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

- Working Student Training Program

- Horseback Riding Lessons

- Lead-line/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 started with us in Mar of 2022 having 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 & strong work ethic along w/her true passion for the horses. Her leadership skills have continued to develop as she takes on more responsibility as Assistant Barn Manager.

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 many roles here at the farm. He supports barn and farm operations and also assists with the horses and lessons when necessary. He has a big heart that the horses recognize and has 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. 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 May 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!

Ms. Bethany L. (w/)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant. Bethany joined the Working Student Program in Jul of 2024. She brings a quiet demeaner with a strong love and respect for the animals and her peers and we are enjoying helping her build her skills and confidence when working with the horses!

Ms. Leah L. (w/Frosty)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant. Leah joined the Working Student Program in Aug of 2024 and is working hard on learning as much as possible about both the horses and barn management. She has quickly settled in to the Barn Crew and we look forward to continuing in helping her develop her equine skills!

Ms. Kelcy H. (w/Tjaasa)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant. Kelcy is one of our newest but more experienced Working Students having joined the Program in late Aug of 2024. While she has traditional riding experience, she is excited to learn more about equine care and barn management. We look forward to helping her expand her equine horizons!

Ms. Carlie L. (w/Java)

Barn Crew and Lesson Assistant. Carlie is our newest Working Student having joined the Program in Sep of 2024 shortly after her sister, Leah. She is looking forward to learning as much as possible about the horses and teamwork while taking the skills she learns here at the farm and translating them into other skills as she plans for future positions!

Tjaasa IPF Updates

Who's here momma?

Can I have my treat now?

Our youngest herd member, Tjaasa IPF was born on 12 MAR 2022 at 11:37pm here at the farm. 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!