Finding the perfect horse or pony for a rider is a cornerstone of success in the equestrian world, a sentiment echoed by countless trainers. This crucial partnership, often considered half the battle, not only leads to more confident riders but also accelerates their skill development and allows them to truly trust their equine partners. Gary Duffy, the esteemed owner and trainer at Little Brook Farms, located in Saratoga, New York, and Wellington, Florida, has cultivated a remarkable talent for this precise art of matchmaking. His dedication has led his students to numerous victories and championships at prestigious national horse shows.
“When I take on a new student, my first step is to evaluate them during lessons or a trial period,” Duffy explained. “I observe their approach to the animal and their comfort levels. Some riders might express hesitation about jumping higher or performing certain exercises due to lack of confidence. My approach is to understand their comfort zone and then formulate a plan, suggesting, ‘This is what I believe will work best. Let’s give it a try.'”
Savonna Adell, a standout rider at Little Brook Farms competing in the Pony and Junior Hunter divisions, exemplifies Duffy’s exceptional matchmaking abilities. Her progression as a rider and her impressive list of accomplishments underscore the vital nature of a suitable horse-and-rider combination. Adell, a 12-year-old from Michigan, has been training with Little Brook Farms since 2017 and travels to Florida weekly during the winter season for training and competition.
With mounts such as Sportin’ Around, Laugh Out Loud, and Spellbound, Adell has made a significant impact in the pony divisions. More recently, she has also garnered attention in the Junior Hunter and National Hunter Derby circuits with Redeemed, a Holsteiner mare. Beyond her own mounts, Adell also has a talent for catch-riding other individuals’ horses and ponies.
“Initially, I recognized that Savonna was a bit timid,” Duffy recalled. “Therefore, I selected a pony known for its reliability in the show ring – a real confidence-builder to help her advance to the next level.”
Sportin’ Around, a chestnut gelding that Adell has partnered with for a year, proved instrumental in her development in the competitive Medium Pony Hunter division, significantly boosting her confidence, especially in handy rounds.
“Savonna once doubted her ability to navigate a handy course, but now she is one of the most proficient handy riders,” Duffy stated. “This transformation is largely due to the confidence she gained riding ‘Sport,’ whom we initially leased for her. He was a genius in the handy rounds, and the skills she acquired from him were directly transferable to her work with Laugh Out Loud. ‘Sport’ truly made her believe in the effectiveness of inside turns, trot jumps, and the overall strategy required in modern handy courses.”
“All of my ponies have taught me invaluable lessons, especially ‘Sport’,” Savonna shared. “He’s incredibly fun to ride, and now, handy rounds are among my favorite parts of competition.”
Savonna Adell and Sportin' Around in a competition.Photo © Phelps Media Group
In addition to her success with Sportin’ Around, Savonna has continued to excel with Laugh Out Loud, with whom she also competes in the Medium Pony Hunters.
“It was a good match. They weren’t an immediate winning combination, but they are now flourishing together,” Duffy observed. “Savonna possesses the confidence and trusts both my guidance and her own abilities, as well as the animal’s potential.”
The subsequent step in Savonna’s progression was Spellbound, a partnership that saw her compete in the Children’s Large Pony Hunter division during the Winter Equestrian Festival. This accomplished pair later advanced to the Large Pony Hunter division during the ESP Spring Series in Wellington, Florida, ultimately clinching the circuit championship for the division.
“Spellbound represented the next level for Savonna. He is a very elegant pony – possesses excellent movement, is a superb jumper, and meets the quality standard I aimed for Savonna to progress towards,” Duffy commented.
Duffy also emphasized the critical importance of leasing a horse or pony before committing to a purchase, ensuring the compatibility of the match.
“I generally advise my clients to lease a pony before buying,” Duffy stated. “This allows us to confirm the partnership’s compatibility. We might arrange a lease with an option to buy, or continue leasing if I believe the animal will provide sufficient learning experiences for the rider to advance to a higher-caliber horse with superior movement and jumping ability.”
While Duffy finds immense reward in successfully pairing riders with the appropriate ponies, he finds even greater satisfaction in witnessing his riders’ personal growth and development. He cherishes the transformation of his students into knowledgeable, well-rounded equestrian athletes who demonstrate genuine care for their equine partners.
“It’s essential that they engage with the animals not only at the ring but also in the barn, understanding each pony’s strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and unique characteristics,” Duffy elaborated. “My primary interest lies in cultivating dedicated students who are eager to learn and absorb knowledge, much like a sponge, rather than those solely focused on reaching the ring to compete and win. I genuinely enjoy working with riders who possess a strong desire to learn and improve.”
Gary Duffy observing a rider during a lesson.Photo © Phelps Media Group
“I believe these animals are instrumental in teaching children confidence and refining their technique. Savonna has developed a strong riding technique, and we are now focusing on making her rounds even smoother,” he added.
“I am fortunate that Savonna is such a diligent student,” Duffy remarked. “This is crucial because, while we recognized her as a very capable rider, she needed to build her confidence. It’s akin to a student transitioning from a small private school to a large university; they must adapt and excel. In a private school setting, everyone is on a similar footing. At university, they are immersed with peers from diverse backgrounds across the country and must rise to the occasion.”
Savonna has acquired a wealth of knowledge from Duffy, both within and beyond the riding arena. She harbors a strong belief in her mounts and their capabilities, but most importantly, she has cultivated self-assurance in her ability to bring out the best in each animal.
Duffy concluded, “Now, it’s about the bigger picture. While it’s beneficial at times for them to be a significant presence in a smaller setting, they also need the experience of venturing into the larger competitive ‘ocean’ periodically.”
For further information, follow Little Brook Farms on Facebook and Instagram, or contact Garry Duffy at (561) 315-5647 or via email at workhorselbf@gmail.com.
A group of ponies and riders at Little Brook Farms.Photo © The Book LLC
