Our Pathway Programmes

Ages 3–10

Spark curiosity, confidence, and creativity with our Pony Playgroup, a joyful blend of hands-on learning, imaginative play, and unforgettable pony encounters.

Designed specially for young children, this programme introduces the magical world of horses through interactive, age-appropriate activities that support physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. With guidance from our caring instructors and the help of our gentle ponies, children learn to communicate, collaborate, problem-solve, and care for animals with empathy and responsibility.

Across the months, children will:

Build foundational horse and pony knowledge

Learn the theory of safe, confident pony handling (unmounted)

Strengthen creativity, teamwork, and communication skills

Develop emotional awareness, empathy, and confidence

Form meaningful, positive connections with our ponies

The programme includes 4 progressive Grades, each with 3 Levels, offering a structured yet engaging learning journey. Every month features a new pony-themed topic, keeping sessions fresh, exciting, and rich in discovery.

Children progress from:

Grade 1 – Little Hoofprints

Grade 2 – Pony Pals

Grade 3 – Equine Explorers

Grade 4 – Stable Superstars

To celebrate each month’s learning, children also enjoy a special pony ride experience where they practise basic riding skills in a fun, supported environment.

Children who complete all four Grades may be considered* for our “Let’s Ride” Beginner Course.

*Eligibility depends on age, height, weight, and pony/instructor availability. If a child is not yet eligible, they will continue in the Pony Playgroup pathway. Instructors may adjust groups to ensure balanced progress.

For children currently in Pony Playgroup

PPG Ride offers young riders a gentle and confidence-building introduction to riding, designed to complement their ongoing Pony Playgroup sessions.

These sessions focus on helping children:

Feel comfortable and confident in the saddle

Develop balance, posture, and coordination

Practise simple rein handling

Build trust and familiarity with our ponies

Unlike Pony Playgroup, PPG Ride does not follow a fixed curriculum. Instead, each lesson is thoughtfully tailored to the individual child’s readiness and comfort level, ensuring positive experiences without pressure or rushed progression.

Activities may include light trotting, simple exercises, and movement games that nurture rhythm, relaxation, and body awareness. No fast-paced work is introduced at this stage.

PPG Ride is designed to enhance, not replace, a child’s Pony Playgroup journey. Over time, this combined exposure strengthens the foundation needed for future advancement into the “Let’s Ride” Beginner Course, once the child meets the necessary age, height, and skill criteria.

Sessions may be booked bi-weekly or monthly, supporting consistent growth and enjoyable learning.  

Email us for pricing and details!

Our Let’s Ride programmes provide a progressive pathway for new and returning riders to learn safely, confidently, and at the right pace. 

Whether you’re taking your very first lesson or revisiting riding after a break, our structured system ensures every rider is supported at each stage of their journey.

A structured, confidence-building introduction to riding

Whether you’re a child or an adult beginning your equestrian journey, our Let’s Ride Beginner Course guides you from basic horse handling into safe, confident, and independent riding skills.

Across seven progressive lessons, riders learn essential stable management, foundational riding techniques, and safe horse handling. The course builds confidence, coordination, balance, and responsibility through a blend of hands-on learning and fun mounted sessions.

By the end of the course, riders will be able to:

 • Prepare their own horse for riding

 • Demonstrate correct riding position

 • Steer, start, and stop independently

 • Perform basic figures

 • Begin rising trot

Course Breakdown

Lesson One – Stable Management

 • Reading the schedule (timings & horse assigned)

 • Yard and horse safety

 • Basic horse behaviour (ears, body language, fight/flight)

 • Approaching a horse safely

 • Putting on a headcollar & tying a quick-release knot

 • Leading a horse correctly.

Lesson Two – Stable Management

 • How to cross-tie

 • Introduction to tack (saddle, bridle, pads)

 • Saddling (demo + practice)

 • Bridling (demo + practice when time permits)

Lesson Three – Stable Management + Mounted

 • Pre-ride gear & safety check

 • Adjusting stirrups

 • Tightening the girth

 • Mounting & dismounting

Lesson Four – Mounted Lesson

 • Correct riding position

 • Holding the reins

 • Walk: go, stop, steering

 • Arena directional terms

Lesson Five – Mounted + Stable Management

 • Tack up your own horse

 • Recap Lesson Four skills

 • Balance exercises at the walk

Lesson Six – Mounted Lesson

 • Changes of direction (centreline, diagonal, etc.)

 • Walk transitions (up/down)

 • Introduction to trot on the lead

Lesson Seven – Mounted Lesson

 • Recap of all skills learned

 • Introduction to rising trot

Lunging Course (Group)

Strengthen Your Foundation. Build Your Confidence.

The Lunging Package is the natural next step after completing the Beginner Course. These lessons help riders refine balance, posture, and coordination while the instructor controls the horse on a lunge line, allowing riders to focus purely on their body and rhythm.

What to Expect

Riders will work on:

 • Developing a deeper, more secure seat

 • Improving posture and core strength

 • Building rhythm and coordination

 • Gaining confidence before independent riding

This focused training accelerates progress and prepares riders for independent riding or their chosen discipline.

Package Structure

• Semi-private class (2 riders)

• $450 per rider for 4 lessons (GST included)

• 45-minute sessions

• Shared horse—riders take turns, allowing both hands-on practice and off-horse observation 

Independent Riding Lessons - Developing Skill, Confidence, and Independence

After completing the Lunging Package, riders transition into Independent Riding Lessons, where they begin steering, controlling the horse, and refining their technique without being on the lunge.

A Curriculum Tailored to Each Rider

There is no fixed curriculum. Every rider has unique strengths, challenges, and goals, so lessons are personalised to ensure safe, steady, and progressive development.

Skills Riders May Learn

• Walk–trot transitions

• Steering, turning, and arena figures

• Balance, rhythm, and coordination

• Rein contact and communication

• Riding patterns and simple exercises

• Introduction to canter when ready

Independent lessons form the bridge between essential foundations and intermediate or discipline-specific riding, such as jumping or dressage.

Best For

• Riders who have completed the Beginner and Lunging courses

• Riders ready to ride independently under instructor guidance

Experienced Progression Pathway

Assessment → Lunging Package / Independent Riding Lessons → Intermediate or Discipline-Specific Riding

Assessment 

Finding the Right Starting Point

For riders with previous experience, we conduct a Rider Assessment to determine the most appropriate entry point within our programme structure.

To support this process, riders must submit short videos of recent riding or horse-handling. These help instructors gauge your comfort level and current ability before placement.

During the assessment, instructors look at:

• Balance and posture in the saddle

• Confidence around the horse

• Basic control (walk/trot, steering, transitions)

• Previous handling or riding experience

 • Areas of strength and improvement

 • Readiness for progression

Based on this review, riders will be placed into the Beginner Course, Lunging Package, or Independent Riding Lessons, ensuring a safe, suitable, and enjoyable start to their riding journey.

For more information on pricing and availbility, email us your interest today!