2025 School Horse Nominees

Grand Prix Equine has founded National School Horse Day to honor horses in riding programs whose purpose is to develop and perfect a rider’s skill set. School horses are the foundation of our industry, and these special animals have the kindest hearts and take excellent care of their riders under the expertise of a trainer.

In 2020, many riding programs were shut down during Covid, and many of our riding instructors and lesson programs were struggling due to the lost revenue. During that time, we started this contest to lend financial support to help care for many beloved lesson horses. The program was so greatly appreciated that we decided to continue it each year.

Congratulations to our 2025 winners!

East End Equestrian

Winner

Adam's story:

Adam is 24 years old and still going strong. He is such an amazing horse who deserves the world. He always takes care of his rider so in return he deserves the best. He’s had an excellent career and now helps his riders gain their confidence while still teaching them.

Adam

N&C Equestrian

Winner

London's story:

London is much-loved lesson horse at N&C Equestrian. He helps riders of all ages and levels accomplish their firsts—first canter, cross rail, schooling show, dressage test, hunter pace, event, IHSA class, and more! And he does it all without batting an eyelash, making him the perfect match for anyone who might be a little nervous about all those big accomplishments! Members of his fan club know he loves a good treat (or two or three…)!

London

Magnolia Equestrian Center

Winner

Murphy's story:

I teach riding lessons at magnolia equestrian center . Murphy teaches the tiniest of riders how to post, helps older riders regain confidence , can carry a pre-teen around a small jumping course, and everything in-between!

Murphy

Sungold Stables

Winner

Glory's story:

Glory is an incredible teacher. She is patient and will help students feel how to give correct aids. This horse is incredible!!!

Glory is an incredible horse. She is a fast learner and can do amazing things with her owner. She is capable of things I have not seen other horses be able to do. She is a smart and sweet horse who makes a connection with each of her riders. She has personally helped me become a better ride and taught me many things. She is a beautiful performer and a special girl.

I am honored to nominate Glory for recognition as an exceptional school horse. She is more than just a lesson horse—she is a true teacher, partner, and guide in my riding journey. Glory is incredibly smart and patient, always willing to help me learn and grow. She challenges me in the best way, helping me develop my skills and refine my riding. One of my biggest goals has been improving my canter, and Glory has played a huge role in making that possible. She has helped me understand how to balance, stay in rhythm, and truly feel what a correct canter should be. The moments when everything clicks—when I find that connection and harmony—are because of her steady and willing nature. But Glory’s impact goes beyond traditional lessons. She is also teaching me liberty work and bridleless riding, showing me how to communicate in a new and more profound way. Her versatility and willingness to engage in different disciplines make her an all-around incredible horse. School horses like Glory are the foundation of great riders. She has a kind heart, a generous spirit, and a quiet wisdom that makes her truly special. She deserves to be recognized for all she does!

Glory is a fantastic girl who loves to jump, do liberty and has an amazing disposition.

Glory

CT Dressage Academy

Winner

Lucky's story:

Lucky is a legend! Lucky was the owner of CTDA's first horse. In their younger years Katie and Lucky showed hunters, jumpers, western pleasure, ranch versatility, and dressage! They even have jumped courses bareback and bridleless. Today Lucky is an integral part of Connecticut Dressage Academy. He teaches beginners and advanced riders and has taken riders on hunter paces, done snow tubing, beqch rides, and has taken riders to their first rated dressage shows! He teaches riders confidence, patience, and that hard work and compassion pay off! At the age of 30 he is very happy continuing to do his job and provide unforgettable experiences to riders.

Lucky

Herbst Arabians

Cash's story:

After the unexpected loss of our dear lesson horse Euri, Cash has stepped up to the plate for all of our beginner riders. He is kind and patient as our beginner riders, both young and old, learn the basics of horsemanship.

