*We are the Windermere Equestrian Center located in Michigan, NOT Florida!*
Pony Pals: An introduction to Horses for ages 4 to 8
Children learn both basic horsemanship and riding skills in this child-parent class. Students will learn how to be safe around horses, properly brush a horse, and feed treats. They will also learn to ride while assisted on a lead line. The instructor will teach basic riding position from the center of the arena while a lesson assistant leads the horse or pony, and the family member walks alongside as a spotter, if needed. Students may repeat Pony Pals as many times as required. Our winter classes are held indoors in our heated arenas, which stay about 40 – 45 degrees.
General Pony Pals Rules and Guidelines
- Please bring a filled out liability form with you to the first class. These forms are available on our website under the ‘Paperwork’ tab. We will have blank copies here, but would prefer to have them filled out in advance. If you have two children signed up, you may put both of their names on one form. If you have taken the class already and have a liability form from 2021, 2022, or 2023 on file with us you do not need to fill out a new one (our instructor has a note of who has a current liability form on file).
- Personal dogs are not allowed on the property (even in your car) for liability reasons. Our three barn dogs have free roam of the property and barn; they’re all people-friendly and love pets and kisses!
- Makeup Classes: We do not provide makeup classes/lessons for missed Pony Pal classes. If you know you will be missing a week for any reason, please send us an email or give the office a call to let us know.
- Riders must wear closed-toed shoes with a small heel (rain boots or hiking boots work best), and nothing with a zipper on the inside of the leg for the comfort of our horses. Closed-toed shoes that cover the entire foot are required for anyone who is on the property, parents or guardians included (no Crocs, sandals, etc.).
- Students must wear pants that completely cover their legs, no capris, shorts, skirts, dresses (even with shorts underneath!), etc.
- Parents must stay with their child at all times. This is for their safety and the safety of our horses.
- Please do not pet or feed horses that are not being used in the class or stick your hands into horses’ stalls. Some of them do bite!
- Indoor voices everywhere you go.
- Walking feet only! No running, jumping, skipping, etc.
- You can pet the cats, most are very friendly. If they walk away, please leave them alone! Same goes for the chickens and the pig. Please do not let your child chase any of our other barn animals!
- Please do not wander the property or the rest of the barn before or after class.
- If you would like to bring treats for your child to feed the horses, you may. Treats may only be fed if a leader is with you. Good options for treats are cut up carrots or baby carrots, apples cut into slices, peppermints, candy canes, or sugar cubes.
- Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather. Layers that zip on or off rather than get pulled over the head are best.Please contact our office if you have any additional questions.
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In the event of weather which would make holding class unsafe (severe thunderstorms, heavy snow/ice, etc.) we will contact students and let them know. If we are experiencing normal rain or snowfall we will still hold class (indoors).
