About The People
Hana
Owner of Hana Poulin Driving & Dressage LLC and Moonlight Equestrian Center and Instructor
I started riding right around 4 years old on my parents farm, The Highland Dressage Center up in Maine. Both my parents are awarding winning dressage and driving recipients. I think what I loved the most and even now is learning something new about each of the horses and ponies I work with. Learning how to successfully communicate with them since like people they all have different experiences good or bad.
When I started Hana Poulin Dressage & Driving LLC back in 2016 I would travel to teach riding and driving lessons. Eventually I leased part of a facility in Brunswick Maine called Sable Oak Equestrian Center, where I boarded, trained, and taught individuals and summer camps.
Like working with horses its always a learning experience and as I say to any rider or driver just learning a new skill, it takes time! Until you’re comfortable and find your balance you just need to keep going. All of this – Horses and what we do is supposed to be enjoyable, fun and positive.
One of the things I love most is the challenge that comes with Dressage. You can always go further and do better in events or in general. All you need to do is never give up and always have fun.
Jessie
Co-Owner of Moonlight Equestrian Center and Hana Poulin Driving & Dressage LLC
My very first introduction to horses was when was 8 years old and taking weekly lessons on a farm very like Moonlight. 3 years before starting high school, I owned a horse named Totem Pole, a beautiful 14.2 hand Paint who taught me so much and helped me get through the difficult middle school years.
I loved my years being a barn rat but when I was about 16 I had to sell Totem and no longer lived close enough to spend my days at the farm. On that path I found my husband, Ned, and together we had three beautiful children who brought me back to the farm after so many years away.
My daughter and I met our pony Ashland Seren - our Honey Badger - at Ashland Stables when I began bringing my daughter to lessons of her own. Seren’s been ours ever since.
Seren’s not my only horse though. I bought Water Proof HU - Wally - in February of 2022. He saved my life by helping me find the cancer that had metastasized to my bones just in time. Wally is my best friend and guardian angel on four legs.
Being able to ride and love a horse is one of the greatest gifts. You set your worries aside and enjoy being alive since they all know when we need comfort and love.
Caroline
Head Instructor
When I was about 6 I had my very first pony ride on a mini named Dunkin. Let me tell you, after that I was hooked! In my family there was a tradition that every Thanksgiving we would go for a ride on my cousins farm, the one time we didn’t manage it I was devastated! My mother had me in official riding lessons the next week.
As someone who struggled with social anxiety as a kid, riding horses, learning how to take care of them, and experiencing their friendship changed my life. There’s just something about these creatures that heals all wounds.
After my heart horse passed was the only time I took time off of working with and riding horses. It didn’t take long before I was back at it with my Cricket in my heart and mind.
For the last three years I’ve been teaching here at Moonlight Equestrian Center and have found a new family among those who call this Center home. Especially our little colt, Guppy, he is just too cute.
Above all through working with horses and riding in Dressage as long as I have, I learned and teach that patience with yourself and your horse is key. Never forget to celebrate the little things, be it in life or in practicing your skills on your horse.