Cash Supreme Worrier "Cash"

Sagamore Hill Stables

Dora's story:

I love Dora so much because ever since I was little I have been riding her and I have brought her to Vermont when my pony was hurt and she was perfect and we got champion and reserve.

Adore Me "Dora"

Sagamore Hill Stables

Felix's story:

He is a perfect angel and help me win at regionals.

Felix

Whispering Willow

Fuzzy's story:

Fuzzy is the best school horse ever. He does everything from rider’s first lessons to IEA shows to CHSA finals. He is the absolute dream school horse!

Fuzzy

Sagamore Hill Stables

Figaro's story:

I nominate Figaro he’s helped many riders achieve their goals in lesson, IEA and IHSA.

Figaro

Knoll Farm

Buzz's story:

Buzz is the sweetest and safest school horse. He is patient and kind. He has given me the confidence I didn’t know I had. Where I’ve gotten to today is because of him. He is just the most gentle soul.

Buzz is approximately 30 years old. He has been a school horse at knoll for over 20 years. He has taught every child an adult to ride. He has been everyone’s “first” . He quirky, he’s honest, he’s loving, and his muzzle always smells like mash and he’s very kissable! At his old age he still has a lesson every day and does the Buzz shuffle around the ring. He will always be in the hearts of so many riders!

Buzz has taught my daughter the basics of riding in a safe way. He is always kind and gentle. He has been trusted to teach countless children over his many years as a schoolhorse.

Buzz has taught everyone in the barn something at some point in their riding career whether an advanced rider or a beginner!

Buzz is the most reliable school horse. There for the littles to learn, trustworthy and there for everyone’s firsts!

Buzz is a true gentleman and amazing teacher. His is kind and forgiving with the youngest of students. He definitely takes care of them while they are on his back and on the ground. We love him dearly!

He's the kindest I started riding on him such a good boy!

As an adult beginner rider, Buzz removed any fear that I had.

Buzz has taught practically every student throughout our program including myself, often being someone first ride ever, for over 10 years!

Buzz is the sweetest horse at our barn and he always puts his entire effort into teaching all levels of riders.

He is the gentlest kindest most forgiving schoolmaster. He works so hard and has taught so many. From little kids to people in their 80s. Everyone loves Buzz!!

Buzz is a sweet horse who is gentle with all level of riders. He is patient and wonderful for even the little newbies.

Buzz taught me how to ride and take care of a horse. He is so sweet and loving and willing to do anything.

Buzz was the first horse I cantered on and he was so willing to let me make mistakes and keep learning. I love him!

Buzz is a wonderful horse. He puts up with all the beginner riders as well as advanced. He truly never has a bad moment. He is truly the sweetest horse.

Buzz has been with us for decades and has touched every single rider and trainer who has been honored to work with him.

Buzz is an exceptional teacher. All the years of riding him he has raised my confidence level. He has great ground manners and loves his people. From beginners to advance students Buzz is amazing.

Has a beautiful canter, perfect sitting trot, changes leads easily, he’s friendly, caring, stops easily, steady nerves, my 😍 favorite as I’m older .

Buzz

Cavallo Dreams Farm

Mouse's story:

Mouse is a 29 year old large pony and the best school horse out there. He has been a school horse in our program for over a decade now. Mouse has taught hundreds of kids how to ride over the years and never puts a foot wrong. Mouse will trot perfectly on the rail with kids that have never sat on a horse before no matter how bad their aids are. Truly the most perfect and patient school horse out there.

Mouse

Cavallo Dreams Farm

Fiesta's story:

Fiesta is the smartest and unique horse out there. He loves to win, no one shows off better than he does at an IEA show. He is the sweetest most lovable horse and is the best horse to groom for pony camp. He loves kids and being dressed up and doing lead line lessons. He will also take the IEA kids around and show them a thing or two. Truly the most special and funny school horse.

Fiesta

Cavallo Dreams Farm

M&M's story:

M&M came to us as a polo pony and quickly took on the school horse life. She is the sweetest mare both on the ground and under saddle. She loves kids and is the perfect beginner horse for riders of all ages. She loves having fun with the IEA kids too and learning to jump.

