Forest Brook Farm’s Lesson Horses
Tessa
Tessa is a 13.3hh Exmoor Cross born in 2011. She arrived at Forest Brook Farm in 2018 as a green seven-year-old and has quickly become the undisputed star of the lesson program.
This opinionated little mare excels in showing young riders the ropes, insisting that her riders do their part, but keeping them safe and secure in the saddle as they learn.
Tessa was born and bred at Fairbanks Stable in Richmondville, NY, by Faye Benedict.
Buford
Buford is a 14.2hh Lippitt Morgan born in 2006. He has been with Forest Brook Farm since the beginning, and has established himself as a super-safe beginner’s mount, for the smallest of riders to beginner adults.
Although he shines with beginners, Buford has something to offer to riders at every level, and can also be a lot of fun for jumping, trail riding, and games with the right intermediate to advanced rider.
Doc
Doc is a 15hh draft/pony cross born in 2011. A half-sibling to Tessa, Doc came to Forest Brook Farm in 2019 and has followed in his sister’s hoof prints, becoming a lesson favorite.
Doc has proved himself a perfect fit for intermediate and advanced riders, with a bold and honest disposition that makes him a safe, fun choice in the ring or on the trails.
Doc was born and bred at Fairbanks Stable in Richmondville, NY, by Faye Benedict, from whom he is currently on lease to FBF.
Marc
Marc is a 16hh OTTB born in 2003. As a horse with a quirky personality on the ground and the need for a supportive rider in the saddle, Marc is geared toward intermediate to advanced riders.
Although he does not appreciate the learning pains of absolute beginners, he is a great teacher who will reward his rider’s soft connection and correct cues with an exceptionally honest effort.
Henri
Henri is a 15.3hh Welsh Cob born in 2002. While he can be a very challenging horse for intermediate to advanced riders, Henri has a soft spot for beginners and boasts the friendliest face in the barn.
His kind disposition makes him a popular mount, and unleashing his ability under saddle has become a coveted reward for advanced students patient enough to figure out a “tough ride,” as Henri makes them earn every stride.
Seamus
Seamus is a 15hh Connemara/TB cross born in 2016. He arrived from Fairbanks Stable in Richmondville, NY with Doc in 2019 and has been learning how to become a riding horse ever since.
While still green, Seamus’s calm disposition has allowed him to learn quickly, and he has just begun doing occasional walk-trot-canter lessons with some of FBF’s more advanced students. The future looks bright for Seamus as a lesson horse with the disposition to suit beginners, and the athleticism to make him a fun advanced ride.