3+
Lessons/Week
12 mo
Year-Round
A Circuit
Competition Level
The Neverland Show Team is our competitive program — a year-round commitment for athletes who want to take their riding to the highest level. It's the heart of everything we do at Neverland, and the program that the rest of our curriculum is designed to develop riders toward.
Show Team athletes ride three or more times per week, compete on the A Circuit across Quebec and Ontario, and take real ownership of their ponies — not just in the saddle, but in every aspect of care, preparation, and barn life.
Where We Compete
The A Circuit and Beyond
Neverland competes primarily on the A Circuit in Quebec and Ontario. Each year, we run a goal-setting session with every athlete — some are working toward qualifying for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, others are focused on personal milestones at their level. Our job is to guide and support each athlete toward their stated goals, whatever those may be.
Our show season takes us to venues including Parc Equestre Bromont, Bécancour, Wesley Clover Parks, and Caledon Equestrian Park. In recent years, the program has expanded internationally — competing on the HITS winter circuit in Ocala, Florida and qualifying ponies for Pony Finals in Kentucky.
Where Hard Work Takes You
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
5 athletes qualified and competed in 2025, including a reserve champion. Grand Pony Champion in 2023.
HITS Ocala Winter Circuit
Multiple reserve champion placings and a circuit reserve champion — Winter 2026
Pony Finals — Kentucky
2 ponies qualified for 2026
Getting Started
Joining the Show Team
The process starts with a conversation. Reach out to us and you'll chat with Kelly Tellier about your athlete, their experience, and what they're looking for. From there, it typically continues with a trial lesson or two so Kelly can see the rider and get to know them.
What we're really looking for is cultural fit. Neverland is a close-knit barn — our athletes spend a lot of time together, support each other, and share responsibility for the ponies. We want athletes who are kind, respectful, and genuinely appreciate their pony. We want parents who understand that this is a commitment of time, not just finances, and who respect the level of ownership and independence we expect from their kids.
Riding skill is actually one of the lesser considerations. If an athlete is a complete beginner, we'll usually suggest starting with a session of Pre-Competition first. But for riders with some experience, it's really about the person, not the résumé. About half of our current team came up through Neverland's own programs; the other half joined from other barns.
What to Expect
- 1.Initial conversation with Kelly
- 2.Trial lesson(s) to assess fit
- 3.Discuss pony options (lease or bring your own)
- 4.Welcome to the team
The Program
What the Commitment Looks Like
Unlike our seasonal riding school programs, the Show Team is a year-round program built around a pony lease or ownership. Athletes either half-lease or full-lease a pony from our barn, lease one from outside, or bring their own. Leases are typically a 12-month commitment — this is a competitive sport, and these are real partnerships between athlete and pony.
Athletes are scheduled for three riding lessons per week. Beyond lessons, many of our athletes choose to spend extra time at the barn on weekends — helping out, spending time with their ponies, and hanging out with friends. When competitions are on the calendar, athletes are expected to prepare their ponies and equipment: bathing, cleaning tack, packing for travel, and loading the trailer.
The ponies get a well-earned break every January — no scheduled lessons for the month.
Giving Back
Show Team athletes are expected to volunteer as helpers for our Pony Preschool sessions — leading ponies, encouraging young riders, and helping ensure a safe experience. It's an important part of our culture: the athletes who have progressed the furthest give back to the next generation coming through.
Rider Levels
Each spring, Show Team athletes are invited to participate in our Rider Levels program — a structured course covering classroom theory and practical horsemanship skills, finishing with written and practical exams. Athletes who pass receive an official Equestrian Canada certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Is there an age requirement?
Does my child need their own pony?
Can my child join from another barn?
What happens in the summer?
How can I get in touch?
Interested in the Neverland Show Team?
It starts with a conversation. Reach out and let's see if Neverland is the right fit.
Get in Touch