M&M

Horsehoe Hill Equestrian Center

Trouble's story:

Trouble has taught me so much in the past two years of riding with Kim. He was the first horse she put me on upon entering the program, and when I think back to that day compared to now, I am so grateful of how far we have come. Trouble is honest, silly, incredibly smart, and I feel so privileged to learn from such an incredible school horse.

Trouble

Valkyrie Equestrian Center

Penny's story:

Penny is a small pony with a big heart—and an even bigger appetite! She is a fluffy mare with a bouncy golden mane, making her every child’s best friend and every snack’s worst enemy. Penny is kind and always ready to teach her riders how to trot around, as long as there’s a carrot, apple, or a mysteriously crinkly wrapper nearby. She is the undisputed treat queen of the barn!

Penny

Sagamore Hill Stables

Maggie's story:

Maggie is a senior paint pony mare who has the task of keeping the youngest equestrians safe! Maggie has been a staple of the Sagamore Hill Stables family for well over a decade, teaching the smallest of children the basics and importance of horsemanship and riding skills.

Maggie

Horsehoe Hill Equestrian Center

Precious's story:

Precious is the most wonderful pony for my 5 year old to learn how to ride. Precious is wonderfully patient and kind and knows her job with the little ones. We are so blessed to have her in our barn!!

Precious is a lovely lady that teaches the little valuable basics at the start of their riding careers. She also quite the opinionated lady who roams where she pleases 🙂

Precious

Horsehoe Hill Equestrian Center

Oreo's story:

Oreo is SO special. After my daughter’s pony passed away unexpectedly, Oreo became her new partner. It’s almost as if he knew how broken she was. Their bond serves not only as a beautiful opportunity to grow as a rider, but to help mend her broken heart. As an Appaloosa, he has struggled with eye issues. He recently underwent surgery to have his eye removed and hasn’t missed a beat! He is the epitome of resilience and strength and we are so grateful for their bond. Oreo is SO deserving of this award!!!

When I say Oreo has been through thick and thin, I mean it. When Kim first got him, he was afraid of everyone because he was abused. Yet he managed to find trust in people again. He became a prominent teacher in the lesson program. A couple year ago, he suffered what we thought was a career ending injury. We thought he’d never walk again. Despite the odds, this pony powered through and managed to defy the odds. That season, he was able to show and jump again (what he loves to do). Oreo has lived life with a loss of pigmentation in one eye. He wears a UV mask to help his eye sight. However, recently, we noticed he couldn’t see out of that eye and that it was bothering. It was decided the best option was to remove it. On his road to recovery he remains playful in his paddock with his herd. He never ceases to amaze me and he is quite the miracle pony.

Oreo

Legendary Farm

Flame's story:

Flame is the epitomizes the definition of a schooling pony. So many kids have learned to walk, trot, canter, and do cross rails on her. She is super safe and snuggly! Kids learn to build their confidence on her because se is so kind and patient.

Flame

Bryan Penquite Reining Horses

Blue's story:

Blue is a seasoned horse who has moved through several training barns before finding his forever home at Bryan Penquite Reining Horses in Enfield, CT, in November 2023. He is owned by a 3-year-old boy, William Penquite, and is deeply loved and spoiled. Blue plays an important role in lessons, working with riders of all levels—beginner to advanced—and of all ages, from youth to adults, in both reining and ranch riding. He has provided many riders the opportunity to build their confidence in these disciplines. Named for his striking blue eye, Blue's sweet nature shines through in everything he does. In addition to his work with riders, Blue also serves as a “babysitter” for the young horses in the program. When he’s not helping riders, he is ponying and spending time with the younger horses, teaching them the ropes and setting a good example. Blue is truly the perfect little pony.

