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  • What We Do

    At RER Ponies there is something for everyone

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    Lessons and Training for all ages

    Whether you want to ride once a week or be in full time training, we can help you to achieve your goals. We have a full group of active children and just as active adults at RER Ponies. We have a lovely string of experienced school ponies to help you learn in the saddle. We have an active lesson program offering the following for each type of horse and rider:

    Please email for our current prices

    • Group Lessons 3-5 riders max 
    • Semi private lessons ( 2 riders max) 
    • Private lessons - for those wanting on on one attention 
    • Training rides with our resident trainer Heather Dostal schooling your horse or pony
    • Ground work training 
    • Working student and internship opportunities available 
    • Training rides for horses and ponies 
    • Short term training for horse and rider
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    Competitions

    Be part of the RER Ponies show team

    RER Ponies has an active competition team for both adults and children. We strive to meet the needs of each competitor, we are active in both the USEA Area 1, CNE Pony club region and USDF Region 8. We compete together as a team supporting each other through our love for our sport and our chosen disciplines. Our riders are successful and competitive achieving their goals under Heather's keen eye.

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    Childrens Programs

    RER Ponies programs for children as young as 3 years old!!

    Summer Program and Own A Pony
    ​RER Ponies will be having our 9th annual summer lesson program for children ages 5-14. The programs include riding and horsemanship instruction. In each program riders are grouped according to age and experience. We will be running one-week sessions with a limited number of students geared toward beginner riders, pony-pal preschoolers, JR Pony Clubbers and new riders. In addition we will be running our very popular Own a Pony Program. Please email for summer program application. rerponies@gmail.com

     

         2023 Summer Program dates:

    • Own A Pony Mini Program: June 21st - 23rd
    • D Program and Dressage intensive camp: August 21st - 23rd
    • Week-Long Own A Pony : July 31-Aug 4th
    • Week-Long Summer Program: July 17th-21st


         Pony Pals: Ages 3-8

    This is a great introduction to ponies and riding for children. Pony Pals is a great way to spend time with the special child in your life. A pony pal meets once a week and children have the option of riding one morning a week or one afternoon (Parent or Guardian must be present to help).

    45 min-1 hour total barn time (includes tack up time with instructor or upper pony club member, riding and stable management)

     

    NEW PROGRAM: PET A PONY PROGRAM

    • Under the guidance of our qualified team with the horses and Ponies at RER Ponies.
    • 12:30-1:15 Saturday afternoons for 5 weeks, Starts 5/6/23- Ends 6/3/23

    Spend a quiet Saturday afternoon on the farm with some of our ponies to find emotional support in animals.

    Observe herd behavior, groom, and receive pony snuggles

    All ages welcome, no experience necessary! This is not a therapy program but a program to share the experience of the bond of these beautiful animals.

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    UNITED STATES PONY CLUB CENTER

    We are proud to offer the US Pony Club program and curriculum.

     

    Pony Club: 

    Regional and National yearly dues are required to be a member of the RER Ponies Riding center.

    JR PC:
    Meetings are every Thursday from 4:00 to 5:30

    Tuesday and Wednesday Pony Club:

    Weekly meetings from 4:00-6:30

     

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    Training and Board

    We offer a tailored program for every horse and rider's needs. Be part of the RER Ponies Barn family.

     

    Training board available. RER Ponies has a select number of stalls for clients to board their personal horse or pony. We have a lovely new small private facility (see “The Facility” for more information). We often have slots available for short term training as well. For training board price packages please inquire.

     

    Please inquire about what is best for you.

     

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    Dressage Judge and Clinician

    Heather is a USDF "L" graduate

    Heather is available to judge your schooling show or come to your farm to do a clinic. Judging is one of Heather's true passions. She thoroughly enjoys sitting at "C" helping horses and riders with her words. Currently booking for 2023. Please inquire.

     

    Sales

    RER Ponies offers for sale


     

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    Northern Stars Ballerina

    Sold to Olivia and Meredith O'Connell Congrats and Enjoy!

    Bella has been a farm favorite for many years. We have decided she deserves her own person at this point of her life and we are offering her for sale. Bella is a 13 yr old 13.1 h reg. Canadian welsh pony mare. She has had 2 foals. She is barefoot, easy keeper, lives outside in a herd or alone. She has been a solid low level school pony for us. She can do small cross rail courses and training level dressage. She is best suited for a young rider that is solid wtc d-2 uspc level or above. She is willing to please and looking for a young rider to love her. Asking $4000 OBO, pony club home a priority.

     

    Please contact Heather Dostal

    rerponies @gmail.com or call or text 413-427-2026, Video available upon request.

