Information for Parents - How you can help
Many of our riders may have never seen a horse or pony up close let alone touched or sat on one! If your child is going to come along to our sessions with their school it would help to familiarise them with horses. You could show them pictures, videos, DVDs etc of people riding or take them to see a live riding event or establishments like World Horse Welfare or Redwings Horse Sanctuary open days.
Children need to be dressed in comfortable loose fitting trousers or stretch leggings with trainers, shoes or boots. It is not necessary to have proper riding boots as we have special stirrup attachments to make things safe. Although our sessions take place in an indoor riding school it can be very cold in winter. A warm jacket (not long coat) is necessary in colder weather. Gloves can also be appreciated but we do have some your child can borrow. Some schools use our heated Porta cabin whilst the children are waiting for their turn to ride. Long hair is best tied back but not with high ponytails or clips and combs that would be uncomfortable under a riding hat. Riding hats have to fit snugly and be secured by a strap for safety. To familiarise your child with this it would be useful for them to practise wearing a similar type hat i.e. a cycle helmet.
Each child will ride for 15 to 20 minutes and we include lots of activities to challenge them within this time. Our Coaches plan the sessions to include physical and mental tasks appropriate to their ability. We have an award certificate scheme to celebrate their achievements and record their progress. Riders are assisted by someone leading the pony and one or two side helpers as required. Some riders eventually ride independently and learn how to do ‘rising trot’. Our aim is for all our riders to enjoy their sessions and benefit from them.
The physical challenge and mental stimulus derived from riding brings the rewards of
- Improved co-ordination, balance and muscle tone
- A feeling of independence
- Improved physical and social skills
- A sense of achievement leading to greater self-confidence and happiness
- Enjoyment – riding is great fun!