Nite Gunnin "Blue"

Vaquero Training Center

Blaze's story:

Dunn Deal, or "Blaze", came to us for $1 at age 7 when a young girl was moving on but could not keep him. He's 14.3, a perfect size for just about any size rider and still not too far from the ground! He has taught riders from 5-75 over his 29 years and worn so many types of tack! He is a great teacher as he would carefully carry the young and timid but as they grew in skill he would certainly test to see if you were paying attention. He was always the barn favorite by everyone, and I mean everyone, that came through the barn. 7-8 years ago, he started having signs of colic on occasion, on average once or twice a month, but they were unexplained by vets. He was diagnosed with cushings 4 years ago. With all of this he was on a strict diet and still show symptoms of mild colic but test after test, procedure after procedure, diet changes and med changes, vet appointment after appointment, he would still, on occasion, have an unexplained belly ache. We took him home to our backyard hobby farm where he found a new friend in our Percheron, 2 mini's and a mini donkey named Daisy. Slowly, as we watched his behaviors and again adjusted meds and diet, he is now an easy keeper on hay, complete feed, hay cubes and no meds. He looks and acts like a young horse with no signs of a belly ache or discomfort! Even the cushings has shown no changes. His coat and feet are great, energy is up, and he seems like he just wanted this retired life!! Our autistic and legally blind daughter learned her ground horsemanship skills with him as well as her riding skills until we retired him. Now she loves him and pampers him in the backyard on their spa days. Words and stories about this horse would have to be in book form to truly understand who he is and what he did for so many - some troubled times for kids, and adults, coped with better due to him. He's worn and shown in tack from sidesaddle, western disciplines, hunter jumpers, traditional & western dressage and he has even driven quite a few times! He is truly an all-around saint! So blessed to have him in our backyard just being a horse. He holds a very special place in our hearts and we owe him nothing. We owe him a comfortable, relaxed place where he can just be a horse until that very sad day arrives. No words will ever be adequate enough to paint the accurate picture that is Blaze.

Blaze

JC Eventing

Blaze's story:

Blaze is an excellent confidence builder for riders learning to ride something that can be a little hotter. While she is absolutely game on to the fences, she is the sweetest and gentlest horse I have met. From cross country lessons with the advanced riders to walk trot with some of the younger riders, Blaze is definitely a horse who tries her little heart out. She always takes care of you.

Blaze is an amazing lesson horse. She’s calm and takes good care of her rider. She has helped me gain confidence in my riding as I start my journey in Eventing. I know I can trust her to help me get over the jumps. She’s the best partner!

Blaze

Folly Farm

Endeavor's story:

Endeavor has been a staple in our lesson program for many years! Teaching kids their first canters, jumps and being a rock star in our IEA program!

Endeavor

Whispering Willow

Dixie's story:

Dixie is an absolute angel❤️

Dixie

Vail Farm

Murphy's story:

Dude 27 year old Connemara has been doing lessons since age 16 Has evented shown and hunter paced. Teaches mostly adults but has taught kids. Very sound. Slowing a bit with respiratory issues. Very special horse. Comes out every day with a smile ready to work.

Dude

N&C Equestrian

Layla's story:

"Yes!! I'm riding Layla" is something you will undoubtedly here when a student sees Layla next to their name on the board for horse assignments. Layla can do it all; jumper shows- she's got it, eventing- she's got it, dressage- she's got it, cross rails- she's got it, beginners- she's got it, being dressed up for camp- she's got it, need some confidence- she's got it. Whether it was showing me the ropes of my first time in the 1.10m jumpers or cantering poles with little kids, she always takes her job seriously giving 110% and executes it with perfection. Everyone's ride on Layla ends with a smile, and the kids will come up to me after, beaming, telling me how "she just flys!" or "she's so magical" or "she's a real life unicorn!". I have had the pleasure of half leasing Layla for over a year and a half now, and each ride is still as amazing as the first. The love that I have for Layla and love she gives back is unmatched to any horse I've ever met. She took me from the .90s to doing the 1.10s in less than a year, giving me confidence in my riding again. Not only is she perfect under saddle, but she has the most amazing and funny personality, which makes everyone's heart melt. When I first started leasing Layla, I was going through a hard time, but Layla is what encouraged me to get better, so I could continue to ride her and see her all the time. She truly is a life saver and the best teacher, friend, and horse.

