Equestria

HomeKids Training Program
For Little Riders Ages 4–16

Where Little Riders
Find Their Wings

Safe, fun, expert-led horse riding for children of all ages. From first pony encounters to confident competition riders — we nurture every child's unique journey with patience, joy, and world-class horsemanship.

Tiny Trots · Ages 4–6
Mini Riders · Ages 7–9
Junior Equestrians · Ages 10–13
Teen Riders · Ages 14–16

More Than Riding Lessons

We build confident, caring, resilient young people — one hoofbeat at a time.

Safety Above All

Certified helmets and body protectors provided. Maximum 4 children per instructor. Every pony safety-assessed weekly by our resident vet.

Confidence Building

Every child progresses at their own pace with gentle encouragement. We celebrate every milestone — no matter how small — with our badge reward system.

Friendships for Life

Small group lessons, team activities, and our summer camp create deep friendships united by a shared love of horses. Many of our riders have been friends since age 5.

Structured Progression

Our structured curriculum takes children from first pony touch through to independent cantering, jumping, and eventually competition readiness — all at their own pace.

Nature & Wellbeing

Time with horses is proven to reduce anxiety and build emotional regulation. Our outdoor environment nurtures mental health alongside physical skills.

Competition Pathway

From local Equestria shows to regional competitions, we prepare children who want to compete with all the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed.

Parent Progress Updates

After every session, parents receive a brief progress note via our app — what was covered, what was great, and what to work on next. You're always in the loop.

Horse Care Education

Every lesson includes hands-on stable management — grooming, feeding, tacking up, and understanding equine body language. Children become true horsemen, not just riders.

Programs for Every Age

Four tailored programs built specifically for each childhood stage — age-appropriate challenges, matching ponies, and the right amount of adventure.

Tiny Trots
Ages 4 – 6
$55 / lesson
Tiny Trots

A magical first introduction to the world of ponies. Led entirely on a lead rope by our gentlest instructors on our smallest, most patient ponies. Every child leaves with a smile and a new best friend.

Meeting ponies safely Basic grooming Led walk rides Balance exercises Pony care basics
Mini Riders
Ages 7 – 9
$65 / lesson
Mini Riders

Trotting, turning, and beginning to feel truly independent in the saddle. Mini Riders build real equestrian skills in a warm, fun group environment with achievable weekly goals.

Independent walk Rising trot Steering & halting Stable management Pony games First badge level
Junior Equestrians
Ages 10 – 13
$75 / lesson
Junior Equestrians

Canter, jumping foundations, and developing a genuine partnership with their horse. Junior Equestrians take on real challenges, earn multiple badge levels, and may enter their first Equestria junior show.

Canter work Jumping up to 60cm Dressage basics Horse first aid Trail riding intro Junior show prep
Teen Riders
Ages 14 – 16
$85 / lesson
Teen Riders

Advanced technical training bridging the gap between junior and adult programs. Teen Riders work toward genuine competition readiness, BHS Young Rider qualifications, and may take on coaching assistant roles.

Advanced canter work Jumping 80–100cm Competition prep BHS Young Rider Coaching assist Advanced theory

  Block booking discounts available: 10% off 8 lessons, 15% off 12 lessons. Sibling discount 10% off second child. All safety equipment included.

Our Badge Achievement System

Every milestone earns a badge. Every badge earns pride. Our six-level achievement system gives children a visual, tangible record of their journey from first pony touch to confident rider.

🌱
First Steps
Level 1
🌟
Rising Star
Level 2
🐴
Pony Pal
Level 3
Canter Club
Level 4
🏇
Jump Champ
Level 5
🏆
How Badges Work

Each badge level corresponds to a set of skills assessed by your child's instructor. When a child demonstrates consistent competency across all skills in a level, they're awarded their badge in a mini ceremony at the end of their next lesson.

Badges come with a physical embroidered patch, a digital achievement certificate, and a note to parents summarising what was achieved. Children who complete Level 6 — Champion — are invited to join our prestigious Young Equestrians Club.

320+
Badges awarded this year
86
Kids in our programs
24
Young Equestrian Club members
100%
Parent satisfaction rate

Equestria Kids Summer Camp

The highlight of every young rider's year — a full week of horses, adventure, new friends, and memories that last a lifetime.