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    OZZY

    Sold to Sherry from VT Congrats and Enjoy!

    Ozzy is a lovely 15.1h 2009 Paint gelding. He is forward thinking and kind. Currently schooling 1st level and solid training level. Has competed in some local shows with a junior rider with scores in the the high 60's. He hacks out alone and in company is a super easy keeper. Can live in or out.

     

    Please contact Heather Dostal

    rerponies @gmail.com or call or text 413-427-2026, Video available upon request.

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    MR Jackson

    Sold to Ethel from NY Congrats and Enjoy!

    Mr. Jackson is a lovely 15.1h 2009 gelding. Mr. Jackson is a huge barn favorite. He has taken a rider to her C3 dressage specialty and C3 traditional in USPC certifications. Currently schooling 2nd level and solid first level. He has an extensive USDF show record with junior riders and has competed in d4kids as well as evented through BN. He hacks out alone and in company is a super easy keeper. Can live in or out. He is pleasure to work with each day.

     

    A note from Ethel:

     

    Thank you to Heather and all the good people at RER Ponies for the care and training that Mr. Jackson received! I feel so lucky to have this amazing horse in my life as my dream horse! Jack is a pleasure to work with both on the ground and under saddle. We are having fun in our lessons with my trainer, Madeleine Debure, and I know she has great plans for us!

    Take care and best regards,

    Ethel

     

    Please contact Heather Dostal

    rerponies @gmail.com or call or text 413-427-2026, Video available upon request.

  • Who We Are

    We're on a mission to teach every rider at their own pace in a supportive environment while attaining each rider's goals.

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    HEATHER REYNOLDS DOSTAL

    RIDING DIRECTOR AND OWNER

     

    At RER Ponies riders become part of an extended family while learning the respect and responsibility of riding. Heather's riders are successful and accomplished. They believe first and foremost in having fun. She believes in a basic classical foundation for each rider with a heavy focus on dressage. Heather's devotion to training and her love for the art of dressage translates into each lesson she teaches. Although Heather has taught many successful young riders and is known for her work with young riders, she has many successful adults that ride with her too.

    Her program creates opportunities for riders to compete if they choose and to enhance their knowledge of horsemanship. She teaches her students great horsemanship on and off their horses in a safe and fun environment. Her teaching focuses on balance, the use of natural aids and building a sound relationship with your horse using the training scale in all aspects of her coaching.

     

    Heather Dostal is a USDF "L" graduate and has achieved her USDF Bronze medal. She has competed successfully through the upper levels of eventing. Through her years of competing, she has trained with numerous top level trainers many being olympic riders. Heather currently is an active USDF Region 8 competitor. ​

     

    Continuing her own education is as important to Heather as training others. She has attended clinics with Jacqueline Brooks, Felicitas Von Neumann Cosel, Bo Jenna, Chris Hickey, Michael Poulin, Gunnar Ostergaard and Axel Steiner. In years past she has worked with Michael Klimke, Kathy Connelly, Larry Poulin, Jerry Schurink, Becky Schurink, Virginia Leary, David O'Connor, Jane Karol and Claus Bierenbroodspot.

     

    Heather has trained many young horses and ponies a process she enjoys immensely; she is currently bringing along her own mount, Imbe. Imbe is a Lusitano that Heather Purchased as a upper level prospect from Sons of the Wind farm. Heather is super excited to work with Imbe and progress him through the levels. She is also well known for her work with young riders, with a focus on students who are new to the sport of dressage and eventing. Heather’s focus is on developing happy and athletic horses and ponies in both eventing and dressage. She achieves success through her systematic well-rounded and understanding approach to training. Her riders have attended the USPC championships for the past 8 years, achieved many USDF awards and a number of students have also attended and placed at Dressage 4 Kids.

     

    Heather lives with her husband, Todd, and daughter, Emilia, at their farm. Todd and Emilia are huge parts of RER Ponies and without their support RER ponies would not be what it is today!

  • Facility

    Take a look and enjoy!

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    Our Farm

    Please contact us for details as we will have limited slots available for training board for some lucky ponies or horses.

     

     

    • 15 oversize stalls
    • Indoor wash stall 
    • Locking heated tack rooms
    • Viewing room/classroom
    • Oversized feed room
    • Individual turnouts
    • Grass pastures
    • Oversize outdoor and indoor arena. 
    • XC jumps and show jumps
    • Galloping track
    • Wooded trails directly off-property
  • Happenings for RER Ponies

    We always strive to meet the needs of our riders and the needs of riders in the local community.

