Kids’ Pony School – Horsemanship Lesson Program

Jump to the bottom for Schedule & Sign-Up Link.  

What is Kids’ Pony School? 

This lesson program gives kids ages 6-9 years old a safe introduction to equestrian activities using experimental play, shared activities with other children, and supportive coaching.

This horsemanship program has an ‘achievement award’ program so that kids can work at their own pace, see what they have learned, and what they have to work towards!  Our facility, located in Pittsboro, has a fully enclosed riding arena for lessons year-round.  

Pony School Philosophy – Youth Horsemanship

This program isn’t just a ‘how to’ on riding ponies or controlling them.  Kids should experience how to manage themselves and understand how their behavior and actions affect the ponies.

Ponies are not sporting equipment, and they are not props to be used for our entertainment.  As a species, equines (horses & ponies) have needs and pre-programmed survival instincts that humans don’t take into consideration.  Horses and ponies only have one way to respond to their treatment: body language.   Teaching kids how to truly understand what a pony “is” and how to read their body language is the main goal of these lessons.

Pony School – Lesson Topics for Kids

Students get a binder and regularly get worksheets to add to it, creating a ‘book of knowledge and experience. ‘

Since the focus isn’t only on riding, we set up a curriculum that includes lesson topics on:

• Horse & pony welfare (feeding, health & environmental care)
• Noticing horse & pony body language,
• Equine anatomy, equine identification (horse & pony colors and markings),
• Tack & equipment use and care,
• Developing a problem-solving mindset,
• Journaling & habit trackers are part of their binder exercises.

PONY SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Based on the information presented in lessons and our binder, we’ll offer quarterly “achievement” testing.

When students pass a test, they will receive an achievement card to put into their binder (similar to belt testing in martial arts or badges in scouts).

Kids’ Pony School – Class Structure

Number of Students – The typical class is open to 4. 
When we have special events, they may be open to more than 4 students.  If we don’t have a 2nd instructor available, they may be open to only 2. 

Class length is typically:

• 3 students = 1  hour 15 minutes
• 2 students = 1 hour
• 1 students = 45 minutes

Parents must stay on the property for classes.

Price – $35.00 per student, per class session. 

KIDS PONY SCHOOL – ENROLLMENT,  PRICING

Enrolling – There is a $15 administration sign-up fee for Pony School, which includes the Pony School binder for each child (you do not need a PayPal account, you can use a debit or credit card).

The legal guardian of each student must sign a “release of liability waiver” before students can participate.

Automated Class Sign-Up 

Signing up for each class is automated on our website, with payment processing done through PayPal (you do not need a PayPal account, you can use a debit or credit card).  Classes are pre-paid by signing up on the website.

Booking classes for Pony School is available 14 days into the future for those who want to maintain a schedule.  You can also come as often or as little as you want.  

! ! FAQ  / Student Information / Dress Code & HELMET Page ! !

Current Pony School Schedule
(Updated NOVEMBER 2025) :