponies: Equine Grounding Experiences. Many people find horses to have a deeply calming effect. They're known for their therapeutic presence. Therefore, we now offer opportunities to spend time enjoying our horses and ponies without the pressure of riding.
These one to two-hour experiences will include yoga and breathing exercises led by our head trainer, Tonya Ballman, along with equine-accompanied walks in beautiful natural settings. They offer the perfect opportunity to decompress, sink into the senses, and enjoy the magic of horses firsthand.
Barefoot Trims
A healthy horse starts with a healthy hoof, and Tonya Ballman Lakewolf is pleased to offer barefoot hoofcare services at Pinedrop Ponies.
From balanced, correct trims to nutrition and husbandry coaching, Tonya can help horses feel their best from the ground up. These services are offered at our facility or yours.