Pinoak Acres

21/10/2025

Just a reminder the Pumpkins and Ponies event is canceled for this weekend.
Stay tuned for future events.

18/10/2025

Super fun day today in Produce in the Park Atlantic, Iowa for the Boo*Tique Market at the YMCA.

18/10/2025

16/10/2025

🐴✨ We’ll be at Produce in the Park this Saturday! ✨🐴

Come see us for some family fun with our horses!
🐎 Hand-led Horse Rides: $8 per ride or 3 rides for $20
🎨 Paint-a-Pony: $10 per session (washable, non-toxic paint)
📸 Photo with our Horses: $2 per horse

👉 Kids only rides (no adults due to weight limits)
👉 Adults can help kids paint
👉 Liability waivers must be signed before participating

We can’t wait to see you all this weekend — stop by and say hi to the horses! 💛

15/10/2025

💫 Why I Do What I Do 💫

Some days, I feel completely burnt out — tired, stretched thin, and wondering why I put in all the hard work that I do. But then stories like this remind me exactly why.

Back in April, an 11-year-old Quarter Horse gelding named Tango came to my barn after several weeks of quarantine and stall rest. He was underweight, stressed, cribbing badly, full of ulcers, and just plain unhappy. His eyes looked dull and tired, and he didn’t have much spark left in him.

Now, I know some might think it sounds a little crazy, but I do believe in animal communication — and that some people can truly connect with animals on a deeper level. Tango’s owner had spoken to an animal communicator we both know, and at that time, Tango expressed that he was unhappy, his stomach and back hurt, and he was simply ready for a new start.

So, his owner made the move to bring him here to Pinoak Acres, even though it was a bit of a drive. He arrived on April 16th, and since then, the transformation has been incredible. With the right feed regimen, turnout, and consistent, gentle care, Tango began to shine.

He’s gained weight, become as sound as he can be, and most importantly — his personality has bloomed. The shy, withdrawn horse we first met has turned into a goofy, affectionate boy who loves to play, pester our farrier, and make everyone smile.

Just recently, Tango’s owner checked in with the same animal communicator, and the update brought me to tears. Tango said he’s never been this happy. He feels understood and respected, his stomach doesn’t hurt anymore, and he’s proud of his home here. He even recommended “the kennel caretakers” (we’re pretty sure he meant the barn crew 🥰).

He did mention a sore tooth — which we’ve already noticed and plan to have checked — but overall, he said he doesn’t want to move. He loves his friend, his space, and his new life.

You don’t have to believe in animal communication to feel it when a horse heals — when they go from shut down and stressed to calm, confident, and full of life. That’s what it’s all about. 💕

15/10/2025

🐴 Wednesday Homeschool Class
Our final class wrapped up today, and the kids got to RIDE! 🤩 Everyone did such a great job — I’m so proud of how much progress they’ve made this session! 💪🐎

15/10/2025

Well.. today with the forecast saying rain and thunderstorms I canceled lessons. But I was out in the barn for the farrier until 4p and the rain held off so Lilie Snyder and Aubree Hackwell got ride time.

14/10/2025

🐴 Homeschool Horse Experience – 2nd Session!

Starting Monday, October 20th at Pinoak Acres

We’re excited to kick off our second session of Homeschool Horse Experience! This 4-week session will be hands-on, educational, and fun — perfect for homeschool families looking to combine outdoor learning with horsemanship.

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🧒 Ages 7 & Up

📅 Mondays, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
💲 $125 for the 4-week session

This group will be set up similar to my lesson program — we’ll focus on:
🐴 Catching horses
🧽 Brushing & grooming
🪶 Saddling
🏇 Riding and improving balance, communication, and confidence

If a class is canceled due to weather, a make-up day will be provided.
If you cancel, make-ups will not be offered.

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🐴 Ages 3–7

📅 Mondays, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
💲 $20 per session or $80 for all 4 weeks

This group will enjoy a mix of hands-on learning with the horses, simple grooming, and beginner ride time — perfect for younger learners ready to explore the barn in a safe, structured way!

Same weather policy applies — if I cancel, class will be made up; if you cancel, no make-up is offered.

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✨ A minimum of 4 participants per class is required to run the session.
🖱️ The scheduling link will be posted soon — reserve your spot early!

📍 Location: Pinoak Acres, Walnut, Iowa
📞 Contact: 712-250-1431
📧 Email: [email protected]

08/10/2025

Some days start before the sun ☀️🐴🐾
Up at 3 a.m. and couldn’t sleep, so I got my chores done early — then drove 45 minutes to help a friend with her horses while she’s down with pneumonia. Came back to teach my homeschool horse class, headed to Neola for dog walking and training, and now gearing up for a 6 p.m. dog lesson at the farm.

It’s been a long one, but I’m thankful for the animals, the people who trust me with them, and the life I’ve built doing what I love. ❤️

08/10/2025

Learning saddling and all about horse chores today :)

08/10/2025

🐴 Pinoak Acres Safety Reminder for All Riders

Safety is always our top priority at Pinoak Acres. Going forward, I will be strictly enforcing our safety gear policy for all riders — no exceptions.

✅ Required for Every Lesson:

ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet (proper fit)

Boots with a heel (no tennis shoes, crocs, or open-toed shoes)

If a rider arrives without the proper gear, they will not be allowed to ride that day for safety reasons. We can still work on groundwork or reschedule, but mounted lessons require both a helmet and boots. I will only reschedule if I have availability to do so otherwise you will forfeit that lesson if you choose to not do groundwork.

I’ve been lenient in the past, but as our program continues to grow, I need to ensure every rider is protected and our standards remain consistent. Thank you all for understanding and helping keep everyone safe — both horses and humans!

— Josie
Pinoak Acres Riding Program

08/10/2025

:)