Meet the Instructors
Lucy Krakowiak
Beginning Rider & Groundwork Instructor
Lucy has been part of the Pondalucea family for many years and has been training horses even longer. She specializes in groundwork from beginner to advanced levels and in liberty work and teaches beginner riding lessons. Her expertise is based on a thorough understanding of equine psychology and behavior. She has a background in Pony Club and is a naturally talented teacher of both equine and human students!
Her approach focuses on building a relationship with the horse on the ground to make handling easier and safer, and ultimately to make riding more enjoyable and bring it to a whole new level. She specializes in creating an environment that allows a horse to truly connect with its handler.
Lucy is also in charge of the health and happiness of the lesson herd. She keeps a sharp eye out for injuries, lamesness, or behavioral issues and makes sure they are addressed promptly.
Gabby
Beginner Riding Instructor, groom, and stable hand
Gabby started at PLS 5 years ago and has worked very hard to grow in our program. She currently owns her own horse and will start on him competitively this year at the recognized levels. In 2024 Gabby competed at the recognized event EI aboard her former horse and placed in the top percent of her class. She continues to grow in the sport of eventing and has earned a spot not only as an instructor but she is Ambers right hand human for helping with riding and grooming some of the top equine athletes within the barn. Gabby is currently in in college and working at PLS part time.
Leah Cohen
Instructor
Leah grew up in New England and got her start helping out local trainers in exchange for horse lessons. She began to take her life with horses seriously when she went to college while working with local trainers and studying psychology at the University of Vermont. She got her start teaching at summer camp as a teachers aide for one of her equus classes at UVM.
Later in life she got her Bronze medal in dressage and found her way out west and is continuing her horse adventures with us at Pondalucea teaching riding to all types of students with all of our lesson horses.
Outside of teaching she enjoys hiking and spoiling her small dog Maisie.