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.
Watch the video to find out more, and bring your child to learn to ride with us – it’s so much fun!
New for 2025
Come and ride from 1 March 2025. Book Now
We have lots of new events for all with New Mini Easter Egg Hunts, from age 3+ and Half Day NEW Half Day Summer Pony Camp Weeks from age 4+. We are also enrolling into our members club called Pony Share Membership
Want your child to try riding?
At Shetland Pony Club your child can learn to ride with a one-off session, such as a Starter Ride on an Own a Pony Experience, or join our members’ club called Pony Share Membership. We also hold wonderful Learn to Ride Pony Parties.
Find out What’s On at Shetland Pony Club
Pony Share Membership 2025
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.
We are enrolling NOW for March 2025 for Pony Share Membership
- Pony Membership – a pony of your own each week, 2 hours, from age 4+ £299 per month.( 9 months of the year only)
- Mini Membership – a pony of your own each week, 45 minutes, from age 3+ £215 per month( 9 months of the year only)
How to Join
You can become a member of our club in 3 simple steps:
- Book: Reserve a Members Taster Ride – enjoy either a 2-hour Full Pony Share Membership ride or a 45-minute Mini Membership ride.
- Try: Experience membership firsthand! Ride an adorable Shetland pony and meet our current members at the Shetland Pony Club.
- Join – agree your perfect pony and time. Join pony share membership, and make all your pony dreams come true!
Book your Members Taster Ride now
Feel free to contact us with any questions, by email at info@shetlandponyclub.co.uk or call the office: 07734 950309.
Own a Pony Experiences
Own a Pony Experiences – are two hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old.
£85 per child.
Starter Rides
Starter Rides – are 45 minutes long and are specially designed as first riding experiences for children.
From age 3 years old. £55 per child.
Shetland Pony Parties
Shetland Pony Parties– amazing learn to ride pony parties for children aged 3 -10.
Use of a private facility with our adorable ponies and wonderful team, creating magical memories for your child’s birthday, that will last a lifetime.
There are 2 party options for 2025:
- Maxi Pony Party – 7 to 18 riders – £595 for 7, £30 per extra child
- NEW Mini Pony Party – up to 6 riders – £495
Easter Egg Hunts
– fun Shetland Pony Treasure Hunts especially for Easter, with riding along a trail and chocolate eggs to find in the countryside.
Ages 4 to 10 years old. One and a half hours – £85 per child
NEW for 2025 – Mini Easter Egg Hunts
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.
Summer Pony Camp Days
Full Day Summer Pony Camp Weeks
– 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.
9:30am – 4pm, Summer holidays only. Age 5+.
£575 per week
NEW for 2025 – Half Day Summer Pony Camp Weeks
– 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.
Come and ride from 1 March 2025. Bookings are now open.
From Rosemary, Liz, Holly, the Team, and all the ponies at Shetland Pony Club
