We are seriously lacking in children's activities in Gaston, Cleveland, Lincoln, and surrounding counties- you asked and we made it happen! Introducing our Tiny Tots program geared towards children ages 3 to 6. This program aims to provide a positive and hands on introduction to ponies and smaller horses in a fun, low pressure, and age appropriate environment.
Halcyon Pastures has children sized Western and English saddles available to use for the program. All equines are carefully selected for their calm and quiet dispositions in order to build a love of the animal in their early years that will last a lifetime. As Tiny Tots age and develop into committed equestrians, they are invited to join our Lesson Program.
Halcyon Pastures has children sized Western and English saddles available to use for the program. All equines are carefully selected for their calm and quiet dispositions in order to build a love of the animal in their early years that will last a lifetime. As Tiny Tots age and develop into committed equestrians, they are invited to join our Lesson Program.
We offer the following Punch Card Options
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What to Wear
- All riders must wear long pants and closed toed shoes.
- Please dress Tots according to the weather, in colder months students may wear gloves.
- Please dress them in zip-off layers, so they may be easily removed if the student becomes too warm.
- ASTM/SEI riding specific helmets that will be provided and fitted (disinfected after each use) must be worn for the full 30 minute session.
Example Session Outline
Minute 1-10
Students will be fitted for helmet and introduced to the pony waiting on crossties in the barn. They will be taught how to safely pet a pony and use a brush to engage in basic grooming. We will tack up the pony up together to prepare for riding.
Minute 10-20
They will have a 10 minute pony ride at the walk in our enclosed indoor arena. If they are intimidated by riding, we can spend time interacting with the pony on the ground by working on skills such as learning how to lead the pony.
Minute 20-30
We will untack the pony on crossties and once again engage in basic grooming. Student will then learn basic skills such as naming parts of the horse or how to feed the pony a treat out of a bucket. Most of our ponies even know tricks such as 'shake', 'bow', and nodding 'yes'!
Minute 1-10
Students will be fitted for helmet and introduced to the pony waiting on crossties in the barn. They will be taught how to safely pet a pony and use a brush to engage in basic grooming. We will tack up the pony up together to prepare for riding.
Minute 10-20
They will have a 10 minute pony ride at the walk in our enclosed indoor arena. If they are intimidated by riding, we can spend time interacting with the pony on the ground by working on skills such as learning how to lead the pony.
Minute 20-30
We will untack the pony on crossties and once again engage in basic grooming. Student will then learn basic skills such as naming parts of the horse or how to feed the pony a treat out of a bucket. Most of our ponies even know tricks such as 'shake', 'bow', and nodding 'yes'!
Tiny Tot Learning Goals
- How to safely spend time around ponies
- Learn basic grooming skills
- Mount and dismount a pony with assistance
- Intro to riding, basics of reins and stirrups
- Gain confidence in themselves through a new experience
- Build a love of the animal
- Feed treats using a bucket
- Learn simple parts of the horse such as eyes, ears, mane, tail, hooves, etc.
- Become familiar with tack used to ride
Scheduling
We have availability for 30 minute Tiny Tot sessions on the same days and times weekly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12 pm to 2 pm. In order to secure your session, please reach out via phone or text at (704) 830-6847 or by email to halcyonpastures@gmail.com at least three (3) days in advance of your desired session date.
We have availability for 30 minute Tiny Tot sessions on the same days and times weekly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12 pm to 2 pm. In order to secure your session, please reach out via phone or text at (704) 830-6847 or by email to halcyonpastures@gmail.com at least three (3) days in advance of your desired session date.
Monday
Session 1 @ 12 pm- Session 2 @ 1 pm- Session 3 @ 2 pm- |
Wednesday
Session 1 @ 12 pm- Session 2 @ 1 pm- Session 3 @ 2 pm- |
Friday
Session 1 @ 12 pm- Session 2 @ 1 pm- Session 3 @ 2 pm- |
Cancelation Policy
If 24 hours' or more notice is given for a cancelation, we are happy to reschedule the session. If less than 24 hours' notice is given, due to the shorter duration of the session, the session is forfeited. Sessions run rain or shine in our indoor arena. Once a punch card is sold it is nonrefundable and nontransferable. However, if for any reason we need to cancel your session such as inclement weather, we will refund that one session. If you are having issues with scheduling availability, please contact us for options.
If 24 hours' or more notice is given for a cancelation, we are happy to reschedule the session. If less than 24 hours' notice is given, due to the shorter duration of the session, the session is forfeited. Sessions run rain or shine in our indoor arena. Once a punch card is sold it is nonrefundable and nontransferable. However, if for any reason we need to cancel your session such as inclement weather, we will refund that one session. If you are having issues with scheduling availability, please contact us for options.