Layla

Evans Performance Horses

Elvis's story:

Elvis is a 28 year old Paint gelding who has been a part of the lesson program for the past 8+ years at Evans Performance Horses. Not only is he everyone's favorite ride, he has a fantastic personality to match. He welcomes all treats and riders of every ability, and has no shortage of spunk at his age. He is exceptional at teaching everyone from beginners to winning classes at IHSA and YEDA shows with seasoned riders. Elvis will definitely let you know if you have enough leg to keep him going for your class. He has an amazing ability to transform students into exceptional riders and was awarded IHSA Zone 1 Regional Western Horse of the Year for 2022-2023. All that being said, Elvis is happy just being brushed and loved on by all who love him.

Elvis

Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center

Quinn's story:

The Mighty Quinn, ‘Quinn’, is a staple in our program. He helps to teach individuals not only in the tack, but on the ground as well. Quinn has been in our program for 6 years and in that time has helped many people through the hardest times of their lives. He is affectionately known as our stuffed horse as with his signature curls, he looks like the real life stuffed animal we all wanted as a kid.

The Mighty Quinn

Horseshoe Hill Equestrian Center

Quinn's story:

One year ago, I decided to fulfill my lifelong dream of being up close and personal with a horses I went to Horseshoe Hill Equestrian Center and was welcomed with open arms by Kim and Anna, the owner and trainer and fell in love with Ozzy a bi-eyed Quarter Horse. He was so patient and kind and taught me how to sit in the saddle and get my balance. We entered the Halloween show and received last place in all events. Ozzy taught me a lot about myself. I wanted to do better. I wanted to trot and get faster. I knew he could do it. I exercised and got stronger. I trotted for the first time down the side of the arena and it was amazing!!it wasn’t until now I told everyone I was living out my dream 10 years post bilateral hip replacements! Ozzy always respected me as a rider and he didn’t treat me any differently than any other school rider. He’s such a good boy!

Ozzy

Mount Holyoke College

Ronaldo's story:

Ronaldo has been a school horse for Mount Holyoke for over 15 years. He has done every job ever asked of him. He has done every level except walk trot (because he's too bouncy) . He sill participates in all levels of lessons, all collegiate, iea and ida shows. He does so willingly and is the best horse to draw at a horse show. He has taught many riders over the years and is always the favorite. He deserves to be recognized for all his years of patience and amazingness!

Ronaldo

Grey Jumper Enterprise

Canto's story:

Canto is the truest of saints in this industry. No matter what’s asked of him he’s always more than willing to be a teacher and a comfort to all. I’ve had the honor of riding and working along side him for the last 5 years and there’s no one else more deserving of this award. From doing the 3’6” to packing kids around on lead line he’s the same calm, collected, trustworthy guy he was the day before.

Cas canto is a horse who protects his rider and schools them. His Trainer has been instrumental in her love and dedication him and all her horses she has the honor to train.

Over the years I’ve seen my wife and her horse Canto work together to bring so much love, joy and safety to the kids & adults they work together to teach. Canto has always been her reliable horse to pull out for any level lesson and know each rider would be well taken care of and have a fun time learning. Canto recently stepped down from the jumping and has been doing walk, trot, canter, lessons to kids from the ages of 5-13 who are learning to ride and for adults 25+ who are just getting back into riding from some previously had experiences. He is everyone’s favorite to ride because of the love and comfort he provides and the endless learning opportunity he so willingly shares.

