Click on image to enlarge.
I showed up at Pleasant Meadow Farm as a 12 year old beginner rider, really only knowing how to bounce around a ring with a bunch of other kids, just trying to hang on. I had no idea how lucky I was about to be! Joanne immediately made me feel so accepted and at home, that Pleasant Meadow practically became my home. Working with Joanne and her horses provided me with a chance that most girls my age never have. I grew a tremendous amount as a rider and as a young woman. I was taught how deeply satisfying hard work is, both in and out of the saddle. Whether it was a dressage workshop, team penning, or witnessing the birth of a foal, the PMF team is always up to something exciting and expanding.
Joanne Pelosi is the most dedicated barn owner I have ever met. She genuinely cares for each horse and owners' particular needs, and works hard to ensure that the PMF horses are happy and healthy. Without her support I would never have been able to experience showing and riding so many wonderful ponies whenever I desired! She has become a dear friend and an inspiration to me on sooo many levels.
Alyssa Nebus completely transformed my riding. She taught me how to ride productively and with an understanding of the horse. She was always patient and encouraging, and challenged me to think for myself. I called her on my cell phone one day during a particularly tough ride and within 5 minutes everything was going smoothly. I am so thankful to have had her as my instructor at a young age.
I am unbelievably grateful to have had Pleasant Meadow Farm become my family. As I get ready to relocate very far away, I know that Pleasant Meadow will always have a very special place in my heart. I hope to one day find a barn half as wonderful. The lessons I have learned there gave me confidence in all areas of my life and the bonds I made will always be treasured. Pleasant Meadow Farm provided me with endless opportunities to ride, grow, and learn.
All of my love,
Brittany
8/2010
It was difficult leaving my barn in Bucks County when my family moved to New Jersey. I was very worried about how my sensitive mare would adjust to the transition, and I was leaving behind a very supportive group of barnmates. My worries turned out to be needless, as both my mare and I have only benefited from our time at Pleasant Meadow Farm. All the amenities needed for a happy and healthy horse are provided, and Liadan has never been happier. I also have been fortunate enough to have yet another group of friendly and supportive barnmates. Joanne provides a very warm and inclusive environment, and Alyssa’s method of training builds both confidence and skill. Every time I pull up the long driveway to this beautiful farm I am reminded of what a great choice I made.
Jane Oelkers
I was looking to get back into riding after giving up my horse to go to college back in the day and found Pleasant Meadow Farm by chance by visiting their website about 9 months ago. I met with trainer Alyssa Nebus and owner Joanne Pelosi and soon thereafter started my lessons and never looked back. Nowadays, I’m part leasing one of Alyssa’s Morgans and have found a real home away from home. I feel very fortunate to have found a barn that’s inclusive and relaxed but professionally and knowledgeably managed and operated. I wanted the best of both worlds…lots of fun combined with complete faith and trust in the folks and horses I was learning from and riding with and I GOT IT! I think this barn is very special in a lot of ways. Boarders and lesson riders alike work together, help one another before, during and after events and generally just have a good, safe time enjoying the facility, the horses, plenty of outings and one another’s company. A day at the barn doesn’t pass without learning something valuable while enjoying my ride. Who could ask for more? Someone much smarter than me once said “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man” and they only forgot one thing… to mention how awesome being a member of a good barn can make you feel, too.
-Kelly Jones
(Photo taken with Kelly's horse in the mid-80'S)
My daughter, Alexis, came to Pleasant Meadow Farm two years ago to begin indoor lessons over the winter. My how things have changed since then! She has gone from being bug-eyed at the canter to a secure, safe, well-seated rider at ALL paces and on a variety of mounts. Her trainer, Alyssa (Nebus) Weihe, works with Alexis to challenge her at each and every lesson, developing her into a more sound and well-rounded, thinking rider.
In coming to Pleasant Meadow Farm, we have discovered a very warm, caring, and welcoming environment. There is no pressure to compete, yet should you choose to; the support you will find is amazing. EVERYONE pitches in and helps: from grooming, to loading and prepping at the event, to giving you the high fives or wiping away the tears when the day is done. Everyone cares about the other riders as a whole person, not just as a barn mate.
