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California Riding Magazine • July, 2010 Joey Pedroni Stables |
Hunter/jumper trainer Joey Pedroni launched her own training business last year. Her consistent success in the show ring provided a natural segue to becoming a trainer. “I have always truly enjoyed teaching,” she says. “Seeing the satisfaction and pride on my client’s faces is a great reward for the long hours spent at the barn.” Pedroni is well known and highly regarded in the Northern California equestrian scene. She grew up riding in Sonoma County and eventually became an assistant trainer for Ned and Hope Glynn at Sonoma Valley Stables. It was during her work at Sonoma Valley Stables that she discovered her passion for teaching. “I love getting the most from both the horse and the rider,” she says. “I consider myself so lucky to be a part of my client’s success.”
(from left) Katrina Gargiulo holding Dolce, Jane Thornton, Pedroni’s equestrian background includes competing in eventing and dressage before focusing on the jumping disciplines. Earning the Best Adult Rider award at the Menlo Charity Show was one of several highlights from her amateur days. When the opening was offered at Edgemont Farms, Pedroni quickly recognized both the opportunity and the good timing to begin her own training business at the first class facility located in Petaluma. She already has a barn full of clients with 22 horses and a clientele ranging from pony riders to adult amateurs and business continues to grow. The program is client driven and addresses the specific needs of her clients and their horses. “It is so important that I spend the one-on-one time with every horse so that I am able to build and maintain a relationship with them,” the trainer notes. She also strives to provide an environment for all her students so that they can learn to do the same. “I believe that the better your relationship with your horse, the better your riding will be and the better your horse will perform for you.”
Ava Leraris and her pony Professor Plum Pedroni offers both private and group lessons, but prefers to work with her riders during the individualized private lessons. “I like private lessons because they offer more focus and intensity for learning,” she explains. “A lot of my instruction includes techniques from my dressage training, such as feeling the straightness in your horse and learning how to fix a swap or a drift, for example.” One of her biggest priorities is to show students how to think for themselves so they can participate in fixing any problems that may arise. Occasional group lessons are a fun change of pace that still provide excellent learning opportunities. “We usually have a group lesson once a week. It’s fun and we learn from each other’s successes and mistakes.” Goals & Trust Pedroni emphasizes goal setting for her clients and helps to keep everyone on track with frequent discussions and revisiting objectives. “I think it’s important to set realistic, achievable goals that address both riding success and enjoyment of the horse. I also make sure that the client fully considers how their horse fits with their goals to help keep a positive outcome.” With riders and horses, Pedroni considers it crucial to establish a trust-based relationship. “Horses are like people. When a horse trusts you, and you’ve built a relationship, they will perform at 110 percent.” When a horse comes into her program, Pedroni takes the time necessary to determine what makes each individual “tick” by learning what makes each horse happy. Her results have been dramatically positive. “I’ve had some horses come in that were clearly unhappy and depressed. I believe a horse’s happiness shows in everything he does. I try to find what will make each horse happy and provide that for them.”
Sara Fell on her pony Sassafrass, Alanna O’Neill on Joey Pedroni Stables’ show schedule averages 14 to 16 competitions a year. Most are in Northern California area, but trips to Southern California are easily accommodated for medal finals and anything else that fits with her clients’ ambitions. Given the difficult economy, it’s been nice that the Bay Area show scene has so many great shows to offer. Pedroni can be seen competing successfully in the Grand Prix arena aboard her horse Peerfekt. She hopes to add a second Grand Prix horse to her barn this year. Meanwhile, she continues to enjoy working with her barn of show horses, young horses, sales prospects and ponies.
Lindsay Thornton on Almosta Secret, aka Milo. The trainer is quick to give credit for her success to those who’ve helped her in the past and present. Sidley Payne was a tremendous influence as Pedroni’s dressage instructor. Assistant Melissa Duffield provides great help within Pedroni’s program by bringing her extensive dressage experience, insight and tremendous work ethic.
For more information on Joey Pedroni Stables call 707-792-2900 or e-mail JoeyPedroni@yahoo.com.
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