Training Shetland Ponies is a subject that lots of people ask us about. We need our ponies to be calm, quiet and reliable for young children to ride them, so it’s important that we understand them and train them to walk nicely.
Getting ready for riding
After their winter holidays we get our ponies and team back into training before the children come to ride them.
Intelligent Horsemanship
We use kind horse whispering principles from Intelligent Horsemanship and train our team to lead our ponies well. The ponies and team carry out a series of exercises to help the ponies walk nicely on the lead rein.
Pony parking
The ponies and team practice accuracy when being led by stopping precisely with their feet over poles. They also learn to walk into a pony parking space and reverse out. Some of our ponies can even stand on logs for fun.
Children’s learning activities
Our Shetland ponies love to be part of the activity at the Ranch, and enjoy having children learn to ride them around our meadows.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Shetland Pony Club this weekend as we open for our 2025 pony riding season.
You can experience a pony of your own, the easy way, with Pony Share Membership. Learn to ride, build a bond with your pony, come regularly to our club and enjoy pony fun in the countryside.
Gentle and fun, ideal for those little people age 3+. Enjoy pony dress up and learn to ride along a short trail with chocolate eggs to find in the countryside, followed by a rosette presentation. Each child will have their own pony and helper. The perfect tots treat at Easter for children aged 3 to 6 years old. 3/4 hour long. £55 child.
– enjoy our legendary camp weeks with your favourite Shetland pony (Mon-Thurs). Learn to ride him, look after him and enjoy being with him all day long. Amazing themed days.
– enjoy 4 mornings with your favourite Shetland pony (Mon-Thurs). Learn to ride him, look after him and enjoy being with him all day long. Amazing themes every day.
9:30am – 1pm, Summer holidays only. Age 4+.
£395 per week
Training Shetland Ponies
Watch this weeks video to find out how we train our Shetland ponies.
Equestrian Training Award win – we are thrilled to learn that Shetland Pony Club has won the Equestrian Training Provider of the Year 2023/4 Award for the South of England. Wow! The judges love how our ponies and team are well trained, and children are introduced to riding and ponies in a safe and gentle manner.
What the Judges said:
“Shetland Pony Club offers magical first rides for children on well-trained Shetland ponies in Surrey’s beautiful countryside, creating lifelong memories.”
Prestige Award
The judges from the Prestige Awards were particularly impressed by the Pony Club’s welcoming atmosphere that brings families and friends together. As parents and children explore the wildflower meadows surrounding the ranch on their Shetland pony, they witness the transformation of a child’s curiosity into a special bond with their very first pony. Find out more about our latest award here.
If you’d like to join our 5 Star ponies as a Pony Share Member next season, now is the time to find out more.
You can experience a pony of your own, the easy way, withPony Share Membership.Learn to ride, build a bond with your pony, come regularly to our club and enjoy pony fun in the countryside.
Pony Membership – a pony of your own each week, 2 hours, from age 4+. Early Bird Pricing for 2025 – £275 per month.
Mini Membership – a pony of your own each week, 45 minutes, from age 3+. Early Bird Pricing for 2025 £195 per month.
Join us and our 5 Star Shetland ponies on the last few Own a Pony Experiences and Starter Rides in the beautiful Surrey Countryside this weekend before we close for the winter.
Give your child a magical pony party and create memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy a fabulous afternoon with our adorable Shetland ponies that really will make those pony dreams come true.
Pony Birthday Party options, availability and prices
We have 2 pony party options available:
Maxi Pony Party – 7-18 riders – large stylish Ranch with lots of adorable ponies. Pony brushing, riding and party games, organised by our friendly team, creating magical memories for your child’s birthday. 3-10 years. Weekends: 2:30pm – 4:30pm £600 for 7- 8 riders, £30 per extra rider
NEW – Mini Pony Party – up to 6 riders – stylish Safari Tent with an adorable Shetland pony for each child and a friendly team to help, creating magical memories for your child’s birthday. 3-10 years. Weekends: 2:30pm – 4:30pm £450 for up to 6 riders (max)
Next Pony Party Availability:
Mini Party –Fully booked for 2024
Maxi Party- Fully booked for 2024
Contact us to book for 2025 – Can’t see the date you want? Get in touch and we will see if we can schedule your dream party!
This week we are working with our Shetland ponies to get them ready for riding. We open Shetland Pony Club this weekend, on 2 March.
Ponies love horse whispering
At Shetland Pony Club we use Natural Horsemanship, or horse whispering. This is where we communicate with our ponies through our body language and voice, so that he wants to be with us.
Team Training in Natural Horsemanship
We employ over 60 young people to lead our Shetland ponies and they need to learn about how to “Talk Horse” too. They learn how to make friends with their pony and to be his leader, so that he knows what he is being asked to do.
Liz, a BHS Accredited Coach, is giving a lesson in this week’s video. The ponies love to make friends with their leader and its rewarding for all when they connect and make friends, forming a great team.
Opening this weekend
Yay! We open for riding again, on 2 March 2024. We are nearly full for our opening weekend, so do book online now, or give us a call.
From Rosemary, Liz, Libbie, the Team, and all the ponies at Shetland Pony Club
P.S. Bookings for riding at Shetland Pony Club are open, and we start riding again on 2 March 2024 – be quick – just a few spaces left.
Shetland Pony Club reopens this weekend – Saturday 2 March 2024
What to book at Shetland Pony Club
Starter Rides – are 45 minutes long and are specially designed as early learning to ride experiences for children. From age 3 years old. £50 per child.
Saturday 2 March – fully booked
Sunday 3 March – 9am – 3 spaces
Saturday 9 March – 3.15pm – 2 spaces
Sunday 10 March – Extra ponies added for Mother’s Day 2.15pm and 3.15pm – 4 spaces
Own a Pony Experiences – are two hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old. £75 per child.
Saturday 2 March – fully booked
Sunday 3 March – fully booked
Sunday 10 March – Extra ponies added for Mother’s Day 2.15pm – 3 spaces
Shetland Pony Parties – amazing pony parties for children aged 3 – 10 years old. Use of a private facility with 6 ponies, creating magical memories for your child’s birthday. One and a half hours riding time, £750 for 10 children. Extra riding children (up to 18), £30 each.
March dates – All fully booked
Saturday 6 April – next party availability
Pony Walking Experiences – the perfect way for grown-ups and everyone aged 11+ to enjoy Shetland Ponies in the beautiful Surrey countryside. Come and spend time learning about and leading an adorable Shetland Pony. Followed by coffee and brownies. 1 Hour, £50 per adult.
Events
Easter Egg Hunts – Shetland Pony Treasure Hunts especially for Easter, learning to ride along a trail and chocolate eggs to find in the countryside. Ages 4 to 10 years old. One and a half hours – £75 per child.
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+. £150 per day.
Members Club
Pony Share Membership – experience a pony of your own, the easy way. Learn to ride, build a bond with your pony, come regularly to our club and enjoy pony riding in the countryside. Contact us to see if we have a suitable pony free for your child on 07734 950 309 or info@shetlandponyclub.co.uk
Pony Membership– a pony of your own each week, 2 hours, from age 4+ £275 per month.
Mini Membership– a pony of your own each week, 45 minutes, from age 3+ £195 per month.