Games Night is not to be missed. At many barns you see others in passing, between rides. Not so at Pleasant Meadow Farm, Games Night fosters camaraderie – because it’s just plain fun. No matter the time you ‘regularly ride’, you are invited to join the wackiness of Games Night and build on friendships and love for horses.
Joanne Pelosi keeps a clean, low-key, loving barn and has the best interests of the horse and rider always close at heart. My daughter is blessed to be part of such a family.
Karen Giannattasio
Horse-mom
When I decided to take the leap and buy my first horse, I had no idea of where to begin. I contacted Joanne Pelosi of Pleasant Meadow Farm. Joanne impressed me in that she was responsive to my questions but had many of her own. It was clear she wants to do everything she can to ensure her horses go to loving, stable homes. After agreeing on a price, Joanne spent a Saturday driving the three hours from her farm to ours to deliver my new yearling. It was love at first sight for me. Joanne had told me all about him and had sent numerous pictures and video. He was even more than what I expected. From the beginning it was clear he had been handled with love and patience. At one year he loaded like a dream, picked up his feet with no fuss, and could be led quietly as well.
I really value the insight and advice Joanne is always willing to give. I feel so lucky to have found Joanne and Pleasant Meadow Farm in my search for my perfect horse.
Rachel E. Kaul
Joanne,
I can hardly believe we’ve been in New Jersey for six months already! I thought this might be a good time to reflect on how happy Lyric, Dundee and I have been at Pleasant Meadow Farm and share some of my gratitude with you. You know how nervous I was about moving my two “active seniors” all the way across the country, away from everything they were used to, from feed to bedding to climate to…well, you name it, I worried about it!
First and foremost is the excellent care, with careful attention to detail. I know the boys appreciate their clean, warm and always-topped-off water buckets and their neat, fresh, low-dust stalls. Well, almost as much as they LOVE their individual paddocks with views of the surrounding pastures, anyway! I cannot imagine a better, more horse-friendly setup, for their minds as well as their bodies.
Running a close second is how “at home” I feel at Pleasant Meadow. You have made me (and ALL my stuff!) feel so welcome. You gave not only my ponies a place, but one for me too. I had no idea how difficult it would be for me to be so far away from all of my friends and support, both horse-y and personally. I hope you realize how much I appreciate the friendship, knowledge, support and camaraderie I’ve found at PMF. From knowing how to get the boys used to being on pasture, to having the “bat-line” for the vet, to encouraging social gatherings, I have never felt so included and appreciated at a barn before.
I have to mention Kate. I mean Marilyn. Wait, no Blondie, I mean SHAZAM I’m GORGEOUS! What a fun, unexpected and altogether fabulous addition to our family. The quality of horses and ponies that I’ve seen find new homes through PMF has been a pleasure to be around. You certainly have a knack for finding great horses (even the ones labeled “farm equipment”…) and matching them with very satisfied owners. I know I’m one of them, that’s for sure…
I can only hope than when (ever!) I get my barn built and bring the boys home that I am able to provide care that comes close to what I’ve become used to at PMF. You’ve definitely given me some big “horseshoes” to fill!
Thank you so much for everything and more,
Mike and Heather Toma
I came to Pleasant Meadow Farm last summer, for what I thought would be a short period of time - it was simply going to be a place where I could ride in between leaving my former trainer and finding a new one. Oh, how I was wrong! Of course I was impressed with the facilities and the horses, but it was the people who ride and board there that made me realize that PMF was someplace special. From Game Nights to early morning barn cleaning to shows with the whole team cheering, Pleasant Meadow Farm is the most inclusive barn I have ever been at. In fact, it is so welcoming and warm, I now refer to it (semi-jokingly, but mostly in all seriousness) as my second home.
I cannot appropriately express my thanks and gratitude to Joanne and Alyssa for making PMF a place where I can not only ride (and one day hopefully board), but where I can learn, grow, and make new friends as well. There isn't a day that goes by without me thinking of Pleasant Meadow Farm.