Canto helped me to get my confidence back after a bad fall off of a green horse. I was having a hard time feeling confident in the saddle, and Avery put me on her best lesson horse, Canto. He is truly one of the best. I was able to trust him and focus on relaxing and enjoying the ride again! This lesson horse definitely deserves a spot in the lesson horse hall of fame!

Cas Canto is a true professional. He is a solid citizen offering confidence, knowledge and forgiveness. He is the perfect for all levels of riders from beginners to young amateurs and adults looking to get back into riding. He has sooo much knowledge and is always eager to share this knowledge with his students. He is kind, saintly and safe. He is the kind of horse that every barn should be lucky enough to have!

I’m so excited to nominate Canto. I was lucky enough to half-lease him at a time when I was heartbroken from losing my own horse. Canto brought love, joy, and a new sense of confidence back into my life. He taught me more than I ever thought possible—not just about riding, but about trust, patience, and partnership. During the time I leased him, I heard from so many friends at different barns who knew him or had leased him before me. Everyone spoke so highly of him and shared their own stories about how special he is. It was clear to me that Canto had made an impact on so many riders, each in their own way. Canto has always been the horse that everyone loves. Whether it’s a beginner stepping into the saddle for the first time or an adult returning to riding after years away, Canto takes care of them. He’s calm, gentle, and always makes his riders feel safe. He recently stepped down from jumping and now focuses on walk, trot, and canter lessons. He teaches kids as young as five and adults over twenty-five, and somehow, he knows exactly what each rider needs to feel confident and have fun. What makes Canto extra special is his huge heart. He gives the best kisses and always seems to know when you need a little extra love. Whether it’s a nudge with his nose or his silly, sweet kisses, he makes everyone smile. He’s not just a lesson horse—he’s a friend, a teacher, and one of the most comforting horses I’ve ever known. Canto has given so much to me and to everyone who rides him. He deserves this recognition because of the love, kindness, and endless patience he shows every single day.

Canto is the sweetest , most gentle soul . Canto is capable of teaching lead liners all the way to 2’6 hunters with patience and safety.

Cas Canto

B2 Equestrian

Drip's story:

I bought Drip when he was three years old, intending to "flip" him within 90 days. Now, a decade later, he’s still with me—and he’s here to stay! Over the years, he has taught hundreds of kids (and even a few adults) how to ride and jump. He’s been the trusted partner for so many riders at their first horse show, helping them earn their first ribbons. Drip is truly one in a million—worth his weight in gold!

Drippity Doo Dah

CT Dressage Academy

Pippa's Story

Pippa is a wonder pony! She is a robust Gypsy Vanner that teaches adults and children alike. Pippa is the horse timid adult riders find themselves building confidence on and the horse young riders first canter on! She is known for her amazing mane and tail and cute mustache!

Pippa

JC Eventing

Pal's Story

Pal has so much experience eventing, which makes him the perfect horse to learn on. He is very patient with his riders and will never take your mistakes out on you. He is also incredibly reliable and has bailed me out on multiple occasions when I have done something incorrect. Pal is so versatile and is happy to navigate riders from small cross rails up to much higher jumps. He has a nice steady pace, which is great to help build confidence, especially around a jump or cross-country course. I have learned more from riding Pal the past few years than I have learned from any other horse I have ridden and I am so grateful for his natural teaching ability. And he is always extra excited to enjoy a well deserved banana (peel and all!) after a lesson.

Pal is one of the most incredibly kind school horses I have ever encountered. My confidence as a rider was at rock bottom when I first started riding him. His steadiness, patience, and tolerance have helped me fall in love with riding again. Pal is a wonderful teacher to many riders at varying skill levels. We are all so lucky to learn from Pal and are thankful for JC Eventing for sharing Pal with us!

Pal is a wonderful lesson horse and has taught me many valuable lessons. What makes Pal such a great teacher is that he will do anything that you ask as long as you ask correctly and if you don’t he will make sure you do the next time! Pal has something to teach all riders and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to learn from him.

Pal