Summer Camp

A Week They'll Never Forget

Week 1: 14–18 July
Week 2: 21–25 July
Week 3: 4–8 August
Daily Riding Sessions
Three riding sessions per day — morning, afternoon, and sunset trail ride on Friday
Your Own Pony for the Week
Each child is paired with a dedicated pony they care for all week — a transformative experience
End-of-Week Mini Show
Friday afternoon: parents invited to watch a mini show — every child gets a rosette
Arts, Crafts & Games
Equine-themed crafts, stable quizzes, treasure hunts, and campfire storytelling evenings
All Meals Included
Breakfast, packed lunch, and hot dinner daily. Dietary requirements fully catered for
2:6 Staff Ratio
Qualified instructors and safeguarding-trained camp staff throughout. DBS-checked all staff
$895
per child · full 5-day residential camp · all meals & equipment included
"A child who grows up with horses learns patience, empathy, responsibility, and joy — gifts that last a lifetime."
— The Equestria Team

Meet Our Kids' Ponies

Every one of our children's ponies is selected for their calm temperament, patient nature, and genuine love of small riders. They're not just ponies — they're partners.

Biscuit
Gentle Giant
Biscuit 🍪
12hh Welsh Section A · 10 years
10yr
Age
12hh
Height
⭐⭐⭐
Kids' fave

Our most beloved pony — Biscuit has been gently introducing tiny riders to horses for seven years. He's impossibly patient, loves cuddles, and will happily stand for hours while children practice their grooming.

Tiny Trots Mini Riders Nervous riders
Clover
Cheeky & Fun
Clover 🍀
13.2hh Connemara · 8 years
8yr
Age
13.2hh
Height
⭐⭐⭐
Kids' fave

Clover brings energy and fun to every lesson. Slightly cheeky but always safe, she teaches children to ride with clear, confident aids. Perfect for Mini Riders ready to develop independence.

Mini Riders Junior Equestrians
Thunder
Bold & Brave
Thunder ⚡
14.2hh Irish Sport Pony · 9 years
9yr
Age
14.2hh
Height
⭐⭐
Kids' fave

Thunder is our most athletic kids' pony — a superb jumper who pops over fences with effortless elegance. Junior Equestrians who reach jumping work adore him. Lots of scope and a kind heart.

Junior Equestrians Teen Riders Jumping
Daisy
Elegant & Willing
Daisy 🌸
14hh Warmblood X · 7 years
7yr
Age
14hh
Height
⭐⭐⭐
Kids' fave

Beautiful Daisy is our star dressage pony. Teen Riders working toward their first dressage test adore her — she's expressive, forward-going, and rewards good riding with effortless, floaty paces.

Teen Riders Junior Equestrians Dressage

Instructors Who Get Kids

Our children's instructors aren't just great riders — they're specialists in child development, communication, and making every lesson the highlight of a young rider's week.

Emma Clarke
Head of Kids Program
Emma Clarke
Senior Kids Instructor & Child Development Specialist
BHS Stage 4 BHSI Teaching DBS Checked Paeds First Aid

"Every child who sits on a pony for the first time is experiencing pure magic. My job is to protect and nurture that feeling."

9yr
Kids coaching
300+
Kids taught
5.0★
Rating
Sophie Reid
Tiny Trots & Mini Riders
Sophie Reid
Early Years Riding Instructor
BHS Stage 3 Early Years Cert DBS Checked

"The look on a 4-year-old's face when they first sit on a pony and we walk away... that's why I do this job."

5yr
Kids coaching
180+
Kids taught
5.0★
Rating
Callum Wright
Junior & Teen Instructor
Callum Wright
Junior Competition Coach
BHS Stage 4 BD Junior List DBS Checked

"Teenagers are my favourite age group — when they get it, they really get it. The progress you can make at 14 is extraordinary."

7yr
Kids coaching
12
Junior champions
4.9★
Rating
Rachel Summers
Camp Director
Rachel Summers
Camp Director & Jumping Specialist
BHS Stage 4 Camp Leadership DBS Checked Safeguarding L3

"Summer camp is where children discover who they really are. There's something about horses and freedom and being away from screens that's genuinely transformative."

