Always wanted your child to learn how to ride a Shetland Pony? Find out how to begin riding with a Starter Ride, in this week’s advice video from Shetland Pony Club.
Learn how to ride a Shetland pony
At Shetland Pony Club, we have helped more than 12,000 children begin riding. With a relaxed, gentle approach, children develop a love of ponies that will last a lifetime. Many children who first rode with us are now grown up and have gone on to have their own ponies, compete at top level, become vets or come back to help more children start riding with us.
How do I begin riding?
The best way to start riding is by trying a Starter ride. Children aged 4-10 years, put on a riding hat, and learn how to be safe around ponies. They begin by meeting their pony and brushing him. A gentle, hands-on approach works well and our young riders love to choose their saddle and help to get their pony ready for riding.
Shetland ponies lead the way
Shetland ponies are ideal to start on, as they are small and the children learn to lead them before getting on. Each child enjoys a relaxed ride on their pony around our meadows, being led by their helper. They get plenty of time to get used to riding, and there’s a chance for parents to take photos at the end.
Children help with pony care
It’s important to look after our pony before ourselves, so the children make sure he is untacked after his ride and offer him a drink of water. They love the responsibility of caring for him. Once the pony care is over it’s time for more hand washing and a reward…
Watch the video to find out more:
How to book a Starter Ride at Shetland Pony Club
We’d love you to join us for Starter Rides and pony fun for weekend and half term riding this autumn. We are open at weekends and in the holidays until Sunday 28 November.
You can book online here now, or give us a call on 07734 950 309.
Which pony ride should I choose?
Starter Rides – are 45 minutes long and are specially designed as first riding experiences for children from age 4 years old. They cost £40 per child. – Half term availability
Own a Pony Experiences – are 2 hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old. They cost £60 per child. – Half term availability
Shetland Pony Parties – amazing pony parties for children aged 4 -10 years old. Use of a private facility, with 6 ponies creating magical memories for your child’s birthday. One and a half hours – £600 for 10 children. Extra riding children (up to 18), £25 each. – Almost full for 2021 – now booking for 2022
October Half Term riding now available to book
Halloween Pumpkin Rides – themed pony treasure hunts for pony-mad witches and wizards. Enjoy 1½ hours of pony riding fun at the ranch, during October Half Term. Age 4 +. £60 per child. Fully booked.
For your safety we have COVID-secure procedures in place:
- Please minimise the number of people attending with your child
- You are welcome to watch from our socially distanced benches and Safari Tent
- Find out more about our COVID-secure procedures here
Do take a moment to watch this week’s video: learn how to ride a Shetland pony
Enjoy!
From Rosemary, the Shetland Pony Club Team and all the Shetland ponies
Contact us on: 07734 950 309 or email: info@shetlandponyclub.co.uk
