Lesson Horses
Our lesson horses are the heart of the program—each with their own personality, quirks, and specialties. From seasoned competitors now sharing their wisdom, to steady ponies who patiently teach beginners the ropes, these horses make learning both fun and rewarding. Whether it’s Chaos showing young riders the thrill of eventing, Frodo giving confidence to first-timers, or Boomer bouncing over fences like a rocket, every horse in our barn plays an important role in shaping the next generation of equestrians.
Chaos – The Legend
Chaos is the barn’s namesake and a true original. A 2005 QH/Oldenburg homebred, he grew up at Grand Farms and went on to become Anni’s first Advanced horse, successfully completing multiple CCI3*-L competitions.
Standing just 15.1 hands, this powerhouse proved size doesn’t define talent. These days, Chaos has traded the big leagues for teaching (and occasionally tormenting) young riders as they discover the sport of eventing. Fun fact: on the very first day Anni backed him, Chaos decided training could wait—he laid down and took a nap.
Frodo – The Steady Eddy
Frodo, a 2001 13.3-hand Kiger Mustang/Fjord cross, has been part of the team since 2012 and is the ultimate jack-of-all-trades. His resume includes Pony Club, eventing, lunge line lessons, fox hunting, trail riding, pony sledding, handicapped riding, and even pony rides for the tiniest of equestrians. Life is best taken at Frodo’s pace—slow and steady—which makes him a confidence-building teacher for beginners. With his dun coloring and multicolored mohawk, Frodo is as cute as he is reliable.
Pina Colada (“PJ”) – The Zipper Thief
PJ is a 2013 palomino Welsh pony standing 13.2 hands, who joined the program in the fall of 2021. Don’t let his golden good looks fool you—this little guy is as versatile as they come. He has done Pony Club, eventing through Beginner Novice, horse camping, swimming, trail riding, and is always up for snuggles. His favorite pastime? Stealing zippers, of course! With a smaller build than Frodo and a playful personality, PJ is the perfect kid pony and a total barn favorite.
Summer Fling (“Fling”) – The Jumper Queen
Summer Fling, a 2005 Oldenburg mare, has been teaching at Grand Farms since 2014. She’s evented through Training level, shines in dressage, and loves a good trail adventure, but her heart belongs to the jumping arena. Best suited for intermediate riders stepping up from the ponies, Fling is brave, athletic, and happiest when flying cross-country. Carrots, of course, are a close second.
Boomer – The Pocket Rocket
Boomer is a 2016 grey half Connemara gelding who joined the team in early 2024, co-owned with Shaina and Ansley Querry. At just 13.2 hands, Boomer may be pony-sized, but he’s packed with springs and personality. He’s competed up to Beginner Novice and happily schools 3’ fences with enthusiasm. Known as the “pocket rocket,” Boomer’s boldness and larger-than-life character make him an instant barn favorite.
Halcyon (“Hali”) – The Wise Teacher
Halcyon, a 2005 Canadian Warmblood mare, has truly done it all. She competed through the Intermediate level with Anni, returned from a major injury to shine in dressage at First and Second Level, and has evented through Training level with both Young Riders and Adult Amateurs. In 2024, she added “mom” to her impressive resume, producing an adorable colt named Kairos (aka Curly Noodle Nugget). Back from maternity leave, Hali now splits her time between lessons and passing down her wisdom to the next generation of riders.
Learn with the Grand Farms Riding Academy
Our lesson horses are the foundation of the Riding Academy—teaching riders of all ages the skills and confidence to grow.