11yr
Kids coaching
6
Camps run
5.0★
Rating

Safety Is Our First Language

Every policy, every pony, and every procedure exists first and foremost to keep your child safe. Here's how we make that promise real.

Download Safety Policy
01
PAS 015 Certified Helmets — Every Lesson

Every child wears a correctly fitted, certified riding helmet for every session. We provide helmets at no charge and size-check every child before mounting. No exceptions, no compromises.

02
Maximum 4 Children Per Instructor

We cap all children's group lessons at 4 riders per instructor — well below industry standard. This ensures each child receives constant supervision and personalised attention throughout.

03
Weekly Pony Safety Assessment

Every pony used in children's lessons is assessed by our resident vet and head instructor weekly for health, soundness, and temperament. Any pony showing signs of discomfort or stress is immediately rested.

04
All Staff DBS Checked & First Aid Certified

Every member of our children's team holds an enhanced DBS check, paediatric first aid certification, and safeguarding Level 2 or above. Checks are renewed annually.

05
Parent Sign-In & App Tracking

Children are signed in and out by their named guardian only. Parents can see live session status via our app and receive instant notification if any session is delayed or a concern arises.

What Families Tell Us

"
Tiny Trots · Parent Review

My daughter Lily was absolutely terrified of horses when we arrived for her trial lesson at age 5. Sophie spent twenty minutes on the ground with her before she even went near a pony. By the end of the hour, Lily was asking when she could come back. That patience is everything.

Mum
Claire Henderson
Parent · Lily, age 5
"
Junior Equestrians · Parent Review

Oscar has ADHD and genuinely struggled in group activities before horses. Emma saw something in him immediately and restructured his lessons with shorter tasks and constant positive feedback. He's now won two junior shows, earned Level 4 badge, and his confidence at school has transformed too.

Dad
James Fletcher
Parent · Oscar, age 11
"
Summer Camp · Child Review

Camp was literally the best week of my LIFE. I had my own pony called Clover and I got to groom her every morning. On Friday I jumped a fence in front of my mum and I got a rosette. I cried when I had to go home. I want to do it every summer FOREVER.

Zoe
Zoe, age 9
Summer Camp Attendee

Answers for Parents

More questions? Call or message us — we love to chat with new families before they visit.

What age can children start riding at Equestria?
We welcome children from age 4 into our Tiny Trots program. Younger children (under 4) are welcome to visit the yard for a meet-and-greet with our ponies and may join led walks at our instructor's discretion on a case-by-case basis. There is no upper age limit — children who turn 17 can transition into our adult programs.
Does my child need any previous experience?
Absolutely not — the majority of children who join our programs have never sat on a horse before. All four programs begin with a skills assessment in the first lesson so we can understand exactly where your child is starting from. We never assume prior knowledge, and we always begin with the basics.
What should my child wear to their first lesson?
For a first lesson, comfortable trousers (not jeans if possible — they can rub) and boots or shoes with a small heel. We provide all safety equipment including a correctly fitted helmet and body protector. As children progress, we recommend jodhpurs and proper riding boots, but these are not required to get started.
Can I watch my child's lesson?
Yes — parents are always welcome to watch from our designated viewing gallery. We do ask that parents do not enter the arena during lessons (for safety) and avoid calling out or distracting the ponies. For very young or nervous children, we sometimes recommend parents stay out of sight initially while the child settles — your instructor will advise.
What if my child is anxious or nervous about horses?
This is more common than you might think, and our team is exceptionally skilled at working with nervous children. We always start with ground-based interaction — no pressure to mount until the child is genuinely ready and asks to. We've helped dozens of initially very nervous children become confident, joyful riders. Please just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Can my child ride at Equestria if they have additional needs?
Yes — we are experienced in supporting children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning differences, and physical disabilities. We work closely with parents before a child's first session to understand their needs and adapt our approach. Some additional needs may be better supported through our therapeutic riding program — please contact us to discuss.

Enrol Your Little Rider

Tell us about your child and the program you're interested in — Emma or a member of our kids team will call you within 24 hours to arrange a free trial lesson and yard visit.

Parent / Guardian Details
Child's Details

Our kids team will call you within 24 hours. No commitment required — just a friendly chat.

More from Equestria

Whether you're a child just starting out or a seasoned adult rider, Equestria has a program, a tour, and a horse waiting for you.