Pee Wee Pony Riders
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the lessons and what to they cost? What are your payment options?
The Pee Wee Pony Rider Program caters to children with shorter attention spans. Our lessons are about 15-20 minutes long.
Cost: Pee Wee Lessons are $30 per 15-20 minute session. Payment is due before the student mounts the horse.
After the initial evaluation lesson, once your child indicates they wish to continue, payments are made in blocks of 4 (or more)
Payment Options: We accept cash, personal check, Zelle, PayPal *Friends and Family* (no fees).
At this time, we do not have an option for credit card payments.
What is the youngest age a child can participate?
Pee Wee Pony Riders is suitable for children ages 4-8, children ages 8-12 with no formal lesson experience, and children and young adults of any age (4 and up) with attention issues.
Children under age 4 can be evaluated to see if they're ready for lessons. Some are ready, some are not. We do offer pony rides for kids under age 4 who are not ready for lessons, to expose them to being on and around horses.
Please Note: Our rock star pony who is the heart of our Pee Wee program has a rider weight limit of 140 lbs.
What do you mean when you say you will work with a child with Attention Deficit Issues?
While we are willing to patiently and sympathetically work with children who exhibit mild to moderate attention deficit issues, your child still must be able to focus for short periods of time. Your child must also be able to respond to, interact with and follow directions from their instructor. We are not equipped to deal with behavioral issues or other issues related to the autism spectrum. Please feel free to ask questions if you are uncertain if your child is ready for our program. Please be honest with us about your child's specific situation and we will be honest with you as to whether or not we feel your child can benefit from and enjoy our program safely.
We are not a therapeutic riding center. We do not have any specialized training, manpower or the facilities to work with special needs children. If your child's needs are beyond our abilities, we will be happy to refer you to a riding facility with the expertise and training to work with children with greater needs in a safe environment.
Do you ride all year 'round?
Yes, weather permitting we conduct lessons all year long. Your instructor will confirm with you ahead of time on days when the weather may be questionable. Never assume a lesson will be cancelled. There may be other learning activities your instructor has planned for your child.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your lesson, we require that you notify us no later than 10 am the day BEFORE your scheduled lesson. Lessons canceled or rescheduled after 10 am the day before your scheduled lesson will incur a cancelation fee of $30.00.
What if my child doesn't like riding? Is there any obligation to continue?
No, if at any time you or your child decide they don't want to continue, there is no obligation to do so. We ask that you give us the courtesy of letting us know that you've decided not to continue before the day of your lesson to avoid being charged a cancellation fee.
What happens when my child progresses beyond what the Pee Wee Program can offer?
Once your child has successfully completed the Pee Wee program, they are generally ready to move into regular one-hour lessons; however, there is no obligation to move beyond the Pee Wee program if this is simply a fun and enjoyable outdoor activity for your child or if finances are an issue.
Your instructor will discuss your options when your child is ready to progress.
Is there any special attire or equipment that I need to purchase?
Yes. After your first session, your child will need to wear an ASTM/SEI- approved safety helmet designed specifically for Horseback Riding. We have one your child can borrow for the first lesson or if you have a snug, adjustable bicycle helmet, that will be allowed for the first session ONLY. For the second lesson, your child will need their own helmet designed specifically for horseback riding.
Always purchase a NEW helmet; never purchase a used helmet. Do not purchase a helmet online; it must be fitted to your child. Different helmets are shaped differently. You need the helmet that fits your child correctly. Your instructor will direct you to sources to purchase riding equipment.
Your child will also need appropriate foot wear.
For the first lesson, Cowboy boots or a shoe with a small heel are fine.
Sneakers and any shoe that does not completely cover the foot are unacceptable for riding.
After the first lesson, you will be expected to acquire a pair of riding boots, what are called "paddock boots" or "jodhpur boots". You have the option of picking up a used pair of riding boots from a local shop that sells horse equipment. Kids are outgrowing shoes all the time. There is often no need to buy new. Your instructor will provide you with sources to purchase proper riding equipment.
I can't find your address anywhere. Where are you located?
We are not a public riding stable. We are located on a private farm in the Dodd's Corner area of Hartwood, Virginia so we do not publish our address. Please contact us to make an appointment to visit. We will provide you with our physical address at that time.
This policy was created due to people showing up unannounced and interrupting our paying clients' lesson times. We only give out our exact address once an appointment has been made to ensure no interruptions.
For mileage and travel time planning purposes to see if the commute to the farm will work with your schedule, please type, "Dodds Corner, VA" into Google Maps, it will put you within 1/2 mile of the farm.
