Stark’s Performance Horses offers ‘Western pleasure horsemanship’

Clients learn to ride horses as well as the various chores involved in horsemanship, including brushing and grooming.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, January 2026

Dana and Dan Stark of rural Panora (1977 A Ave.) own and operate Stark’s Performance Horses. Dana shared how the business started and her philosophy. 

“I grew up in northwest Indiana, and I was a 4-H member. I always loved horses, and I wanted to be a horse trainer. When I moved here, we bought this place in 2008, and I did some lessons. So, I ended up working for a trainer, and I did some lessons for him. Then I took a break to have kids,” Dana said. “When I came back, I decided I wanted to put up my own barn on my own property and start my lessons again.”

Dana explained the basic approach she takes with the clients she works with.

“We mainly have paint horses and quarter horses,” she said. “In my opinion, they make the best kids’ horses. I always tell people we’re a how-to barn. So, at first you learn how to touch a horse, and eventually you learn how to ride a horse. We do a lot of what’s called Western pleasure horsemanship. Think of more of a leisurely, comfortable ride.”

Most of Stark’s clients are children, starting as young as age 4.

“I have a couple riders in the 4- to 6-year-old range. They’re always on a line and led by me,” Dana said. “Usually around the age of 6, they get comfortable and can ride by themselves.”

Dana said that many riders in the 6-plus-year-old range are ready to join group lessons rather than individual lessons. Another point that Dana clarified is that her clients do not need to own a horse. She is happy to match up a horse with a client, based on size and ability. 

 For those who imagine becoming a horseback barrel racer or rodeo star or professional jockey, Stark’s does not offer those types of lessons. 

“We do trail class, not trail riding. I don’t do any type of fast activities.” 

Dana also emphasizes that her clients need to learn the various chores involved in horsemanship, including brushing and grooming horses.

“Tack cleaning, the parts of the saddle, the parts of the bridle,” Dana said.

Dan and Dana noted that the recent popularity of the TV show “Yellowstone” has brought more families into the horse-riding hobby. 

“It’s about cattle ranching in the Yellowstone area,” Dan said.

“Ever since ‘Yellowstone,’ so many kids are interested in horses. And as somebody that’s been in 4-H and gone through all the stuff, I love it,” Dana said. “There are a lot of people interested in horses now.”

Dana noted that she works with riders throughout the year, but the warmer months are the busiest season. 

“I have about 20 kids I work with and I do about 20 hours a week in lessons. I have a variety of ages. I have the kids 5-9 years old, and then the teenagers, and a group of 65 and older,” Dana said. “I have what I call my moms’ group.”

“The entire program is designed around not just riding around in circles but learning everything you need to know to properly be a horse owner,” Dan said.

Dan shared a favorite story of a shy young rider who quickly gained confidence with horses.

“She loved horses but was super shy. When she first started coming, she was super nervous,” he said. “And then she won a buckle at the State Fair last year.”

The Starks make sure safety is a top priority.

“We go over all safety information. We teach how to lead a horse, where to stand, and all the basic knowledge,” Dana said.

Another offering from the Starks is that if a rider bonds with a particular horse, the family is welcome to buy that horse, if they wish.

“Part of my business plan is purchasing horses and putting them through the program, and, ideally at the end of the program, someone will purchase that horse for their own,” Dana said. “That’s what I’m looking to do is provide more kids a quality horse at an affordable price.”

For anyone interested in learning more, check out the Stark’s Performance Horses Facebook page.