    RER Ponies events and outings

     

    2023 Shows

    *Sperry View Series- Bethany CT

    • May 7th - Opens April 6th
    • July 12th - Opens June 15
    • Oct 22-

    *GMHA Dressage Days- Woodstock VT

    • June 16-18th - Opens April 18th
    • Oct

    Pony Cup- WEC Ohio

    • July 7th-9th

    *NEDA

    • Summer July 16th - Millis MA - Opens June 6th

    *Centerline Event - HITS Saugerties

    • May 20-21st - Opens April 11th
    • June 17-18th - Opens May 23
    • July 7-9th - Opens
    • August 18-20th - Opens July 11

    CVDA

    • May 7-8th
    • July 23-24th
    • September 17-18th

    D4K - HITS Saugerties

    • Aug 9-12th
    • *National Champs @ Kentucky Horse Park

    Nov 9-12th

    RER Ponies Show Series 2023  

    The RER Ponies Dressage Show series is a low-key schooling show where many exhibitors will be experiencing their very first show while others will be using it as an opportunity to fine tune their test riding in a stress-free environment. Formal show attire is optional; riders may substitute with light breeches, boots, and polo shirt.

    All USEF, USDF, USEA rules apply.

     

    RER Ponies Dressage Schooling Show Series 2023

    USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program Participating Competition

    Days, Dates, & Judges:

    RER Ponies Dressage Schooling Show I: April 30th 2023                 Judge Corinna Scheller Fleming, L

     Closing Date: April 23rd 2023

    RER Ponies Dressage Schooling Show II: June 25th 2023   Judge Suzanne Mente, L

     Closing Date: June 18th 2023

    RER Ponies Dressage Schooling Show III: September 10th 2023          Judge Ann Guptil, L  

    Closing Date: September 3rd 2023

     

     

    Space is limited! Please email rerponies@gmail.com for show entry for 2023

     

    Clinic and Education Series

     

    Clinics: 2022

     

    TBD

     

     

  • Proudly Sponsored by

    We've got a top notch team!

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    RER Ponies is fueled by Poulin Grain!

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    RER Ponies is outfitted by Strafford Saddlery!

  • Social Feed

    Check out my latest updates!

  • Who's Talking About Us

    Take a look and enjoy!

    "Heather has been nothing but helpful as I grow and learn with my young horse. As a bonus, Heather has dealt with her high-maintenance quirks with the utmost patience and understanding! For the first time in a long time, my anxious horse is happy and healthy in a boarding environment."

    -Karina L.

    "Heather has taught my daughter a work ethic and provided her a place to make friends with girls of different ages that share her passion for riding. Heather is dedicated to her riders no matter what their level of riding is." - Linda V

    "I have boarded for 30 years at some very good farms, and I can say with confidence that RER is exemplary. The facilities are meticulously clean and well maintained and Heather is dedicated to every detail of each horse's care. She is an effective, thoughtful, knowledgeable instructor and complements her supportive teaching style by bringing in top notch clinicians! Though I am decades beyond pony club age, I have always felt warmly welcomed as part of the RER family." Janet L.

    "As a parent, I am so thankful to Heather for teaching her riders good Horsemanship, with safety always being a priority. Thank you Heather and Todd for all the hard work you do so that your riders have beautiful and safe properties to ride on!" - Shari E.

     

    "I always enjoy clinicing at RER Ponies for Heather. It's a great atmosphere for adults and kids alike. She continuously upgrades her facility. She takes super care of the horses in a natural way. Heather pursues her own education. She is a cheerful dedicated trainer that is a pleasure to work with." -Virginia Leary

    "LOVE this barn & the people. They treat you like family so you always feel welcome! Top notch care & attention to detail. Great family friendly facility. Heather is amazing!! Both my daughter & myself feel right at home with our horse in Heathers care." - Jessica C.

    " Heather's professional and kind approach offers confidence and trust for those who either are looking to place their pony or horse to a loving, appropriate home, or for those looking for a teacher and/or trainer.
    Thank you Heather for finding Nuala her little girl." - Midge D

  • The Blog

    Thoughts, musings, and ruminations.

    I am driving on a cold October morning on Route 8 in Connecticut to my dear friend Virginia Leary’s, a road I've traveled so often. I am thinking about my conversation with my four-year-old daughter at 6 a.m. as I got her dressed to help me get my horses ready for a clinic. She asked me why she...
  • Connect With Us

    Get in touch! Come see what the RER Ponies family is all about.

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    Email Us

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    Call or Text

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  • Contact Us

    Don't be afraid to reach out! You + us = awesome.

    54 Plain RD
    Hatfield MA, 01038
    Mon - Fri 9 AM - 7 PM
    Weekends are reserved for horse
    shows and family time.
    413-427-2026