Ringside Equestrian Center, LLC

10/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19FrGS6Nxt/

A reminder for all aspiring top riders we see in the ring again and again: a well-trained, well-prepared pony will outshine a flashy, underprepared one every single time.

You don’t need the most expensive, most talented pony in the barn to have real success. What you need is a pony that’s ready-one that’s responsive, soft, and genuinely understands what you’re asking. And that kind of pony isn’t born. It’s made, through consistent lessons, thoughtful preparation, and a whole lot of honest work from both ends of the lead rope.

We’ve watched so-called “average” ponies walk into a class and quietly beat the fancy ones — not because they moved better, but because they were educated better. They listened to their rider who was perfectly prepared on when. They waited for their rider’s cue. They answered every question calmly and correctly, because the homework had already been done. That’s what the judge rewards. That’s what wins. And more importantly, that’s what builds a partnership you can trust when it counts.

The best part? That success is available to everyone willing to put in the work. Every lesson you take, every ride you school with intention, every time you drill the basics until they’re second nature you’re building a pony that understands you and responds to your direction without hesitation. You’re closing the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

So take the extra lesson. Ride on the days you don’t feel like it. Fix the little things before they become big things. Prepare your pony so thoroughly that when you point them at the task in front of you, the answer is already yes.

Talent gets attention. Preparation gets results. And preparation is something any dedicated rider and any willing pony can achieve together.

09/04/2026

Ringside Equestrian Center LLC will have one stall becoming available.

Join our program and team as we head into the fall season. With multiple trainers on staff, we have the right fit for every situation. We do have plans to show some of the fall/winter circuit at WEC.

Ringside is a full care, Hunter Jumper facility. Pro rides and training are available, and lessons are required. We have a lovely outdoor arena and a generous 80 x 1 80 indoor arena. We are completely insulated and stay warm over the winter, and we additionally have the ability to heat the barn on brutal winter days.

The property is staffed 24/7. Seven day a week turn out weather permitting. Hay thrown five times a day. Grain twice a day. Buckets dumped , and stalls cleaned on a daily basis.

Boarding clients each have a private full cedar lined tack closet for all their items. Washer and dryer are available for client use. Farrier on a weekly basis. Vet arrangement as needed and blanket changes as the weather fluctuates.

Five bathrooms, full kitchen and lovely clubhouse, you can visit our website at www.ringsideec.com. for more information. Or reach out at [email protected] to arrange a tour. Our barn phone number is 248-508-8288. 

08/21/2026

Hah. I think I think we should make this a goal for our dads over the winter

07/30/2026

Fun to watch.

06/28/2026

Proud of our team for getting it done at Waterloo part 2. Congrats to all the riders. Our trainer Emily Chipman. And many thanks to our amazing groom Hadley Radiwon ( I can’t get everyone tagged but great job Vivienne, Violet, Emma, Evelyn, and Micah!)

06/11/2026

We said good-bye to Mandalay Bay ( aka “Manny” ) this afternoon.
Manny taught countless riders in the area to trot, and canter, and jump.
We are eternally grateful to the Kissman family for sharing Manny with us for over a decade.
His best buddy Phoenix shared lunch with him earlier in the day, and Phoenix was with Manny when he passed.
RIP sweet boy. You were the best pony.

05/15/2026

When they break down the fence to get waterfront accommodations! At least it’s still on our property.

05/09/2026

A recent study from the University of Tennessee provided strong support for something trainers, movement specialists, and bodyworkers have observed for years:

Ground poles significantly increase activation of important postural and core muscles in horses.

What the Study Found

Walking over ground poles increased activity in:

• Longissimus dorsi — a major topline and spinal support muscle
• Abdominal muscles — critical for core stability and support of the spine

Even at the walk, poles require the horse to:

• Lift the limbs higher
• Stabilize the trunk more actively
• Organize posture and balance with greater precision
• Continuously adjust limb placement and timing

At the trot, researchers also found increased activation of the abdominal muscles.

Trotting over poles requires greater dynamic stabilization, and the increased limb elevation demands more coordinated control of the trunk, pelvis, and spine.

What This Means

These findings support the long-standing use of cavaletti and ground poles as a low-impact way to:

• Strengthen the topline
• Improve abdominal engagement
• Support spinal stability
• Enhance proprioception and coordination
• Encourage improved posture and self-carriage
• Develop better movement organization through the whole body

One of the most important aspects of pole work is that it influences both sides of the postural system:

• The dorsal chain — including the longissimus muscles along the back
• The ventral chain — including the abdominal support system

This balance is essential for efficient movement, force transfer, and development of a healthy, functional topline.

But pole work is not only muscular.

It is neurological.

Each pole creates a movement problem the horse must solve in real time.

The horse has to:

• Judge distance
• Adjust stride length
• Control timing
• Stabilize the trunk
• Organize the limbs in space
• Adapt moment-to-moment to changing demands

That process requires attention, coordination, body awareness, and ongoing nervous system regulation.

In many horses, poles appear to improve focus not simply because the horse is “behaving,” but because the nervous system is becoming more engaged and organized around the task.

Pole work may also influence neurological tone — the background level of muscular and nervous system readiness that affects posture, movement quality, stiffness, and coordination.

For some horses, this can help reduce excessive bracing and improve adaptability through the body.
For others, it can help improve postural engagement and overall organization.

Why It Matters

Regular pole work can benefit many types of horses:

• Young horses developing coordination and posture
• Performance horses improving strength, agility, movement quality, and limb awareness
• Horses rebuilding core control and stability after periods of weakness or reduced work
• Older horses maintaining mobility, coordination, and movement confidence

Importantly, many of these benefits occur even at the walk, making poles accessible to horses across a wide range of ages, disciplines, and fitness levels.

Rather than simply “making horses pick up their feet,” poles appear to challenge the nervous system, postural system, sensory system, and muscular system together — encouraging the horse to organize movement with greater control, awareness, and adaptability.

https://koperequine.com/step-by-step-the-benefits-of-walk-poles-for-horses/

04/26/2026

A weekend full of learning and accomplishments!

Frenchie and Vivienne’s first first place under saddle off property, and tied in points for the reserve championship. With an overall point spread in the division of 26 to 28 points, they were so very close to a tricolor.

Lily and Violet took home their first reserve championship off property. What a great way to celebrate Violets birthday. That’s a ribbon to keep forever.

And our darling Remi took her first blue off property and also it was her first show cantering undersaddle. She’s going to hang out with Reese for the next six months and we see all wonderful things happening.

And to the crew back home that helped get us thru a weekend filled with a few extra twists and turns, thank you to you all!! What a fantastic barn family we have. ( I tried to tag you all but some names didn’t come up….. but you all know who you are!!)

04/26/2026

It was that kind of day today. Months of expectations for an off property show. Our young Remedy, leaving on a lease. And them our ginarmois Tony having a colic and needing to be moved to msu. And our ponies who’ve been working so hard, nailed it.
Wrap it all up into tomorrow with visions of wonderful things