S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship
Building safer, stronger partnerships between horses and humans.
Book & Train with Confidence
Explore Horse Training & Skills
Diverse Horsemanship Styles
Discover the art of true horsemanship through the S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship experience.
It’s more than a method - it’s a philosophy that ensures both horse and rider progress with confidence and clarity.
From English and Western riding to Liberty and relationship-based natural horsemanship, our programs are designed to build confidence, communication, trust, and lasting partnerships between horse and rider.
Whether you are stepping into the barn for the very first time or refining advanced skills, S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship offers personalized instruction, professional training, boarding, sales, leases, and select show opportunities in a welcoming, supportive environment.
No horse ownership required.
Just a willingness to learn, grow and connect.
Start your equine journey today. Call us at 845-260-0962.
HORSE ADVENTURES FOR ALL AGES
What to Wear: Safety Meets Comfort
Your riding gear matters. Here’s what we recommend for every beginner:
- Helmet: Always wear an ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmet. We have several choices to loan to get you started safely.
- Boots: Choose boots with a small heel to prevent slipping through stirrups. We have a few pair to loan but can't promise we have every size.
- Pants: Wear long pants or breeches to avoid chafing.
- Gloves: Optional, but helpful for grip and hand protection, especially in the chilly temperatures.
- Dress in layers for the weather. You can always take your jacket off to mount up.
- Please avoid wearing big, baggy clothing and/or dangling jewelry.
Dutchess County's Best Summer Horse Camp
Our Best Summer Horse Camp blends S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship with confidence-building, friendships and unforgettable hands-on horse experiences into one extraordinary week on the farm.
Each day brings new adventures, from riding and grooming to horse care, creative activities, leadership skills, and meaningful connections with both horses and new friends.
More than just camp, it’s an experience designed to help children grow in confidence, responsibility, communication and independence, all in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Whether your child is brand new to horses or already horse-crazy, this is where summer memories are made.
FREE LIMITED-TIME OFFER!
Get Your FREE
Foundations Lesson 1: Defining Boundaries Workbook
Start building safer, clearer, and more confident partnerships with horses through the proven principles of S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship.
This professionally designed educational workbook introduces the core foundations and for a LIMITED TIME, is 100% FREE TO YOU!
BEST PONY PARTIES
We offer the BEST Pony Parties with games on horseback for children of all ages. An all-inclusive party on the horse farm just bring your party decorations, food and drinks. Perfect for children's birthdays, special occasions and adults wanting to have fun! Horses & Ponies available.
Western or English, Children, Teens, Adults
Riding a horse is more than just a fun adventure—it’s a partnership between rider and animal that requires patience, skill, and respect. At JL Performance Horses, we believe in building confident riders from the ground up. Whether you're stepping into the stirrups for the first time or brushing up on the basics, we will walk you through the essentials of horseback riding: from mounting and steering to grooming and gear.
Please remember to complete the online release and covid forms.
Questions? Call (845) 260-0962
S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship
Comprehensive Equestrian Training
From the ground to the saddle, S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship at JL Performance Horses builds real skills, lasting confidence and a powerful bond between horse and human. Designed for ages 7 to 70, this unique program combines classical and natural horsemanship in a calm, respectful and results-driven approach. No intimidation, no gimmicks, just clear communication and a deep understanding of horse behavior. Whether you're riding English or Western, new to horses or looking to level up, S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship will help you safely work with any horse, anywhere. Thinking about horse ownership or a career in the equine world? Start here.
Bring your horse or use one of ours—and discover why so many riders say S.A.F.E.R. changed everything. Call to book your appointment 845-260-0962
** Safe, Achievable, Fun, Effective, Respectful = S.A.F.E.R Horsemanship **
Learn more about S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship
Safe & Effective Horsemanship
Experience the difference. Haul your horse in or use one of ours.
Sign up for a session now.
Spaces fill quickly—click “Book Now” to reserve your spot!
Experience the DifferencE First Hand
Ride with Confidence & Trust
Whether you're brand new to horses, returning after time away or dreaming of competition, S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship will set you and your horse up for long-term success. Our proven step-by-step system is trusted by Olympic and World Champion riders and backed by hundreds of student testimonials. You’ll learn to ride in balance—English or Western—and build a true partnership based on understanding, trust and harmony. Many of our graduates go on to become respected horse people, trainers and even guest instructors. Start your journey today and see what’s possible when you ride with purpose.
Sign up for a 60 minute introduction session now.
Spaces fill quickly—click “Book Now” to reserve your spot!
S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship: Ground to Ride
Our S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship program empowers you to build a deeper, more effective partnership with your horse—whether you're working with a rescue, a green prospect or a seasoned show mount. You'll learn to understand body language (yours and your horse’s), manage energy and intention, and develop clear, confident communication in both groundwork and riding. This program teaches you how to calm reactive behaviors, introduce new challenges, and advance your horse’s education with purpose and compassion. You’ll gain insight into conformation, movement, and functional improvement—helping your horse thrive physically and mentally. Ideal for riders and horses at any level, S.A.F.E.R. creates confident leaders, willing partners and lasting results.
Safe & Expert Care
Train with Confidence
The Certified Professional staff at JL Performance Horses prioritize the safety and well-being of horses and humans.
They have passed an extensive Background Check, successfully completed Head Injury & Concussion Training, Heat Related Illness Training, First Aid, CPR, AED, Positive Youth Development and are current with SafeSport Certification and more, including S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship Certified Professional status.
S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship for Everyone
S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship for Kids
A Seven‑Level Progressive Horsemanship Curriculum Powered by S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship
The PONYSITTERS Program is a comprehensive equine education system for ages 5–15, built on the patented S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship Method. Students progress through seven color‑coded levels, each with clear milestones, hands‑on learning, and a strong emphasis on humane, respectful communication with horses.
No prior experience is required. Students grow organically, becoming proactive, confident, knowledgeable and capable horse people.
All instructors are S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship Certified and part of an elite group of professionals recognized for excellence, including multiple Trainer of the Year awards and leadership honors from Dutchess County and Cornell.
Click here to hear about the benefits of the PONYSITTERS, powered by S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship
S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship for Everyone
We believe every rider and horse deserves a clear, confidence-building path forward. Learn the S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship Method—a step-by-step approach designed to help you build trust, overcome fears, and achieve lasting results.
S.A.F.E.R. stands for Safe, Achievable, Fun, Effective, Respectful. It’s more than a method—it’s a philosophy that ensures both horse and rider progress with confidence and clarity.
New to Horses: Build confidence, learn clear communication, and overcome nervousness or fears in a welcoming environment.
Young or Green Horses: Establish the right foundation for long-term success.
Rescued Horses: Fill in missing education and create trust.
Finished Horses: Use targeted groundwork to tune up responsiveness and refine performance.
Troubleshooting Riders: Solve challenges like resistance, anxiety, or communication gaps.
Performance Riders: Gain deeper understanding of your horse’s mechanics to sharpen timing, balance, and results.
S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship gives you the confidence, communication, and clear path you need to succeed—whether you’re new to horses or ready to take your partnership to the next level.
2026 Best Summer Horse Camp
2026 Best Summer Horse Camp - Early Bird Pricing.
EXTENDED EARLY BIRD PRICING TIL JUNE 1, 2026!
Early Registration Opens Jan. 25th!
Early Bird Registration Closes April 1!
SAVE NOW BY SIGNING UP NOW!
Open Community Registration.
No Prior Experience Required.
Well-trained horses and ponies ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. Best Summer Horse Camp is powered by S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship.
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