In gratitude,
Michelle
Let me start by saying I have owned this horse for 13 out of 14 years of his life. Bug has been boarded with Joanne Pelosi at Pleasant Meadow Farm for two years and in training with Alyssa Nebus for four years. The physical transformation of Bug has been from an always underweight TB without a tail and dull coat to a perfectly muscled/weight, GORGEOUS bay with a full tail Casanova! He has gone from a training level horse who could not pick up the left lead canter and thought a tap of the whip means to buck to a full understanding of the aids, is completely balanced and schooling Third level dressage! We have gone from rushing 2'6" courses and taking HUGE, not just long, distances to a balanced course lengthening and shortening as needed, improving both of our confidence in the stadium and cross country field immensely! You cannot go wrong coming to Pleasant Meadow Farm. If you don't believe what I just wrote, just come spend a Games Night with us and see how much FUN we have riding!
Penny Haesloop & Big Bad Bug
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. What did I really know about horses other than I knew I loved to be in their company? I moved to Flemington, 10 years ago and lucky for me the Pelosi’s moved next door.
Coming from a beginner, I found Joanne Pelosi to be a true mentor. It doesn’t matter what level you are, Joanne and her staff are patient and put me at ease. She has so much experience with horses and is truly dedicated to every aspect of their well being. I have never met anyone that works so hard and is so driven about her horse farm. The stable is beautiful, spacious and well maintained. Pleasant Meadow Farm boasts a great outdoor and huge indoor arena so the weather is never an excuse.
My horse was given all the attention you could hope for. He was exercised, turned out, fed, groomed, had standard vet visits and was always kept comfortable.
All her trainers and handlers are very experienced. Pleasant Meadow Farm is the place your horse can call home!!
Coleen Purdon
Director of Global Supplier Relations
Estee Lauder
I have been a member of the Pleasant Meadow fan club for about a year and a half now. My daughter was fortunate enough to take lessons in the their beautiful indoor riding arena. And, when my daughter fell in love with her lesson pony Joanne was kind enough to let us purchase her. We now have Itsy at our farm, but always go back to have fun at Pleasant Meadow.
They are a great team of people who are always there to guide me and help me to achieve my goals, since I am new to horse riding and care.
I thank you Pleasant Meadow Farm for all you’ve done for me and my family.
Sincerely,
Donna Desai
Desai Farms
With heart felt thanks for all that you have done and all your support in re-directing my love of riding forward! Horses are the best therapy.
Warmest Regards,
Laura Gurreri
Joanne and Alyssa,
I just wanted to thank you again for finding Nick for us. He has been the absolute perfect first pony for Lexie. He has the most loving personality and will probably be with us for the rest of his life.
He was such a star this year in the Mini-Stirrup and they achieved their best performance yet in capturing the Mini-Stirrup Reserve Champion title out of 23 ponies at the NJPHA Fall Finale last year. Thanks again for bringing him into our lives.
Dana and Lexie Sendro
Pleasant Meadows Farm is a very pleasant, friendly place. We felt very comfortable with everyone there. Everyone was very welcoming. In the course of buying our pony from Joanne Pelosi, she was great with communication and was extremely accommodating.
Sincerely,
Colleen, Bret and Kelsey
(Bouncer's new family)
Pleasant Meadow farm is great all around facility for a wide range of horse enthusiasts. As an adult returning to riding, I was introduced to PMF through their lesson program. I enjoyed the one on one attention and the focused learning environment that helped me regain my confidence in the saddle. I brought my new baby "home" to Pleasant Meadow Farm. Their constant and professional guidance and support were invaluable to both my horse and me. He got the turn out a young thoroughbred needed and I got the training and advice I needed to stay safe while progressing towards new goals.
The casual and friendly environment allows the horse owner to enjoy their journey with their animal. There is no pressure to compete, only encouragement to be the best you can be. As a busy mom of three, that made owning a horse even more valuable!
Sandy Gray
|