Wow! In this Shetland Pony Club Review of 2019, we look back at the wonderful times we have shared with the ponies, team and children throughout the changing seasons at The Ranch.
From a fully booked year of membership fun, with lessons, camps, learning polo and new saddles; to unicorn birthday parties, fetes and school visits, Toby’s retirement; new pony, Snowdrop, arriving and our War Horse Parade.
Phew! What an amazing time we have had with the ponies. We hope you enjoy the Shetland Pony Club Review of 2019 and look forward to welcoming you for more pony fun in 2020.
It’s “No Stirrup November” all over the world and people are riding without stirrups this month. We join Rosemary and the children and Shetland ponies to find out all about it.
Why ride without stirrups?
Riding without stirrups allows riders to lengthen their legs, improve their balance and deepen their seat when riding a pony. This makes them more secure when stirrups are added, and helps people become good riders.
Natural Horsemanship Saddle Pads
At Shetland Pony Club we use special Natural Horsemanship Saddle Pads to start all children riding. These Saddle Pads do not have stirrups, so all our children learn without them. It’s a much safer way to start riding, as there is nothing to get tangled up in and most children do not have the correct riding boots when they begin.
We have taught over 8,000 children to ride without stirrups, so we know it works. Children who learn without stirrups and add them later are very secure on their ponies and have a good riding position. So we have “No Stirrup November” every month at Shetland Pony Club!
This week we find out what makes a quality Shetland Pony in an information video from Rosemary.
Find out about pony passports and if they mean that a pony has good breeding.
You will learn which characteristics to look for in a quality Shetland Pony, such as a kind eye and a friendly presence.
We will also show you more features to look out for: such as a full mane; a high set tail, a fluffy coat and small ears to protect them from the poor weather in the Shetland Islands.
There’s lots more information in the video and you can find out which of our ponies are well-bred and high quality.
We are nearly fully booked for pony riding in October Half Term from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November, including our famous Halloween Pumpkin Rides.
Do book ahead for:
Pony Mornings – are 2 hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old. Children enjoy both riding and pony care. They cost £55 per child.
Starter Rides–are 45 minutes long and are specially designed as first riding experiences for children from age 2½ years old. They cost £40 per child.
Halloween Pumpkin Rides – Come and enjoy our legendary Halloween Pumpkin Rides, themed pony treasure hunts for pony-mad witches and wizards. Enjoy 1½ hours of pony riding fun. From 4 years old, £55 per child. 2.15pm – 3.45pm. Children can dress up if they wish (wear outdoor clothes underneath your costume).
Can you name the Shetland ponies dressing up for Halloween Pumpkin Rides?
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Half Term riding at Shetland Pony Club
We have a full programme of pony riding for one week for October Half Term from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November, including our famous Halloween Pumpkin Rides.
Do book ahead for:
Pony Mornings – are 2 hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old. Children enjoy both riding and pony care. They cost £55 per child.
Starter Rides–are 45 minutes long and are specially designed as first riding experiences for children from age 2½ years old. They cost £40 per child.
Halloween Pumpkin Rides – Come and enjoy our legendary Halloween Pumpkin Rides, themed pony treasure hunts for pony-mad witches and wizards. Enjoy 1½ hours of pony riding fun. From 4 years old, £55 per child. 2.15pm – 3.45pm. Children can dress up if they wish (wear outdoor clothes underneath your costume)
It’s an exciting day because a big box has arrived at the Ranch and Creme Brulee the Shetland pony unwraps a parcel to find out what’s in it.
Creme Brulee is a famous Shetland pony, who is the Face of Amazon Pets for 2019. He is very photogenic and has lots of fans, both online and at The Ranch. Sometimes, he gets things sent to him to try out.
So, what is in the parcel for him? Find out as Creme Brulee the Shetland pony unwraps a parcel at The Ranch.
Saddles for Sheltand ponies are really hard to find and this beautiful saddle was handmade by Jackie Winchester, Master Saddler & Harness Maker and Side Saddle Specialist from the Farthing Saddlery. You can find out more about the Farthing Saddlery here.
Summer Holidays Booking Update
Summer pony camp days and weeks – enjoy the whole day with your favourite Shetland pony. Learn to ride him, look after him and enjoy being with him, all day long. 9.30am – 4pm, summer holidays only. Age 5+. £125 per day.
There are just 3 spaces left on Summer Pony Camp: Monday 19 – Thursday 22 August
Pony Mornings – are 2 hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old. Children enjoy both riding and pony care. They cost £55 per child. Last Pony Mornings of the summer are on:
Starter Rides–are 45 minutes long and are specially designed as first riding experiences for children from age 2½ years old. They cost £40 per child. Last Starter Rides of the summer are on:
