Pee Wee Pony Riders
About our Lesson Program
What happens in our lessons...
In our Pee Wee program, our lessons are 15-20 minutes long, which we have found is the perfect length of time to maintain a child's interest and focus. Lessons are private, one-on-one sessions where the instructor is focused 100% on your child, unlike the big "lesson factory" barns where your child is one of 8 or more children in a lesson. We feel that isn't a safe environment for younger kids, kids with attention issues* or kids who are new to riding.
During the lessons we first focus on developing confidence, balance and relaxation on the horse. They learn to sit correctly, hold the reins correctly and use their arms and legs to control the horse. We also introduce the student to the concepts of asking the horse to "whoa", asking the horse to walk on command and also steering. Lessons progress at a rate that is comfortable for each child. There is no set time table to accomplish skills because every child is different.
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As they gain confidence, students learn how to ride without stirrups, navigate an obstacle course, how to ride backwards, and perform Around the World among other skills. The instructor maintains control of the horse until such a time they feel the child is ready to work independently.
Once the student demonstrates the balance and coordination and confidence to do more than walk, they are introduced to the trot, again with the instructor controlling the horse. Once they are trotting comfortably, they are usually ready to move into more formal lessons.
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* Our program will work well for mild to moderate attention deficit issues. If your child has severe attention deficit issues, behavioral issues or faces some of the social interaction issues that might be found in autistic children, we recommend a formal Therapeutic Riding Program. We are not equipped or certified to work with autistic or handicapped students, students who cannot communicate, respond to or interact with the instructor or children with behavioral issues.
How much does it cost? Pee Wee Pony Rider sessions are 15-20 minutes long and cost $30.00 per session.
In some cases, if the child shows the aptitude and interest, has achieved certain skill sets and has demonstrated their ability to focus for longer periods, we offer a 30 minute session for $45.00 per session.
All lessons are private one-on-one sessions with the instructor. For your child's safety, we do not offer semi-private or group lessons for Pee Wee Pony Riders.
Is your child ready to ride?
~Your child needs to be able to communicate verbally and follow basic instructions.
~Your child needs to be able to identify and move parts of their body on command.
~Your child needs to be able to focus for 3-5 minute exercise periods.
~Your child needs to be somewhat balanced and coordinated. If they often trip or lose their balance easily, they're not ready to ride.
~Physical Requirements: If your child weighs over 35 lbs, he or she needs to both understand the concept AND have the physical ability to put their foot in the stirrup and using their arms and legs, be able to pull/push themselves up and swing their leg over the horse to mount.
If your child is over 35 lbs and does not have the strength or flexibility to bend their knee 90 degrees and climb a jungle gym like this toddler is demonstrating, they are not ready to ride.
