The Peru Gazette

Erika Kollinger, owner of DKD Pleasure Horses

By John T. Ryan

Watching horseback riding  in the movies or on television gives the impression that a rider just sits on the horse’s back, moves the reins and goes along for the ride. In fact, horseback riding is a sport that has standards and rules. It develops a rider’s balance, flexibility, agility and overall body awareness skills, similar to those of a gymnast. Erika Kollinger, the owner of DKD Pleasure Horses on the Lyons Road in Peru, is well qualified to discuss the merits of riding.

Kollinger has vast experience having instructed riders of all ages for the past 23 years.  She starts lessons with the basics. She explained, “I gear lessons to the age of the child. We start with the horse’s name and teach how to brush and lead the animal. Next we teach saddling the horse, then walking, stopping and backing up.” Kollinger accepts students as young as four years of age and she doesn’t have a required number of lessons. She said, “People have other obligations. It’s whatever you have time for or you can afford.”

Controlling a 1,000-pound animal builds self-confidence. Kollinger explained, “Riding gives kids a sense of accomplishment. They have something for that moment that’s their own. They also develop a sense of responsibility. They learn how to secure the animal, when to clean the stalls, and when to give the horse food and water.”

Kersten Staley has been riding for over 10 years. A Saranac resident and recent college graduate, she rode throughout her college years. She said, “Along with developing a sense of responsibility, riding develops good work habits. It’s fun, but it’s also hard work.” Mallorie Timon, a 2015 high school graduate, was riding a paint pinto named Archie the day the Peru Gazette visited DKD.  She said, ” I’ve always liked horses and I want to be a veterinarian.  Riding for me is a way to be around horses more often than I would be otherwise.” Mallorie described DKD Pleasure Horses as a very welcoming place. She stated, “It’s a big family here. Everyone was like, ‘It’s a new kid. Let’s help her out.'”

Erika Kollinger charges $30 for an hour and one-half lesson. She owns 14 horses so there is an appropriate horse for almost anyone.  DKD’s indoor arena enables her to offer year-around riding. While students ride only for fun, others show horses in local and higher level competitions.  DVD also offers children’s  birthday parties at which the kids are taught basic knowledge about horses and get to take a ride. Erika Kollinger can be reached at 518-569-4594.

Kirsten Staley of Saranac has been riding at DKD for over 10 years.

Kersten Staley training Louise, a year-old DKD paint-pinto.

Mallorie Timon rides “Archie,” a paint pinto

Perfect symmetry between Mallorie and her mount