A Pony Morning or Day at Checkendon Equestrian Centre is the perfect way for beginners and more experienced child riders alike to learn how to ride and care for ponies, safely and in a friendly, professionally run yard.
What is a Pony Morning?
On a Pony Morning, children learn to ride, groom, feed, handle and care for ponies. A typical morning involves an hour of riding and two hours of stable management. This might include helping staff to make up feeds, stuff haynets, learning how to groom, muck out and just about everything else that it takes to look after a pony.
Pony Mornings are suitable for all children from 4 years old. It helps if they are already pony-mad, but not essential. They will be by the time they leave us!
A Pony Morning is a great school holiday and weekend activity. Whether you book as a treat or as a regular event, your child will have a wonderful time in a fun, learning outdoor environment.
What makes a Pony Morning at CEC special?
Of course, it has to be the ponies! We have a small herd of delightful ponies, all with very individual personalities. On a Pony Morning, your child is able to spend time with our ponies and really get to know them in a way that isn’t possible in regular lessons. A big part of horsemanship is on the ground, knowing how to handle the ponies and gain their trust. It’s not all about being in the saddle!
By the end of a Pony Morning, children have increased confidence around ponies and leave us buzzing with enthusiasm, ready for a very hearty lunch!
Our team bring something very special to Pony Mornings. They make it a fun learning experience. Staff are professionally trained and working through their British Horse Society examinations. While your child will thoroughly enjoy themselves, you can be assured that they are also being taught correctly.
Checkendon Equestrian Centre is nestled in 70 acres of rural South Oxfordshire woodland and parkland just 7 miles from Reading and Henley-on-Thames. It’s beautiful throughout the year and especially colourful in the Spring and Summer when the flowers come into bloom. We have excellent facilities: two indoor schools, three outdoor schools and private off-road hacking. Experienced children can also learn to jump both in the school and on our cross-country course.
The Pony Club at Checkendon
Checkendon Equestrian Centre is a Pony Club linked centre. Pony-mad children can work towards and achieve badges when they attend Pony Mornings. Think of it as Brownies or Cubs on horseback!
Pony Morning Safety
Safety is our key concern. Ponies are unpredictable, even the quietest pony can be startled and cause an accident. That’s why children are fully supervised at all times and we structure activities to minimise risks. Senior staff are trained in first aid, we are DBS checked, fully insured and approved by The British Horse Society. We strongly believe that safety around ponies is paramount and we do not cut corners.
How to Book a Pony Morning
Pony Mornings run at weekends and every day through the school holidays (except Mondays). Book by phone on 01491 680225 or by email to linda@checkendonequestrian.co.uk. Find times and costs here
