Animal Husbandry | Stafford, VA | Iron Ponytail Farm

Support for Animal and Human Well-Being in Stafford, VA

Helping humans and animals connect and communicate on a non-verbal level.

Iron Ponytail Farm offers fun animal husbandry instruction in Stafford, VA with a primary focus on equestrian learning tailored to both child and adult students from beginner to intermediate and helping animals in transition.

- Care and riding lessons dedicated to practical and effective skills focused on consistency.

- Relationship development based on mutual respect and non verbal communication skills.

- Confidence building both on the ground and while mounted.

- Equine rehabilitation and rescue support.

- Working Student Program to provide in-depth hands on training working with horses and students.

Services include:

- Equine Facilitated Learning

- Animal Care Lessons

- Horseback Riding Lessons

- Pony Rides

- Farm Management & Development Consultation

- Small and Large Group Learning Events

- Equestrian Parties

- Private Group Training

*We are currently conducting Birthday Lessons/Events & Intro Lessons for clients interested in joining our formal sessions or monthly lesson program or those just interested in a one-time experience.

ABOUT US

As animal lovers, our mission is to offer an opportunity for people who would like to learn about small farm operation and maintenance and/or just spend time with a variety of animals in a safe and controlled environment. Our approach is unique from other establishments in that we focus on teaching clients and students how to care for and properly handle the animals in addition to introducing riding in a basic and easy to understand environment tailored to each individual. Our hope is that we can provide down to earth, practical application and mentoring to a wide variety of people who want to learn how to connect to not only the animals, but to the best version of themselves as human beings.

We also have a special goal of helping our military, first responders, and children to find a unique outlet to express themselves in a positive way or gain exposure to animals that they may not otherwise have access in a safe and affordable manner through our animal husbandry instruction.

Our Team

Ms. Navairre Mazzeo

Owner/Instructor

Mr. Terry Ritchie

Operations Manager

Ms. Baylee Beach

Barn Manager/Instructor

Sina

IPF Security & Herd Mgt

Skoll

IPF Rodent Control

Loki

IPF Jokester

Esme

IPF Cuddler

Our Current Herd

Skip Recap (Skippa)

Ink

Tjaasa IPF

Frosty

Buck

VB Too Much Java (Java)

In Memoriam/Herd Members Lost

Sal's Sis (1995-2023)

Our Soulful One

Luna (2008-2023)

Our Perfect One

Quintana Roo (2003-2023)

Our Intelligent One

Chester (1970s- 2020)

Our Resilient One

Our Working Students

Ms. Baylee B. (w/Roo at Schooling Show)

Barn Manager and Student Instructor. Baylee started working at IPF in January of 2018 and has excelled in every aspect of equine care, barn management, and lesson execution. She enjoys sharing what she's learned and passing on her passion for the horses to less experienced clients.

Ms. Ellie C. (w/Ink)

Assistant Barn Mgr and Lesson Assistant. Ellie has risen to Assistant Barn Manager status. She comes to us w/experience from a previous barn and is working on improving her training skills as she works with our young herd members. We appreciate her quiet way and hard work ethic along with her true passion for the horses.

Mr. Gianni L. (w/Java)

Assistant Barn Mgr, Grounds Crew, and Lesson Assistant. Gianni joined the IPF Working Student Program in Winter of 2020 and serves as assistant Barn Manager. He has a big heart that the horses recognize and has quickly settled into a leadership role at the Barn. He brings a positive energy and strong work ethic that is appreciated by his peers and the horses alike.

Ms. Teagan O. (w/Skippa)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant. Teagan joined the Working Student Program in Fall of 2021 and is working on herd relationship building and her teaching skills. Her passion for the animals is evident every time she steps into the barn and she is particularly strong with physical maintenance and landscape chores!

Ms. Catie B. (w/Sal)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant.

Catie joined the Working Student Program in winter of 2021 and is working on her leadership skills with the horses. She has a true gift in energy and the ability to connect with her equine partners!

Ms. Ella K. (w/Frosty)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant. Ella first started as a lesson student and then joined our working student Team in Jan 2023. She brings a big heart and strong work ethic and we have enjoyed watching her journey as her confidence and knowledge has grown!

Ms. Gigi S. (w/Java)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant. Gigi joined the Working Student Program in Spring of 2023 and is working hard on proper position and focus with ground training. She is working on leadership skills and vocal communication but her love of horses is obvious in her willingness to work on her skills!

Ms. Harper S. (w/Skip)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant. Harper joined the Working Student Program in Jan of 2023 and is working on connection and liberty work in addition to position and focus with ground training. Her compassion for the animals is obvious even to them!!

Ms. Jacinta C. (w/Buck)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant. Jacinta joined the Working Student Program in Aug of 2023 and is working on getting to know the horses as well as all the care and routines required to maintain a healthy herd. We are happy to have her on the team!

Tjaasa IPF Updates

Who's here momma?

Can I have my treat now?

Welcome to our youngest herd member, Tjaasa IPF born on 12 MAR 2022 at 11:37pm. She is strong, bright, and thoughtful with an inquisitive and willful, yet kind nature. We can't wait to see her grow as she settles into herself and continues her journey. We are very proud of her!