Starter Rides

Shetland Pony Club is proud to be one of the first riding schools in the country to be awarded the Association of British Riding Schools Certification for COVID-19 Safe Working Practices. Having risk-assessed our riding in the light of the government guidelines, we have changed the age for riding to a minimum of 4 years old, until further notice. 

Your magical experience with a Shetland pony

Starter rides are delightful pony riding experiences for children from age 4* to around 10 years old.

Starter Rides are 45 minutes long and specially designed first riding experiences for children. They cost £45 per child.  They are available from March – November by appointment only. Please note your child MUST be 4 years old* at the time of their ride.

* We are proud to be one of the first riding schools in the country to be awarded the Association of British Riding Schools Certification for COVID-19 Safe Working Practices. We have risk-assessed the age for riding and have changed it to a minimum of 4 years old until further notice.

Can’t see what you would like to book –  give us a call on 07734 950 309 and we would be happy to help.

Here’s what happens on a Starter Ride:

Children get to meet and greet the ponies, brush them, help to tack them up with a one to one helper and lead them. When they are really comfortable with the pony we sit them on and they have a 20-minute lead rein ride around our meadows. When they return they help to put the pony away and look after him. Starter rides are really special and children are given a pony certificate to remember their morning by.

Watch the video to find out more:

On Starter Rides, the children will:

• Meet the ponies and staff
• Learn safety points
• Groom the ponies
• Tack up
• Put on our riding hat
• Learn to lead their pony
• Gentle ride on the lead rein in our meadows with our staff
• Care for their pony on their return
• Drink and collect your certificate at prize giving

When are Starter Rides held?

Sundays: 12.15pm

School Holiday Weekdays 9am and 10am (excluding Fridays – pony rest day) March – November.

45 minutes – £45

Parents must stay with their children. Children MUST be 4 years old*. No exceptions!

Please wear outdoor shoes or wellingtons and bring your camera.

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

Or give us a call on 07734 950 309.  We get really busy, so do book ahead to avoid disappointment.

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