Starter Rides

Your magical experience with a Shetland pony

Starter Rides are a delightful way for beginners to learn pony riding from age 3 to around 10 years old

Starter Rides are 45 mins long and are specially designed first riding experiences for children. Children experience pony grooming and learn to ride on their own pony. Rides are followed by a certificate presentation. Each child will have their own pony and helper. Please note: your child MUST be 3 years old at the time of their ride.

£59 per child.

Here’s what happens on a Starter Ride:

Children start by meeting and greeting their Shetland pony, learning to brush him and getting to know him. With their one-to-one helper, they choose his saddle and help to put it on. They learn to lead their pony, then enjoy a gentle 20-minute led ride, taught by their trained helper, around our beautiful meadows. There’s time to take photos to capture that special magic too. After their ride, children offer their pony a drink, say goodbye, and finish with a certificate. Starter Rides are a magical pony experience that will make your child’s pony dreams come true.

Watch the video to find out more:

On Starter Rides, the children will:

• Put on a riding hat
• Learn safety points
• Meet the ponies and team
• Learn to groom the ponies
• Help to put on the saddle and bridle
• Learn to lead a pony
• Learn to ride gently, led by our team in the meadows
• Care for a pony after the ride
• Receive a certificate at prize-giving

When are Starter Rides held?

• Some Saturdays at 2:15pm and 3:15pm
• Sundays at 9:00am and 12:15 pm
• School Holiday Weekdays (excluding Fridays – pony rest day) March – November.

45 minutes long – £59 ( please allow one hour in your schedule so you are not rushed)

Parents must stay with their children. Children MUST be 3 years old. No exceptions!

Wear outdoor shoes, trainers or wellingtons and bring your camera.

We provide the latest specifications of riding hats. Special riding clothes are not needed.

We have beautiful gift vouchers that last for the whole season that are available in our shop: Gift vouchers available in our online shop

If you would like more information do call us: 07734 950 309 or email us at info@shetlandponyclub.co.uk 

You can also look at our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.