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, 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 grow and develop into committed equestrians, they are invited to join our weekly 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 grow and develop into committed equestrians, they are invited to join our weekly Lesson Program.
What to Wear
- All students must wear long pants, closed toed shoes (no Crocs please), and tops that cover their shoulders.
- Please dress Tots according to the weather. In colder months, students may wear gloves. Dressing them in zip-off layers is best so layers may be easily put on or removed so the student stays comfortable.
- We will be providing and fitting ASTM/SEI equestrian specific helmets (disinfected after each use) to your Tot that 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 pony 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 pony 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
Beginning in January 2024, Tiny Tots will run in 8 week semesters on Monday evenings with (3) session times available from 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30 pm. The Tot's 30 minute session time will remain on the same day and time for the entire 8 week semester. Tentatively, the 2024 Tiny Tot semester dates are as follows:
• Winter- January 8th to February 26th
• Spring- March 18th to May 6th
• Summer- May 27th to July 8th
• Fall I- July 29th to September 16th
• Fall II- September 30th to November 18th
Semester space is limited, session times are scheduled based on the first registered, get first pick with each 8 week semester AT CAPACITY with (3) students.
Beginning in January 2024, Tiny Tots will run in 8 week semesters on Monday evenings with (3) session times available from 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30 pm. The Tot's 30 minute session time will remain on the same day and time for the entire 8 week semester. Tentatively, the 2024 Tiny Tot semester dates are as follows:
• Winter- January 8th to February 26th
• Spring- March 18th to May 6th
• Summer- May 27th to July 8th
• Fall I- July 29th to September 16th
• Fall II- September 30th to November 18th
Semester space is limited, session times are scheduled based on the first registered, get first pick with each 8 week semester AT CAPACITY with (3) students.
Pricing
Tiny Tot Trial Session- $35 on the second and last Wednesday monthly with session times at 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30.
If your Tot's one time per student trial session was successful, you are able to immediately register them for the next 8 week semester.
Tiny Tot 8 week Semester- $375 for 8 sessions on Mondays from 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30 pm
Tiny Tot Trial Session- $35 on the second and last Wednesday monthly with session times at 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30.
If your Tot's one time per student trial session was successful, you are able to immediately register them for the next 8 week semester.
Tiny Tot 8 week Semester- $375 for 8 sessions on Mondays from 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30 pm
The First Session
Please arrive a few minutes prior to your Tot's session time and park anywhere near the green and white barn. Upon arrival, the parent/guardian must fill out a waiver and agreement for their Tot while they are being fitted for a helmet.
The first few (or even three plus!) sessions can be overwhelming for Tots. Even a pony looks large when you're a Tiny Tot. It's kind of comparable to an adult meeting a Tyrannosaurus rex! If a Tot is unsure, we are happy to break sessions down into smaller steps which allows them to learn at their own pace within their comfort zone. That might even look like the Tot successfully petting the pony during their first session and that is 100% acceptable. As they attend more sessions, little by little we begin to build their confidence with equines.
Please visit the following links below for helpful tips on how to introduce your Tot to the equine world prior to their first session.
Please arrive a few minutes prior to your Tot's session time and park anywhere near the green and white barn. Upon arrival, the parent/guardian must fill out a waiver and agreement for their Tot while they are being fitted for a helmet.
The first few (or even three plus!) sessions can be overwhelming for Tots. Even a pony looks large when you're a Tiny Tot. It's kind of comparable to an adult meeting a Tyrannosaurus rex! If a Tot is unsure, we are happy to break sessions down into smaller steps which allows them to learn at their own pace within their comfort zone. That might even look like the Tot successfully petting the pony during their first session and that is 100% acceptable. As they attend more sessions, little by little we begin to build their confidence with equines.
Please visit the following links below for helpful tips on how to introduce your Tot to the equine world prior to their first session.
Tiny Tot Program Policies
All trial sessions and punch cards must be paid in full prior to scheduling your Tot's first session via Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, or billed via email to be paid through your secure banking app.
If 24 hours' or more notice is given for a cancellation, we are happy to reschedule the session. If less than 24 hours' notice of cancellation is given, the session is forfeited. Due to the shorter duration of the sessions, if the student arrives more than ten (10) minutes late, the session is forfeited. However, if for any reason we need to cancel your session such as inclement weather, we will refund that one (1) session.
Our facility includes an indoor arena so sessions run rain or shine. Once a punch card is sold it is non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be used within three (3) months of the purchase date. If you are having issues with scheduling availability, please contact us for options.
All trial sessions and punch cards must be paid in full prior to scheduling your Tot's first session via Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, or billed via email to be paid through your secure banking app.
If 24 hours' or more notice is given for a cancellation, we are happy to reschedule the session. If less than 24 hours' notice of cancellation is given, the session is forfeited. Due to the shorter duration of the sessions, if the student arrives more than ten (10) minutes late, the session is forfeited. However, if for any reason we need to cancel your session such as inclement weather, we will refund that one (1) session.
Our facility includes an indoor arena so sessions run rain or shine. Once a punch card is sold it is non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be used within three (3) months of the purchase date. If you are having issues with scheduling availability, please contact us for options.
How to Get Started
- Please ensure you have fully read this webpage including the Tiny Tot Program Policies above.
- Decide which option suits your Tot. If your Tot tends to be unsure about new experiences, it is recommended that parents/guardian's purchase the Trial session before committing the full 8 week semester.
- All trial and 8 week punch cards must be paid in full prior to scheduling your Tot's first session. Forms of payment accepted include Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, or billed via email to be paid through your secure banking app. Once you decide on a payment option please contact us at (704) 830-6847 (text preferred) or by email at halcyonpastures@gmail.com with the following information.
Your Name: (First and Last)
Your Tot's Name: (First and Last)
Option Selected: (Trial/ (3) Punch/ (6) Punch/ or (8) Punch)
Desired Form of Payment: (Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, or billed via email to be paid through your secure banking app) - Once payment has been processed, you are free to schedule your Tot's session(s) using the calendar above. Please reach out to (704) 830-6847 (text preferred) or by email at halcyonpastures@gmail.com at least two (2) days in advance of your desired date(s) and time(s) slot(s) to secure your Tot's session(s). Once you have scheduled your Tot's date(s) and time(s), you may confirm their session(s) anytime using the calendar above by looking for SCHEDULED (parent/guardian's initials).