We created Pony Garten as a special program for young riders (3-7 years old). Older riders can book lesson packages. Pony Garten is a monthly subscription and will automatically be billed each month after the first payment. 30 days’ notice prior to next payment is required for subscription cancellation. Classes are 60 minutes long and involve learning basic horsemanship techniques while riding and enjoying farm-related activities with their caregiver while waiting for their turn to ride. Each month will include activities such as a pony tea party, unicorn photo opp, pony salon, pony painting, pony nature walk, hoof art, pony obstacles, and a Parent and Me ride. Some of the activities change with the seasons, which means your child can do pony garten year round and learn new things each season. Each class includes, weather permitting, a short ride where basic riding skills will be taught to the budding equestrians. The primary focus of pony garten is FUN.
We require a caregiver to be present to aid their child during each session, caregiver participation is mandatory. Please have one caregiver per child. This is NOT a drop-off program.
Your child can expect the opportunity to learn the following skills during their time in pony garten:
- I can help to do a safety check on my tack and pony before I ride. I can pull down the stirrups, put the reins over my pony’s head, and help check the girth.
- I can mount and dismount correctly and safely. Even if I have to use the mounting block, or have my instructor give me a leg up, I know it is important to get on and off a pony carefully.
- I can demonstrate a basic balanced position while my pony is walking or standing still. I know that a bad position is dangerous for me and uncomfortable for my pony, so I always work hard to keep my eyes up, heels down, and “building blocks” in place!
- I can pick up the reins and hold them correctly, at a suitable length.
- I can perform basic stretches and warm-up exercises at the walk, on the deadline.
- I can go Around the World.
- I can demonstrate how I use my aids (my seat, legs, hands and voice) to ask my pony to walk, halt, and turn.
- I can walk once all the way around the arena without a leadline.
- I can ride in a balanced two-point position at the halt and the walk.
- I can walk my pony over ground poles, showing a good jumping position, keeping my eyes up and riding straight over the middle of each pole.
- I can ride the trot on the leadline. I can ride both a sitting trot and a posting trot, holding on to the saddle if necessary. I can keep up a steady rhythm at the posting trot, so it is comfortable for both me and my pony.
Pricing
Pony Garten is a monthly subscription with 4 classes per month occurring weekly at the same time. No classes will be held during the weeks of fall and spring break, those classes will be made up in the months that have 5 weeks. Pony Garten costs $150 per month.
Availability Updated 11/13/2024
| Day of the Week | Time | Price | Spots Available |
| Sundays | 1 PM | BOOK NOW | |
| Sundays | 2 PM | BOOK NOW | |
| Sundays | 3 PM | FULL | |
| Sundays | 4 PM | BOOK NOW |
PLEASE TEXT KAYLA AT 321 537 1455 TO CONFIRM YOUR SIGN UP AND AVAILABILITY BEFORE PURCHASE
Once payment is received there are no refunds. A 3.25% fee is applied to all credit card or PayPal payments.
Equipment and Attire
Riders are REQUIRED to provide their own ASTM-SEI Certified/Approved helmet and paddock boots. Helmets are available for Pony Garteners to borrow in their first class.
Please note that appropriate footwear is required in the barn and on the farm property for riders and non-riders (parents, caregivers, siblings, friends, etc.). This includes riding boots (paddock boots) and closed-toed shoes. No flip-flops or open-toed shoes are allowed, for safety reasons.
- Ideal riding gear includes:
- An ASTM-SEI Certified/Approved riding helmet (no bike helmets) is required, helmets are provided for Pony Garten but it is always preferable to have your own.
- Breeches or Jodhpurs pants (long pants are fine for Pony Garten)
- A T-shirt or polo with sleeves (Rash guards are ideal for summer)
- Paddock Boots or Tall Boots (Absolutely NO SNEAKERS)
- Gloves (Optional)
Additionally, dress for the outside elements and temperature. All riding takes place outside. In the event of inclement weather, an unmounted horsemanship lesson will be provided in the barn. Also, wear sunscreen and bring water during the warmer months
Alternatively, jeans can be substituted for breeches, and a boot with a small heel can be worn in place of proper riding boots. Please, no sneakers for riding
Helmets are provided for the first class of Pony Garten.
Cancellation Policy
There are no refunds for cancellations. If a student misses a class they will miss the activity that week. If the weather is wet the riding portion of the class may be canceled, we will continue with all other activities. Please dress appropriately for the weather, we recommend a muddy buddy suit, umbrella, and rain boots. Please read the full policy here.
