RRA Lesson Horse Honor Roll
Join us in celebrating the true heroes of our sport! These devoted equines contribute to the development of top riders, the sport, and lifelong equestrians. The hardest working and most impactful equines in our industry are honored here for everything they do! Click here to learn more about where these nominees reside and about other currently Recognized Riding Academies in your area.
Meet our past honorees here.
Zone 1
Adored by RRA Well-A-Way Farm of Simsbury, CT
21 year old Warmblood, 10 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Soaked alfalfa cubes
If he were a famous person, he would be: Tom Cruise
Isaac's melodic canter is the best for helping our students learn how to jump courses. Be careful though because he likes the long spot- hang on and go with him! He loves to win ribbons in the short stirrup at local shows, go outside all day with his
friends, and show his riders how it's done! We are so lucky to have him be part of the WAWF family! PC: The Cross Family
Zone 2
Adored by RRA Stony Hill Stables of Amagansett, NY
25 year old Appaloosa, 12 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Everything
If he were a famous person, he would be: Santa Claus
Polka has been a staple of Stony Hill for decades. If you learned how to ride at Stony Hill, Polka was your first trot, first canter, and first jump. He was your first horse crush. Thousands of kids have ridden Polka, and he's been loved by everyone. PC: Amanda Rodriguez
Zone 3
Adored by RRA Clairvaux of Leesburg, VA
18 year old Dutch Warmblood, 1 year giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Oatmeal Cream Pies
If he were a famous person, he would be: Based on our barn wide vote, Breit is like Adam Sandler. They are both relaxed and fun but work hard at their jobs. They would both prefer that everyone maintain the chill environment in which they thrive.
Breit only recently made the transition to school horse, and he has charmed everyone in the process with his sweet personality, food-focus, and adorable face. For example, he handily won the vote for this award, despite being our newest lesson horse and having some very stiff competition. In the year that he’s had his new job, Breit has had to figure out a variety of riders, how to handle all kinds of distances to jumps, some less than perfect canter transitions, summer camp, and even Halloween costumes. He has not only figured out all of these new skills, but he kept his fun and relaxed personality while learning on the job. His riders describe that Breit has built their confidence overall, specifically with accuracy in their transitions and finding distances to their jumps. In his short time as our school horse, Breit has helped all levels of riders learn at home and find success at local shows. We are so lucky that his owner has chosen to share him with us and that we get to learn from him. PC: Kathryn Blum
Adored by RRA Full Moon Farm of Finksburg, MD
20 year old Percheron Thoroughbred cross, 6 years giving lessons
If she were a famous person, she would be: Zoe Saldana- a strong, fierce leader in her industry
Zena is our most reliable, consistent, steady Eddie, all-around lesson mount. She takes care of our summer camp kids, eases beginner adult riders’ anxiety as they learn to ride, loves to teach low-level eventing to her partners, and is the boss mare of her field. Zena is one in a million and Full Moon Farm is lucky to have her! PC: Christine Hryzak
Zone 4
Adored by RRA Cornerstone Farm South of Naples, FL
29 year old Welsh Pony, 20 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Minty Horse Muffins
If she were a famous person, she would be: Oprah Winfrey
Ebony is the MOST dependable pony I have ever had in my program. She has competed with almost every student in our barn in both local and rated competitions. Her name is on almost every perpetual trophy from leadline to children's ponies, equitation, and medal finals. Ebony has the steadiest trot on the longe line for even the tiniest beginner to and is still able to do her PERFECT flying changes even to this day at 29 years young! She is great on the trails, will jump anything, and loves bareback games on camp days. Ebony is a once in a lifetime girl! PC: Leslie Terry
Zone 7
Adored by RRA Sunny Fox Farms of Wimberly, TX
22 year old Mecklenburg, 10+ years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Anything you put in his way
If she were a famous person, she would be: Buzz Lightyear!
Buzz has the kindest heart and has taken many riders to their wins. He was a star NCEA horse after competing in the junior hunters in years prior. He is now a beloved teacher at Sunny Fox for our littlest learners up to our IHSA team. Buzz will come up to you first in the pasture, he loves snuggles and is a favorite in and out of the saddle. Fun fact, last year Buzz had EOTRH surgery requiring all front incisors to be removed. He suffered no side effects, and we LOVE that his tongue now hangs out about 24/7! Everyone loves Buzz! PC: Katherine Deichmann
Adored by RRA Hunters Gate Stables of Princeton, TX
27 year old Welsh Pony, 15 years giving lessons
Favorite Treat: Carrots
If she were a famous person, she would be: Bettie White
Catfish has a great way of teaching everyone to ride correctly. She is forgiving enough that the true beginner can ride her, but can challenge more experienced riders to do things correctly. She enjoys winning and puts her best hoof forward at shows! PC: Lisa Sampson
